South African News
South Africa strikes agricultural deals with Brazil and Japan at G20
South Africa has signed two new Memoranda of Intent with Brazil and Japan on the sidelines of the G20 Agricultural Working Group in Somerset West (18–19 September), aiming to diversify trade and boost competitiveness. The agreements open pathways for knowledge-sharing, investment and technology transfer, while also creating opportunities for smallholder farmers. Brazil’s expertise in tackling foot-and-mouth disease and Japan’s advanced agricultural technology are seen as major benefits. However, analysts warn that South Africa’s poor infrastructure, trade imbalances and high tariffs could limit progress unless addressed swiftly.
Read full story: Daily Maverick
Date published: September 21, 2025
South Africa’s dairy sector squeezed by farmer decline and market pressures
South Africa’s dairy industry has expanded production by 76% since 2000, despite losing 85% of its milk producers over the same period. Milk SA’s latest annual report highlights both resilience and mounting strain, with infrastructure failures, power cuts, fodder shortages and disease outbreaks eroding progress. Industry leaders argue that innovation and entrepreneurial drive have kept the sector competitive, but warn that government collaboration and support are urgently needed. Transformation efforts continue through projects supporting black-owned enterprises, yet setbacks from foot-and-mouth disease and other crises highlight the sector’s fragility amid broader economic pressures.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: September 22, 2025
African News
Agritech West Africa 2025 opens with call for stronger agri-business partnerships
The fourth edition of Agritech West Africa has opened in Accra, bringing together farmers, investors, technology firms and policymakers to strengthen regional agricultural value chains. Running from 19–21 September, the event is showcasing innovations in precision irrigation, livestock feed, agro-inputs and storage solutions, with more than 100 exhibitors from at least eight countries. Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture urged businesses to seize opportunities under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, highlighting Farmer Service Centres and Agro-Production Enclaves. India also pledged deeper cooperation, with its High Commissioner emphasising the potential for technology transfer and investment.
Read full story: The Herald Ghana
Date published: September 21, 2025
Global News
Netherlands to host world’s first cultivated meat farm
An international consortium is set to establish the world’s first cultivated meat farm in the Netherlands, aiming to help farmers diversify and cut reliance on livestock. The CRAFT Consortium, which includes RespectFarms, Wageningen University & Research, Mosa Meat and Aleph Farms, has secured €2 million in EU-backed funding to launch the model. By integrating cultivated meat into existing operations, farmers could reduce land use by 95% and water consumption by 78%. The project emphasises a “farmer-led and locally embedded” approach, presenting cultivated meat as an opportunity for agriculture rather than a threat.
Read full story: Plant Based News
Date published: September 22, 2025
U.S. commentator offers refuge for B.C. ostriches facing avian flu cull
A right-wing U.S. media personality has pledged to help save around 400 ostriches in Edgewood, British Columbia, from a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) cull order linked to last year’s avian flu outbreak. Chris Sanders, speaking on social media, urged truck drivers to transport the birds to farms in Oklahoma, Texas and South Dakota, suggesting they could aid scientific research on antibodies. The Universal Ostrich Farm has urged supporters to resist the cull, which has already been upheld by Canadian courts. Authorities say the CFIA remains the lead agency, with no confirmed date for the cull.
Read full story: North East Now
Date published: September 21, 2025
Punjab’s farmers devastated by worst floods in 40 years
Farmers in India’s Punjab are facing catastrophic losses as the region endures its worst floods in four decades, submerging more than 450,000 acres of farmland just weeks before harvest. Entire paddy fields lie ruined, threatening India’s $6bn Basmati rice export industry, with Punjab accounting for 40% of production. At least 51 people have died and 400,000 displaced. Farmers now face the immense task of clearing sediment, re-levelling fields and preparing for the wheat season, amid fertiliser shortages and soaring costs. Experts warn of a prolonged economic crisis, with calls for stronger government support as official relief remains minimal.
Read full story: Al Jazeera
Date published: September 22, 2025
Gold Coast hosts Agriculture and Landcare Week to spotlight sustainability
Agriculture and Landcare Week has launched on the Gold Coast, bringing together farmers, graziers, landcare volunteers, First Nations organisations and industry leaders to celebrate environmental stewardship. Coinciding with the National Landcare Conference and the National Farmers’ Federation’s AgXchange Australia, the week highlights the vital role of farmers, who manage over half of Australia’s landmass, in biodiversity protection, emissions reduction and sustainable food production. Events include the Agricultural Sustainability Australia (ASA) Exchange 2025, showcasing the nation’s efforts to strengthen sustainability credentials and global competitiveness through the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework.
Read full story: The National Tribune
Date published: September 22, 2025
