South African News
Record-Breaking Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa Returns to Johannesburg
The Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa is set to return to Sandton Convention Centre from 18–20 September, marking its largest edition to date with over 2,500 registered trade visitors and 250 participants in the Africa Bio Trade Festival. The event will showcase sustainable brands, township-based entrepreneurs, and international buyers, strengthening Africa’s presence in the global organic market. Highlights include the Women’s Imbizo addressing industry challenges, an Innovation Hub spotlighting township business, and participation from exhibitors across Africa and Europe. Returning brands are expanding their presence, reflecting strong confidence in the sector’s growth.
Read full story: Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa Press Release
Date Published: September 11, 2025
KZN Farmers Struggle as Floods Cause R65 Million in Damages
KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural sector has suffered R65 million in flood and storm damages this year, leaving small-scale and emerging farmers hardest hit. Many have lost entire harvests without insurance or compensation, threatening rural livelihoods and provincial food security. MEC Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa has urged the creation of a disaster relief fund and climate resilience programmes, while opposition parties have proposed a transparent recovery fund to provide swift payouts and long-term adaptation measures. Farmers on the ground, however, say promised government aid has not materialised, forcing some to abandon farming altogether.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: September 13, 2025
African News
Qatar’s Baladna to Build $3.5B Algerian Dairy Complex, Touted as World’s Largest
Qatar’s Baladna food group will invest $3.5 billion in Algeria to establish what it claims will be the world’s largest dairy complex. The 117,000-hectare site in Adrar will house 270,000 cows and supply a plant expected to produce 200,000 tonnes of powdered milk annually by late 2027. The project, led by Germany’s GEA Group AG, aims to create 5,000 jobs and cut Algeria’s reliance on dairy imports, which currently exceed 400,000 tonnes a year. The initiative is part of Baladna’s wider African expansion, following projects in Egypt and Nigeria.
Read full story: EcoFin
Date Published: September 15, 2025
Global News
French Farmers Plan Nationwide Protest Against Trade Deals Threatening Food Sovereignty
France’s main farming union, the FNSEA, has announced a nationwide protest for 25 September to oppose international trade agreements they say jeopardise food sovereignty and undercut local producers. Union president Arnaud Rousseau criticised the EU–Mercosur deal, US tariffs, and a surge of imports that fail to meet French standards. The mobilisation will place further pressure on new prime minister Sébastien Lecornu, already facing union-led strikes the previous week. Farmers are demanding a clear roadmap to secure the future of French agriculture, including investment, innovation, and protections for local production.
Read full story: RFI
Date Published: September 14, 2025
Satellites Empower Indian Farmers with Early Warnings and Smarter Crop Management
India’s farmers are increasingly benefiting from satellite technology that monitors crop health, predicts failures, and guides farming decisions. ISRO satellites capture daily multi-spectral images, enabling early detection of stress, disease, or flood damage before problems appear on the ground. Mobile apps deliver tailored advice on planting, irrigation, and harvest timing, particularly aiding smallholders in remote regions. The integration of satellite data with weather stations and soil sensors allows for precision farming, while insurance firms use space-based verification to speed up claims. This technology is becoming vital for improving yields, strengthening resilience, and supporting long-term food security.
Read full story: WION
Date Published: September 14, 2025
Blockchain Offers New Tools for Australia’s Farmers to Boost Transparency and Resilience
Australia’s agricultural regions may soon benefit from blockchain technology, with applications ranging from transparent supply chains to smarter financial services. Farmers could use secure digital ledgers to prove the quality and origin of crops or livestock, helping capture premium export markets. Blockchain-based payments and smart contracts promise faster, cheaper transactions for equipment, fertiliser, and produce, while local token systems could strengthen rural economies and reward sustainable practices. The technology could also secure land titles and leases, reducing disputes. By turning surplus renewable energy into digital assets, farms may unlock new income streams alongside more resilient operations.
Read full story: Queensland Country Life
Date Published: September 15, 2025
Organic Farming Revives Shanxi Village Through Agriculture and Tourism
Chehe village in Shanxi province, once struggling with barren land and poverty, has been revitalised through organic farming. Under the leadership of village head Wang Chun and with support from China Agricultural University, the community became the first pilot site of a major organic agriculture project in 2013. The initiative, part of the Lingqiu County Organic Agriculture Park Implementation Plan (2013–2030), has boosted both the environment and the local economy. Today, Chehe integrates farming with tourism, showcasing sustainable practices while providing new livelihoods, making it a model for rural revitalisation across the region.
Read full story: China Daily
Date Published: September 15, 2025
