South African News
Summer Crops Outperform Expectations as Winter Grains Remain Stable in South Africa
South Africa’s summer crop production outlook for 2025 has improved, with maize and soya bean yields showing notable increases due to favourable rainfall and strong plantings. The commercial maize crop is now projected at over 15 million tons—17% higher than in 2024—while soya bean output is expected to rise by 47% year-on-year to 2.72 million tons. Winter grains, however, show a marginal decline in total area planted, though wheat and oats still record year-on-year gains. Despite positive production trends, farmers face mounting financial pressures, with rising input costs and stagnant crop prices affecting profitability.
Read full story: Farmer's Weekly
Date Published: July 30, 2025
Northern Cape Farmers Desperate for Feed Amid Prolonged Drought Crisis
Farmers in the Namakwa district of South Africa’s Northern Cape are facing a dire situation as a prolonged drought devastates livestock operations. In Pofadder, many farmers have lost animals or are spending unsustainable sums—up to R15,000 a month—on feed and water just to keep their herds alive. With minimal government support and rainfall far below historical averages, calls are growing for regular feed aid and support to grow fodder like lucerne. The drought, ongoing since 2020, has forced some to scale down or sell livestock, threatening rural livelihoods and food security in the region.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: July 31, 2025
African News
Coastal Biotech Leads Tanzania’s Grassroots Climate Innovation Amid Funding Challenges
Tanzanian start-up Coastal Biotech is transforming traditional seaweed farming in Zanzibar into a climate adaptation strategy, creating bio-stimulants and compostable materials to replace chemical fertilisers and build agricultural resilience. Despite successful field trials and growing demand, the venture faces significant barriers due to limited access to finance. Tanzania, among the most climate-vulnerable and least financially prepared countries, suffers from underdeveloped investment channels, restrictive policies, and weak infrastructure. As adaptation solutions struggle to attract funding compared to mitigation technologies, experts stress the need for blended finance, enabling policies, and support for local innovation to unlock Tanzania’s climate resilience potential.
Read full story: Climate KIC
Date Published: July 31, 2025
Global News
Nearly All Soy Farms Blocked by Brazil’s Amazon Moratorium Cleared Land Illegally, Study Reveals
A new study commissioned by Brazil’s oilseed lobby Abiove reveals that 98% of soy farms blocked under the Amazon Soy Moratorium in Mato Grosso state had illegally cleared land. The moratorium, a voluntary agreement upheld by major global grain traders like ADM, Bunge, and Cargill, bans the purchase of soy grown on land deforested after 2008. Despite farmers’ claims that the ban penalises legal activity, data shows only 50 of 2,168 blocked farms had proper deforestation permits. With legal challenges mounting and fresh legislative efforts to undermine the moratorium, tensions over its commercial and environmental impact continue to escalate.
Read full story: Reuters
Date Published: July 30, 2025
Malaysia to Introduce Affordable New Egg Grade Amid Subsidy Restructure
Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has announced the introduction of a new "Special Grade Egg" to maintain supply security and price stability following the restructuring of egg subsidies. Priced more affordably, these eggs will be available through national initiatives such as Agro Madani Sales and Rahmah Sales. Starting August 1, the government will adopt a more targeted subsidy approach, citing improved market conditions. From February 2022 to December 2024, nearly RM2.5 billion was spent on subsidies. Authorities will also enhance enforcement to prevent profiteering and ensure fair pricing under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Read full story: The Star
Date Published: July 31, 2025
Queensland Farm Aims to Make Camel Products Mainstream Amid Environmental Debate
At Summer Land Camel Farm in Queensland's Scenic Rim, farmer Paul Martin is working to rebrand camels from feral pests to sustainable livestock. Offering camel milk, meat, and skincare products, the farm seeks to change public perception and create a new industry. Camel meat is gaining popularity for being low-fat and omega-3-rich, with demand growing among North African and Arab communities. However, critics argue that commercialising camels undermines pest control. With no established supply chain, challenges remain, but Martin believes camels could offer a sustainable protein alternative and create rural jobs if managed responsibly.
Read full story: ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-31/camel-meat-and-milk-farm-summer-land-livestock-industry/105559222
Date Published: July 31, 2025
Malaysia and Indonesia Unite to Defend Palm Oil and Protect Migrant Workers
Malaysia and Indonesia have pledged to strengthen cooperation in promoting sustainable palm oil and protecting Indonesian migrant workers amid mounting pressure from US tariffs and EU environmental regulations. Following a bilateral meeting in Jakarta, leaders Anwar Ibrahim and Prabowo Subianto agreed to combat negative global campaigns against palm oil and advocate for fair treatment of smallholders. Both countries, which produce 85% of the world’s palm oil, also plan to review worker agreements to improve rights and welfare for the 1.5 million Indonesians employed in Malaysia. The joint effort comes as both economies face weakening demand and downgraded growth forecasts.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: July 29, 2025
