South African News
Farming Confidence Slips as FMD and Trade Concerns Weigh on Sector
South Africa’s agribusiness confidence has fallen for the second consecutive quarter, with the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index dropping two points to 63 in Q3 2025. Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and trade tensions with the United States remain major concerns, while poor municipal service delivery and delays in land reform continue to hinder growth. The report also highlighted a 3% drop in farm employment and weaker export volumes. Nonetheless, optimism persists thanks to favourable rains, strong port performance, and rising turnover confidence. Experts emphasise the need for market diversification and urgent action on biosecurity.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: September 2, 2025
Experts Warn Stray Livestock Pose Greater Threats Beyond Foot-and-Mouth
Stray livestock in South Africa present significant dangers beyond their limited role in spreading foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Experts warn that animals roaming public roads pose serious risks to motorists, attract stock thieves, and contribute to the transmission of other diseases such as brucellosis, trichomoniasis and bovine tuberculosis. Weak law enforcement and the lack of functioning municipal pounds in KwaZulu-Natal have worsened the problem. While illegal long-distance movement of infected animals remains the main driver of FMD outbreaks, veterinarians stress that free-roaming game may also spread infections. Experts urge stronger enforcement, support for farmers, and proactive vaccination measures.
Read full story: African Farming
Date published: September 1, 2025
African News
Scaling African Agriculture Requires Empowering Women Farmers
African governments are increasingly calling for agricultural innovation at scale, moving beyond pilot projects that reach only small groups. With 60% of sub-Saharan Africans working as smallholder farmers — many of them women — experts stress that unlocking women’s potential is key. Women face systemic barriers to land, finance, and technology, leaving their yields up to 30% lower than men’s. Success stories, such as women-led cooperatives in the shea industry, highlight the benefits of collective action and local processing, which can greatly increase incomes. Scaling requires investment in infrastructure, digital finance, and inclusive markets to empower women and transform agriculture sustainably.
Read full story: Mail and Guardian
Date published: September 2, 2025
Global News
Malaysian Seed Bill Sparks Fears for Small Farmers and Community Gardens
A proposed Seed Quality Bill in Malaysia has drawn criticism from small farmers and environmental groups, who warn it could undermine traditional seed-sharing practices. The law would require licences for storing, processing, sharing or selling seeds, alongside costly laboratory tests, which critics say would disproportionately burden community farms and low-income households. Advocates argue the bill favours commercial agribusiness while threatening food security initiatives built on local seed exchange. Farmers and NGOs stress that existing laws already regulate commercial seed use, and urge the government to review the proposal to protect small-scale growers and community-based reforestation efforts.
Read full story: Asia News Network
Date published: September 2, 2025
Canadian Farmers Face Heavy Losses as China’s Tariffs Hit Canola Exports
Canadian farmers are grappling with steep financial losses as China’s tariffs on canola seed, oil and meal drive down cash prices for one of the country’s most valuable crops. Analysts estimate growers have lost over $800 million since Beijing imposed a 100% duty on canola oil and meal earlier this year, followed by a 75.8% tariff on seed in August. The dispute stems from Ottawa’s retaliatory tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. With canola central to farm revenues but costly to produce, experts warn future planting decisions hinge on political negotiations, as China remains Canada’s second-largest canola market after the US.
Read full story: Global News
Date published: September 1, 2025
Brazil Advances Banana Varieties Resistant to Fusarium Wilt R4T
Brazilian researchers have confirmed that two banana cultivars, BRS Princesa and BRS Platina, show strong resistance to Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (R4T), a devastating fungus threatening global banana production. Tested in Colombia, where R4T was first detected in the Americas, fewer than 1% of plants were affected, positioning these varieties as natural barriers against the disease. While R4T has not yet reached Brazil, authorities maintain strict surveillance to protect key banana-growing regions. Ongoing breeding programmes, including Cavendish derivatives, aim to expand resistant options, with new hybrids expected by 2026 through partnerships across Latin America.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date published: September 1, 2025
Ancient Brine Shrimp Discovered in Xinjiang Could Boost China’s Aquaculture
Chinese scientists have identified brine shrimp in highly saline waters near Aral in Xinjiang, raising hopes that the resilient species could support new aquaculture ventures in the desert region. Known as Artemia, these ancient creatures, dating back 400 million years, are widely used as aquaculture feed and have medicinal and cosmetic applications. The find strengthens China’s efforts to reclaim saline-alkaline land and expand food production in Xinjiang, which already farms salmon, lobster, shrimp and tilapia on desert lakes. Laboratory studies will confirm whether the shrimp is a new species and assess its commercial potential in supporting national food security goals.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date published: September 1, 2025
