South African News
Indigenous grains could be key to climate-smart farming, says expert
Professor David Katerere of Tshwane University of Technology highlights the untapped potential of indigenous crops such as sorghum and millet in combating climate change. These resilient grains improve soil health, absorb carbon, and require less water, making them ideal for climate-smart agriculture. However, they face challenges of low promotion, higher prices compared to maize, and a lack of modern processing infrastructure. Katerere urges policymakers to incentivise their production, such as removing VAT on sorghum products, and calls for renewed attention to superfoods like amaranthus and hemp to strengthen food security and environmental resilience.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: September 3, 2025
South Africa forms task team to combat foot-and-mouth disease
South Africa’s agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen, has announced the creation of a new Industry-Government Task Team to address the country’s escalating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis. The initiative follows July’s FMD Indaba, which highlighted the need for unified national protocols, expanded animal ID systems, faster testing, and renewed vaccine production. Chaired by Dr Emily Mogajane, the task team brings together veterinary officials, researchers, and industry experts. With 274 unresolved outbreaks across several provinces, Steenhuisen urged full cooperation from livestock owners, warning that poor compliance could entrench the disease as endemic.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: September 2, 2025
African News
BII invests $7.5m in Babban Gona to strengthen food security and resilience in Nigeria
British International Investment (BII) has committed $7.5 million to Babban Gona, an agri-tech platform supporting smallholder farmers in northern Nigeria. The investment will expand Babban Gona’s farmer-led franchise model, providing access to finance, quality inputs, training, and markets, while also promoting climate-smart practices such as drought-resistant seeds and crop insurance. By 2029, the initiative aims to boost yields, income, and resilience for around 140,000 farmers, addressing persistent challenges of low productivity, climate risks, and post-harvest losses. The partnership underscores UK-Nigeria cooperation in building sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth.
Read full story: British International Investment
Date published: September 2, 2025
Global News
WHO warns urgent steps needed to shield workers from rising heat
A joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has called for immediate action to protect workers worldwide from escalating heat stress caused by climate change. The report warns that extreme heat is already impacting half the global population, putting outdoor labourers in agriculture, construction, and fishing at heightened risk of heatstroke, kidney failure, and other health problems. Productivity declines by 2–3% for every degree above 20°C, with serious economic consequences. The agencies urge tailored action plans, better hydration measures, and stronger workplace protections to safeguard health and livelihoods.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: September 3, 2025
UK proposes EU reset deal to ease fruit, veg, and flower trade
The UK government has unveiled plans for a new UK–EU “reset deal” aimed at cutting post-Brexit red tape and reducing costs for exporters, particularly in the fresh produce sector. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said the agreement could add more than £5 billion annually to the economy by simplifying trade with Europe while maintaining high food standards. Exporters of perishable goods such as fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers have been hit hardest by paperwork and border delays. Industry bodies remain cautious, stressing that real progress depends on meaningful reforms to border checks and certification requirements.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date published: September 2, 2025
Fiji opens first Agribusiness Incubation Centre with EU and FAO backing
Fiji has launched its first Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Centre, a hub designed to support agricultural entrepreneurs and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Backed by the European Union through the FAO’s STODAS project, the centre will provide business development services, training, mentorship, and access to markets and finance. Officials say the initiative will promote sustainable growth, strengthen food security, and create new opportunities for youth and women. The project aligns with Fiji’s national development plan, positioning agriculture as a driver of innovation, resilience, and export-led growth across the Pacific.
Read full story: FAO https://www.fao.org/asiapacific/news/news-detail/fiji-launches-agribusiness-incubation-center-with-european-union-support/en
Date published: September 2, 2025
Brazil fines JBS and other meatpackers over illegal Amazon cattle
Brazilian authorities have seized around 7,000 illegally raised cattle in the Amazon and issued fines exceeding $118 million to ranchers and slaughterhouses, including JBS NV. The operation, part of Ibama’s “Cold Meat” campaign, targets illegal deforestation and cattle laundering, where cows are moved from embargoed land to legal farms before sale. Nearly a quarter of Brazil’s beef exports to the US originate from high-risk areas linked to deforestation. Environmental groups warn that US imports are inadvertently supporting rainforest destruction. JBS and other meatpackers say they are improving supply chain monitoring and enforcing anti-deforestation measures.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date published: September 2, 2025
