South African News
Saai Index Shows Farm-Level Inflation Averaging 9% in South Africa
The Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) has revealed that South African farmers have faced an average farm-level inflation rate of 9% over the past five years, according to its newly launched Farmer Input Cost Index (FICI). Fertiliser and electricity costs were the main drivers, rising by more than 20% and nearly 13% annually, respectively. Saai’s CEO, Francois Rossouw, stressed the need for independent measures to reflect farmers’ realities, warning that official statistics often underestimate inflationary pressures. While agribusiness confidence remains cautiously optimistic, challenges such as service delivery failures, trade frictions, and livestock disease continue to weigh on the sector.
Read full story: IOL
Date Published: September 29, 2025
Farmers Urged to Stay Alert Following Anthrax Outbreak in Kruger
SANParks has confirmed localised anthrax outbreaks in the northern Kruger National Park, primarily affecting buffalo and kudu. While the risk to tourists is minimal, livestock and game farmers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga are advised to remain vigilant, as spores of the Bacillus anthracis bacterium can spread via scavengers, wind, and water. The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation stresses that vaccination of livestock is legally required, and carcasses suspected of anthrax should never be cut open but safely buried or burnt. Experts warn that while anthrax is part of the park’s natural cycle, unprepared farmers could face devastating losses.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: September 29, 2025
African News
Zimbabwe Eyes Blueberries as New Export Boom After China Trade Deal
Zimbabwe, long known as Africa’s largest tobacco producer, is now turning its sights to blueberries, buoyed by a landmark trade agreement with China. The deal grants Zimbabwe tariff-free access to the world’s biggest blueberry importer, creating what officials call an “unprecedented opportunity” for local farmers. While tobacco exports reached $1.3bn last year, blueberries brought in just $30m, though production is expected to rise by 50% this year to 12,000 tonnes. Farmers believe Zimbabwe’s early-season harvest could give it an edge over global rivals like Peru, while the industry already provides jobs for around 6,000 workers, mostly women.
Read full story: BBC
Date Published: September 28, 2025
Global News
China Halts U.S. Soybean Purchases, Hitting Trump’s Farm Base Ahead of Midterms
China has suspended all U.S. soybean imports since May, redirecting purchases to Brazil and Argentina as trade tensions escalate ahead of the 2026 midterms. Once the largest market for U.S. soybeans, China’s retreat threatens farmers in key Republican states such as Iowa and Illinois, where anger is mounting over President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Agricultural exports to China have already fallen 53% this year, with soybeans hardest hit. Beijing’s move is seen as both economic retaliation and political pressure on Trump. Farmers face mounting financial strain, with promised bailouts unlikely to arrive before early 2026.
Read full story: Politico
Date Published: September 28, 2025
India and Argentina Deepen Agricultural Ties with Focus on Vegetable Oil Trade
India and Argentina are strengthening agricultural cooperation, with vegetable oils at the centre of their growing trade relationship. At Globoil 2025 in Mumbai, Argentina reaffirmed its position as India’s largest soybean oil supplier and third-largest sunflower oil supplier, exporting 2.1 million tonnes of soybean oil and 0.42 million tonnes of sunflower oil between January and July 2025 — the highest in over a decade. Both nations highlighted their complementary roles in global food security and sustainable development. Officials emphasised Argentina’s reliability as a supplier, while committing to long-term collaboration alongside India’s self-reliance initiatives.
Read full story: Krishi Jagran
Date Published: September 29, 2025
Philippine Coconut Farmers Struggle with Ageing Trees, Low Prices and Climate Risks
The Philippines, the world’s second-largest coconut producer, is facing mounting challenges in sustaining its coconut industry, a key export sector worth around US$2 billion annually. At the World Coconut Congress in Manila, farmers and industry leaders highlighted ageing trees, volatile prices, climate change and competition from palm oil as persistent threats. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s plan to plant 100 million new coconut trees by 2028 is lagging, with just 10 million planted so far due to funding shortfalls. Farmers argue that state support is vital for replanting and price stabilisation, while industry leaders stress investment in processing and domestic demand
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Read full story: CAN
Date Published: September 29, 2025
Can Palm Oil Become Part of the Global Biodiversity Solution?
Indonesia and Malaysia, which supply over 80% of the world’s palm oil, are under pressure to prove that the industry can reconcile profit with sustainability. While palm oil exports surged in 2025, its reputation as a driver of deforestation, peatland loss and threats to species such as orangutans and pygmy elephants persists. Experts argue that smarter land planning, restoration projects, wildlife corridors, and linking conservation to carbon markets could transform palm oil into a force for biodiversity. Including smallholders, ensuring transparency, and reforming subsidies are key to a just transition. Success would align palm oil with global biodiversity goals.
Read full story: The Interpreter
Date Published: September 29, 2025
