South African News
Learners with special needs gain life skills through EduPlant school gardens
The EduPlant School Gardening and Nutrition Programme, supported by Tiger Brands and run by Food & Trees for Africa, is transforming learning and food security at the Philip Kushlick School in Soweto. The initiative equips learners with special needs with practical gardening skills that enhance dexterity, coordination, and environmental awareness, while also boosting nutrition through access to fresh produce. Since 2019, EduPlant has helped establish over 1,200 school gardens across South Africa. Surplus harvests are shared with communities or sold, reinforcing resilience, food sovereignty, and potential pathways into agriculture-related careers.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: September 24, 2025
North West Agricultural Show strengthens farming sector and local economy
The North West Agricultural Show 2025 returned to Vryburg with strong backing from local municipalities and the provincial agriculture department, drawing farmers, agri-business leaders, and enthusiasts from across the region. The event showcased innovations in farming technology, hosted master classes on livestock genomics, farm management, and value chain opportunities, and created a vital platform for smallholders to display produce and connect with markets. With a focus on youth and first-time farmers, the show reinforced agriculture’s role in driving local development, economic growth, and poverty reduction, while promising an even bigger 2026 edition with awards for excellence.
Read full story:Food For Mzansi
Date published: September 25, 2025
African News
Agroecology Indaba ushers in new era for African food systems
The inaugural Regional Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology Indaba opened in Eswatini on 23 September 2025, bringing together governments, civil society, farmers, and international delegates to drive food system transformation. Centred on the theme “Agroecology for food system resilience and climate justice”, the event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the PELUM Association, now representing over 358 organisations across Africa. Discussions focus on farmer-led seed systems, soil health, and nutrient recycling, positioning agroecology as both sustainable and profitable. With a strong emphasis on youth, women, and indigenous knowledge, the Indaba highlights agroecology’s potential to secure food sovereignty, foster resilience, and open new market opportunities.
Read full story:Inside Biz
Date published: September 24, 2025
Global News
Frozen food sector offers new lifeline for Indian farmers
India’s farming sector is turning to frozen produce as a solution to chronic food waste, price volatility, and lack of storage infrastructure. Nearly a third of farm output is lost annually, but cold-chain technology and frozen processing are helping extend shelf life while retaining nutritional value. Urban demand for convenience and year-round availability, accelerated by the pandemic, has boosted sales of frozen vegetables. For farmers, this shift promises more stable incomes through contracts and reduced seasonal losses. Experts predict double-digit industry growth if investment in rural cold storage and processing facilities expands.
Read full story:Economic Times
Date published: September 24, 2025
China accelerates Argentine soybean purchases amid U.S. trade tensions
Chinese importers have snapped up around 20 cargoes—equivalent to 1.3 million tonnes—of Argentine soybeans after Buenos Aires temporarily scrapped export taxes, making its supplies more competitive. The move comes as China avoids U.S. soybeans due to ongoing trade tensions and tariffs, eroding America’s market share during its peak export season. Most shipments are scheduled for November, with some tied to Argentina’s next harvest in April. Analysts expect further buying before the policy’s October 31 expiry or $7 billion export cap, reinforcing Argentina’s role in filling China’s supply gap and reducing dependence on U.S. soy.
Read full story:Reuters
Date published: September 24, 2025
E. coli concerns raised at Hermès-owned NT crocodile farm
Monitoring has revealed dangerously high levels of E. coli in wastewater used for irrigation at Lambells Lagoon Crocodile Farm near Darwin, owned by Hermès subsidiary PRI Farming. The farm, designed to hold up to 50,000 crocodiles, recorded bacterial concentrations almost 500 times above national irrigation guidelines between May 2024 and April 2025, with one sample reaching 3.6 million cfu/100mL. Experts warn the contaminated water poses risks to groundwater, cattle feed, and potentially human health. Despite this, the NT Environment Protection Authority has deemed the non-compliance a “low environmental risk” as pollution is not confirmed to extend beyond the property.
Read full story:ABC News
Date published: September 25, 2025
Mexico and Chile deepen agricultural cooperation with new agreements
Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture have signed two key agreements to expand bilateral collaboration: a General Technical-Scientific Cooperation Agreement and a Specific Agreement on plant health. The accords aim to boost agri-food trade, strengthen sanitary safety, and foster joint projects on climate change, water management, family farming, and sustainable production. Officials also pledged to advance electronic certification for plant and livestock products, benefiting regional trade under the Pacific Alliance. Both nations reaffirmed agriculture’s role in regional integration, inclusive development, and climate-resilient food systems.
Read full story:Mexico Business News
Date published: September 24, 2025
