South African News
Diesel price cut offers relief to farmers ahead of planting season
South African farmers are set to benefit from a significant drop in diesel prices, announced by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources on 3 September 2025. Diesel fell by up to 57c per litre, with inland prices now around R19,44 and coastal rates at R18,61. The reduction comes as planting season approaches in October, easing input costs for farmers, with fuel accounting for 11–13% of grain production expenses. As most agricultural produce relies on road transport, the cut is also expected to reduce logistics costs. Global crude oil declines and a stronger rand supported the adjustment.
Read full story:African Farming
Date published: September 5, 2025
Food security depends on farmers’ profitability, says Nedbank
Sustainable agriculture in South Africa hinges on ensuring farmers remain financially viable, argues Nedbank Commercial Banking. Profitability is essential for implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies that balance soil health, water management, renewable energy and governance. Herman de Kock, executive head at Nedbank, stresses that sustainability should be seen as both a moral duty and a commercial opportunity. Access to green finance, tailored credit products and supportive policies is vital to help farmers adapt. With global trade increasingly shaped by ESG compliance, integrating sustainability into agribusiness is crucial for food security and international competitiveness.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: September 4, 2025
African News
Ghanaian onion farmers demand curbs on imports to protect local markets
Onion farmers in Ghana’s Asante Akyem North District are urging the government to restrict foreign imports during the local harvest, warning that cheap supplies from Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Niger are crippling domestic sales. Despite a strong harvest, Ghana still imports around 70% of its onions, costing an estimated $2 million weekly. Farmers argue that protecting local markets would reduce post-harvest losses, create youth employment and strengthen food security. The government is yet to respond, with any decision needing to balance farmer protection, consumer prices and regional trade commitments.
Read full story:News Ghana
Date published: September 4, 2025
Global News
The great Greek farming scandal: EU subsidy fraud shakes political elite
An investigation has exposed a vast agricultural subsidy scandal in Greece, where EU funds meant for farming were diverted through fraudulent claims of non-existent livestock and crops. The OPEKEPE affair, under scrutiny by the European public prosecutor’s office, implicates ministers and MPs from the ruling New Democracy party, with evidence suggesting systematic fraud dating back decades. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who also received subsidies, denies wrongdoing amid mounting pressure. Greece faces fines of at least €415m, to be shouldered by taxpayers. The scandal highlights entrenched corruption, political complicity and the fragility of accountability in Greek governance.
Read full story:The Guardian
Date published: September 5, 2025
Sabah graduates prove farming’s profit potential with incubator success
Thirty-four graduates from the Putatan Integrated Agricultural Training Centre (IATC) earned over RM127,000 through incubator farming projects, demonstrating that agriculture can be profitable even without land ownership. The initiative, highlighted at the centre’s 29th Convocation Ceremony, provided hands-on training in agribusiness using innovative methods such as hydroponics and fertigation. Graduates achieved a combined net profit of RM85,164.40, with vegetable cultivation and aquaculture projects leading earnings. Officials praised the programme for producing competitive agropreneurs, supported by government grants and low-interest loans. Plans under Malaysia’s 13th Plan will expand training with advanced technologies to prepare youth for modern agriculture.
Read full story:Daily Express Malaysia
Date published: September 5, 2025
Groundnut intercropping boosts sugarcane yields and farm resilience in Uttar Pradesh
Farmers in western Uttar Pradesh are adopting additive intercropping of groundnut with sugarcane, an approach promoted by CIMMYT and ICAR–IIFSR to enhance productivity, incomes and sustainability. Trials show groundnut not only enriches soil nitrogen and conserves moisture but also increases sugarcane yields by 10–15% and overall system productivity by up to 35%. Fifty farmers across Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat and Hapur are already piloting the method, reporting reduced costs and additional income. With India heavily reliant on imported oilseeds, integrating groundnut into sugarcane systems supports diversification, soil health and national self-sufficiency goals.
Read full story:CIMMYT
Date published: September 5, 2025
Canadian growers warn against scrapping Temporary Foreign Workers programme
The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) have raised alarm over Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s call to end the Temporary Foreign Workers programme, which he argues should be replaced by a single agriculture-specific scheme to prioritise “Canadian jobs for Canadian workers.” FVGC chair Beth Connery stressed that without access to foreign seasonal workers, growers could not secure the labour needed for planting and harvesting perishable crops. She warned this would drive up food prices, increase waste and boost reliance on imports. While open to improvements, the FVGC insists the long-standing Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program must remain intact.
Read full story:Discover Westman
Date published: September 4, 2025
