South African News
Limpopo MEC Naledi Kekana Champions Women, Climate-Smart Farming and Cross-Border Trade
Limpopo’s agriculture MEC, Naledi Kekana, has outlined a bold vision to transform the province’s farming sector, placing women and youth at the centre of decision-making and ownership. Speaking during Women’s Month, she emphasised climate-smart practices, improved extension services, and strategic use of Limpopo’s borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to boost agricultural trade. The department supports farmers with infrastructure funding, water licensing assistance, and participatory training initiatives. Kekana’s long-term goal is a more inclusive, commercially viable agricultural sector that empowers rural communities and strengthens regional market access.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: August 13, 2025
KragDag 2025 Attracts 32,000 Visitors, Showcases 620 Exhibitors and Inspiring Innovations
KragDag 2025 drew 32,000 visitors over three action-packed days, showcasing 620 exhibitors with innovations in self-reliance, agriculture, and technology. Highlights included inspiring talks at the Kopskuif Studio, lively performances on the Aquafer ATTSA Stage, and family-friendly fun. A portion of ticket sales supported the new Akademia campus in Pretoria East. Sponsors Sakeliga, NEASA, AP Akademie, City Gates, King Price, Aquafer ATTSA, ontbytSAKE, and Pretoria FM helped make the event a success.
Read full story: KragDag
Date Published: August 2025
African News
Lesotho Bans Imports of Eggs, Cabbage and Potatoes to Support Local Farmers
Lesotho has implemented a ban on imports of eggs, cabbage, and potatoes in a bid to strengthen domestic agriculture and improve market access for local farmers. The phased restrictions began in January 2025 for eggs and June 2025 for cabbage and potatoes, following a rise in local production. Authorities will work with border and security agencies to prevent illegal imports, while monitoring prices weekly to avoid exploitation. The policy aims to protect farmers, ensure quality standards, and maintain fair pricing, with ongoing reviews based on production capacity and market conditions.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: August 13, 2025
Global News
Macroalgae Farming Emerges as Key Driver of Sustainable Growth in Latin America
Experts at a regional FAO-led workshop have identified macroalgae farming as a vital opportunity for sustainable economic growth in Latin America’s marine-coastal communities. With production up 66% between 2013 and 2023—dominated by Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela—the sector remains largely small-scale but has significant untapped potential. Priorities include strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding research, and adopting technologies like AI and biotechnology to improve efficiency and sustainability. Participants advocated integrated aquaculture models, community-based approaches, and regional collaboration to boost resilience, market access, and environmental benefits, while ensuring equity and inclusion across the value chain.
Read full story: Mexico Business News
Date Published: August 13, 2025
Canadian Canola Farmers Hit Hard as China Imposes 75.8% Import Duties
Canadian farmers face a severe blow after China imposed preliminary duties of 75.8% on canola seed imports, effectively halting trade with the country’s biggest market. The move, part of an ongoing anti-dumping dispute, prompted grain buyers to withdraw bids, leaving farmers uncertain about selling crops during the crucial pre-harvest period. Canada exported nearly C$5 billion in canola products to China in 2024, most of it seed. Futures prices dropped up to 6.5%, and concerns are mounting over cash flow and debt repayment. A final decision on the tariffs is expected in September, though the timeline may extend.
Read full story: Reuters
Date Published: August 13, 2025
‘Wonky Flowers’ Initiative Aims to Cut Waste and Support New Zealand Growers
New Zealand’s shrinking flower industry is getting a boost from Wonky Box and Burwood’s new service, Wonky Flowers, launched in June to tackle waste and support local growers. With many small-to-medium producers leaving the market and remaining growers facing thin margins, overproduction has become common, leading to unsold blooms and wasted resources. Wonky Flowers offers a guaranteed outlet for surplus and cosmetically imperfect stems, helping growers recover value while giving consumers sustainable, locally sourced options. The subscription service provides up to 17 seasonal stems for $52 plus delivery, aiming to turn overlooked floral waste into appreciated bouquets.
Read full story: Rural News Group
Date Published: August 14, 2025
Majority Support Lynx Reintroduction in Northumberland Amid Farmer Concerns
A public consultation by the Missing Lynx Project found that 72% of respondents in Northumberland, parts of Cumbria, and southern Scotland support reintroducing the Eurasian lynx, extinct in Britain since medieval times. Scientific studies suggest Kielder Forest could sustain a population of 50 lynx from an initial release of 20. While some farmers see potential benefits, such as tourism and ecosystem balance, others fear livestock losses and call for safeguards, including compensation schemes, rapid-response teams, and ongoing monitoring. Project organisers pledge to co-design a management plan with local communities before applying for a licence.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: August 11, 2025
