South African News
Africa Offers Limited Short-Term Growth for South Africa’s Agricultural Exports, Economist Warns
While Africa remains South Africa’s biggest agricultural market, absorbing nearly half of its $13.7 billion exports in 2024—mostly within Southern African Customs Union and SADC countries—further expansion faces hurdles. Chief economist Wandile Sihlobo argues that growth in these regions is limited, and trade with North Africa is hampered by strong EU competition. East and West Africa present potential, but face significant non-tariff barriers, corruption, and poor infrastructure. Major economies Nigeria and Kenya import mainly staple foods from outside Africa, offering little room for high-value South African products. Sihlobo suggests focusing on Asia, the Middle East, and other BRICS nations instead.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: August 11, 2025
Public Support for Plant Breeding in South Africa Rises with Better Understanding of Benefits
A new study by Biosafety South Africa and the South African National Seed Organisation reveals that while two-thirds of South Africans are unfamiliar with plant breeding, support surges from 45% to 74% when benefits such as improved food quality, crop resilience, and environmental gains are explained. Price and quality dominate consumer priorities, with sustainability ranking lowest. Trust is highest in healthcare professionals and scientists, but low in government sources. The findings highlight that acceptance of agricultural innovation hinges on clear, credible communication and visible positive outcomes, rather than the breeding techniques themselves.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: August 11, 2025
African News
Climate-Smart Cotton Farming Doubles Yields and Incomes for Zambian Smallholders
Smallholder cotton farmers in Magoye and Ngwezi, Zambia, have transformed their livelihoods through an EU- and ACP-funded International Trade Centre project promoting climate-smart practices. Since 2021, over 130,000 farmers have been trained in techniques such as Biochar, which improves water retention and carbon storage, and Bokashi, which turns organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Yields have surged from as low as six to up to 30 bales per season, with incomes rising accordingly. Many families are now investing in livestock, education, and long-term resilience, with pilot plots showing full adoption of sustainable methods.
Read full story: Zawya
Date Published: August 10, 2025
Global News
India Achieves Record Agricultural Output Through Technology, Policy, and Farmer-Centric Reforms
India’s agriculture sector has reached a record 353.96 million tonnes of foodgrain in 2024–25, up 40% from 2014–15, alongside significant growth in horticulture, dairy, poultry, and fisheries. Technological advances, targeted policies, and initiatives such as PMKSY, PM-KISAN, and the Blue Revolution have driven diversification, higher farmer incomes, and climate resilience. However, challenges loom, including shrinking farmland, water scarcity, and climate change. The government plans to boost oilseed and pulse production, improve resource efficiency, and expand research funding. With demand for high-value foods set to triple by 2047, sustainable crop planning and technology adoption are seen as crucial for future food security.
Read full story: Garhwal Post
Date Published: August 10, 2025
China Overhauls Pesticide Labelling Rules for Greater Safety and Transparency
China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has announced stricter pesticide labelling and instruction manual requirements, effective 1 January 2026, to improve traceability, brand integrity, and safe usage. All new products must display the registration certificate number, manufacturer details, and, for herbicide-tolerant or GM crops, the exact crop variety and transformation event. Adjuvant information must also be included when relevant. Products made before the deadline can be sold until their shelf-life ends. The reforms aim to align China with international best practices, enhance farmer awareness, and bolster the credibility of Chinese pesticide products globally.
Read full story: Global Agriculture
Date Published: August 10, 2025
Korea, Japan and China Strengthen Cooperation on Sustainable Farming and Rural Revitalisation
Agriculture ministers from Korea, Japan and China have agreed to intensify collaboration on sustainable farming and rural revitalisation, addressing shared challenges such as climate change, ageing rural populations and unstable food supply chains. Meeting in Incheon for the first time in seven years, they pledged to expand cooperation from traditional areas like disease prevention to emerging fields such as smart farming, digital technology, and renewable energy in agriculture. The joint statement also reaffirmed commitments to regional food security initiatives, including the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve, and to youth exchanges through the Trilateral Young Rural Leader’s Exchange Program.
Read full story: The Korea Times
Date Published: August 11, 2025
B.C. AI Mushroom Harvesting Robots Receive $40M to Tackle Labour Shortages
Salmon Arm-based 4AG Robotics has secured $40 million in venture capital to expand its fleet of AI-powered mushroom harvesting robots from 16 to 100 within a year. Operating globally, these machines use cameras and suction cups to autonomously pick, trim, and pack mushrooms, addressing acute labour shortages in the sector. Mushroom harvesting, often in demanding indoor conditions, makes up half of production costs. While automation may reduce manual labour needs, 4AG is hiring for manufacturing and maintenance roles. Experts say AI in agriculture offers efficiency and sustainability benefits but warn against over-automation without considering farming’s social value.
Read full story: CBC News
Date Published: August 10, 2025
