South African News
Bumper potato harvest drives down South African prices
South Africa’s potato industry is grappling with oversupply following a bumper harvest, with prices tumbling to between R3,50/kg and R4/kg — nearly R2/kg below production costs and about 50% lower than 2024 levels. Expanded plantings, good rainfall, a mild winter, and improved seed quality have boosted yields well above average. However, overlapping harvests and delayed crops in key regions have intensified market pressure. Analysts warn prices could remain depressed into early 2026, risking farmer exits due to high input costs. Potatoes SA is monitoring volumes and consumer demand while working to improve market transparency.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: September 29, 2025
KZN farmers raise alarm over foot-and-mouth challenges in dairy sector
Farmers and agribusinesses in KwaZulu-Natal have voiced concern over the ongoing burden of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), particularly among dairy producers, during recent engagements with industry stakeholders. While general agricultural conditions remain favourable, discussions highlighted the high costs farmers face due to limited vaccine availability and inadequate local manufacturing capacity. Participants stressed the urgency of expanding biosecurity measures, investing in vaccine production, and easing regulatory hurdles for imports. Strengthening partnerships between government and the private sector was seen as key to safeguarding South Africa’s livestock industry, which contributes around half of the country’s farming output.
Read full story: Agricultural economics today
Date published: September 29, 2025
African News
Côte d’Ivoire to set record cocoa price amid weak supply outlook
Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s top cocoa producer, will raise the 2025/26 farm-gate price to CFA 2,500/kg ($4.46), its highest level on record. The 39% increase from last season’s CFA 1,800/kg aims to boost farmer income and curb smuggling, though risks remain as Ghana pays an even higher $5/kg. Despite the price hike, analysts warn production could fall for a third consecutive year due to adverse weather and swollen shoot virus disease. The new cocoa marketing season begins 1 October, with government officials expected to confirm the announcement.
Read full story: Ecofin Agency
Date published: September 30, 2025
Global News
Scottish farmers warn food security at risk after overseas worker visa cut
Scottish farmers have sounded the alarm over the UK government’s July 2025 decision to remove Skilled Worker code 5111, which blocks the recruitment of skilled overseas farm staff. Producers in dairy, pig, poultry, and horticulture say the change leaves them unable to fill vital roles, with Dumfries & Galloway alone relying on more than 25 Filipino workers. Farmers warn this could trigger food shortages, higher prices, and increased reliance on imports. Industry leaders are urging reforms to immigration policy, arguing local labour cannot meet demand amid rural depopulation and persistent staff shortages.
Read full story: Farmers Guide
Date published: September 29, 2025
Dragon fruit tipped as Pakistan’s next major export crop
Progressive farmers in Pakistan believe dragon fruit, prized globally as a ‘superfruit’, could become a lucrative export if cultivated at scale and better marketed locally. Currently grown on about 10 commercial farms, the fruit remains costly and mostly limited to supermarkets, often imported rather than local. Farmers argue that government support through subsidies on infrastructure and irrigation could lower costs and boost supply. Pakistan’s red-flesh varieties, known for sweetness and antioxidants, could compete with Vietnam and Thailand, the leading exporters. With proximity to Gulf markets and growing global demand, farmers see multi-billion-dollar export potential.
Read full story: Business Recorder
Date published: September 30, 2025
Peruvian sweet onions strengthen US supply with record production
Peru’s onion output has climbed to 591,000 tons in 2025, reinforcing its role in supplying the US market with high-quality sweet onions between September and March, when Georgia Vidalias are out of season. Exports to the US rose in value from $60 million in 2023 to $68 million in 2024, with leading importers such as G&R Farms, Bland Farms, and JJB Family Farms emphasising quality oversight and sustainability. Despite logistical hurdles like container shortages and tariff risks, demand remains strong. Retailers benefit from consistent flavour and year-round availability, making Peruvian onions a vital complement to domestic production.
Read full story: Produce Business
Date published: September 29, 2025
Fairtrade raises banana minimum prices to boost farmer livelihoods
Fairtrade has announced a 6% increase in its minimum banana price at ex-works level and 4.6% at FOB level, with the new rates applying to contracts from 1 January 2026. Revealed at Fruit Attraction 2025 in Madrid, the adjustment aims to support 37,111 banana farmers and workers worldwide, nearly a fifth of whom are women. Alongside the price rise, Fairtrade also set its first minimum price for Côte d’Ivoire, Africa’s top banana exporter. The move, part of Fairtrade’s Sustainable Banana Program, is designed to strengthen incomes, improve farming practices, and build resilience in the face of rising production costs.
Read full story: Fruitnet
Date published: September 30, 2025
