South African News
South Africa’s Women Farmers Drive Agricultural Change with Innovation and Resilience
Across rural South Africa, women farmers are reshaping agriculture by transforming small plots into thriving, competitive enterprises. One example is Leydah Sekgobela from Limpopo, who runs a 9.2-hectare farm producing marrows, tomatoes, beans and peppers. Through determination, market foresight, and partnerships with SPAR’s Rural Hub, she now supplies 135 tonnes of produce annually and has been recognised as “Most Improved Farmer of the Year” by Kagiso Trust. Her journey from teacher to award-winning farmer highlights both the challenges and opportunities for women in agriculture, underscoring their growing role in food security and local economic development.
Read full story: The Guardian
Date Published: August 26, 2025
Bredasdorp Prepares for Expanded Nampo Cape 2025 Agricultural Expo
Nampo Cape returns to Bredasdorp from 10–13 September 2025, with organisers promising the most dynamic event since its launch in 2018. More than 600 exhibitors will showcase farming innovations, livestock, and grain production, with attendance expected to exceed last year’s 45,000 visitors. Expanded parking, a new entrance, and upgraded livestock facilities will enhance the visitor experience. Highlights include the return of the BKB Merino Classic, the National Merino Fleece Show, SA Boerboel Championships, and the debut of an international tent-pegging contest. The expo aims to strengthen agricultural networking while celebrating the Western Cape’s thriving winter grain sector.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: August 25, 2025
African News
Ghana Secures $100 Million Boost for AI-Driven Agriculture
Ghana is set to receive a $100 million investment from Japanese agri-fintech firm Degas Limited to expand artificial intelligence in farming over the next four years. Announced during TICAD 9 in Yokohama, the initiative will scale up AI-powered satellite monitoring, precision agriculture, and accessible financing for farmers. Building on Ghana’s growing digital agriculture ecosystem, which already includes AI tools for crop disease detection, drone-based cashew farming, and AI-driven weather forecasting, the Degas programme is notable for its scope and funding scale. Currently supporting 86,000 farmers across nearly 50,000 hectares, it aims to boost yields, reduce risks, and strengthen market access.
Read full story: Ecofin Agency
Date Published: August 26, 2025
Global News
Ukrainian Farmers Urge Government to Lift Ban on Fertiliser Imports via Seaports
Ukraine’s largest farming union has appealed to the government to lift a wartime ban on nitrogen fertiliser imports through maritime ports, warning that crop yields could fall by up to 30% next year if shortages persist. The restriction was introduced at the start of Russia’s invasion due to security concerns, as some fertilisers can be explosive. While imports via land and river routes remain possible, the union argues these are insufficient to meet seasonal demand. With Ukraine a key global supplier of wheat, corn, barley, and sunflower oil, farmers stress that urgent action is needed to safeguard food production.
Read full story: Reuters
Date Published: August 25, 2025
EU Approves €626m Danish Forest Planting Scheme to Boost Climate and Biodiversity
Denmark has secured EU approval for a €626 million forest planting programme running until 2030, aimed at converting farmland into new forests. The initiative will cover planting and maintenance costs, as well as compensate landowners for lost income, with additional support for those designating land as untouched forest. Part of Denmark’s strategy to turn 10% of its land into nature and forest by 2045, the scheme is expected to enhance carbon capture, biodiversity, and water protection. Backed under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, the project is one of the bloc’s most ambitious afforestation efforts to date.
Read full story: Innovation News Network
Date Published: August 26, 2025
Canada Urged to Invest in Precision Agriculture to Regain Global Edge
Canada risks losing its agricultural competitiveness unless the federal government makes bold investments in precision farming and digital technologies, argues Kip Eideberg of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Despite vast resources, Canada has slipped from fifth to seventh in global agricultural exports since 2000, while attracting just 3% of agri-tech venture capital compared with 55% in the US. Wider adoption of GPS-guided equipment, sensors and data-driven tools could unlock up to $1.5 billion in annual revenue and boost sustainability. However, uneven uptake, limited rural broadband, and underinvestment threaten progress, making urgent government action essential.
Read full story: Farmtario
Date Published: August 25, 2025
Argentina Confirms New Avian Influenza Outbreak, Poultry Exports Suspended
Argentinian authorities have confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial layer farm in Los Toldos, Buenos Aires. Following laboratory confirmation, SENASA imposed strict control measures including a 3km sanitary zone, culling of affected birds, and disinfection. Although the site is outside a major poultry-producing region, Argentina has temporarily suspended exports to markets requiring HPAI-free certification, affecting key partners such as China, Japan, and the EU. With China accounting for 38% of exports, trade impacts are significant. If no further outbreaks occur within 28 days, Argentina may restore its disease-free status.
Read full story: Ukr Agro Consult
Date Published: August 25, 2025
