South African News
Tru-Cape’s Innovative Orchard Practices Deliver Record Pink Lady® Apple Yields
Tru-Cape growers have achieved their highest-ever Pink Lady® apple packouts, driven by innovative farming practices such as reflective mulching, automated irrigation, and precision orchard management. Ceres Fruit Growers reported nearly 75% packouts – a record for the business – while Two-a-Day achieved an 8-point increase on last year. These results stem from long-term strategic investment, collaborative learning, and a push for greater colour and yield consistency. Demand for Pink Lady® apples has surged internationally, with sales in Europe rising 30% year-on-year, supported by South Africa’s proximity to key export markets.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: October 1, 2025
South Africa’s Agricultural Trade Surplus Widens as Exports Rise and Imports Fall
South Africa’s agricultural sector strengthened its trade surplus in the second quarter of 2025, with exports up 8% year-on-year to R71.5 billion and imports down 6% to R35 billion, marking the first Q2 import decline in five years. Citrus and wine remain leading export categories, while cereals dominate imports. The Southern African Development Community accounted for 35% of export markets, while exports to the US and EU rose by 19% and 18%, respectively. However, new US tariffs of up to 30% on South African produce, particularly citrus and table grapes, are expected to pressure future trade performance.
Read full story: Engineering News
Date Published: September 30, 2025
African News
Zambian Farmers Launch $220M Lawsuit Against Chinese Miner Over Toxic Dam Spill
Around 50 Zambian farmers are suing Chinese mining company Sino-Metals Leach (SML) for $220 million, claiming a February waste dam collapse near Kitwe unleashed toxic sludge that destroyed farmland, poisoned water, and threatened public health. Independent investigators say the spill, containing cyanide, arsenic, and cadmium, was up to 20 times larger than SML admitted. Farmers are demanding compensation, medical checks, and relocation, arguing the disaster made farming unviable and caused illness and livestock deaths. The case, alongside a separate lawsuit by 176 residents, highlights mounting anger over weak regulation and could become a pivotal test of corporate accountability in Zambia’s mining sector.
Read full story: North Africa Post
Date Published: September 30, 2025
Global News
Ireland Secures €1bn in EU Research Funding to Tackle Agri and Food Challenges
Ireland has surpassed €1 billion in funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, supporting projects in agriculture, food, and the bioeconomy. Minister of State Noel Grealish confirmed that the funding will help address critical issues such as animal health, welfare, climate change, biodiversity loss, and antimicrobial resistance. Among the projects is Stepping Up for Europe’s Sustainable Livestock Systems, led by Professor David Kenny of Teagasc, which aims to make livestock farming more sustainable by providing policymakers with data on environmental and economic impacts. The Department of Agriculture is also co-funding initiatives in agroecology and food systems.
Read full story: Agriland
Date Published: September 30, 2025
Hortilife Expands in Mexico with Water- and Fertiliser-Saving Greenhouse Solutions
Dutch agri-tech firm Hortilife is strengthening its presence in Mexico with advanced irrigation and greenhouse technologies designed to cut water and fertiliser use. From its Querétaro office and warehouse, opened in 2024, the company supplies recirculation, disinfection, and ultrafiltration systems that enable growers to reuse up to 95% of drainage water and recover around 30% of fertilisers. These solutions address Mexico’s pressing water scarcity and rising pumping costs, while also improving crop health. Hortilife also partners with Logitec Plus on substrate mixing and Signify (Philips) on horticultural lighting, positioning itself as a key driver of sustainable, high-tech farming in the region.
Read full story: HortiDaily
Date Published: September 30, 2025
From Space Labs to Supermarkets: Indoor Farming Set to Transform Food Production
A global research team led by the University of Adelaide has outlined how controlled environment agriculture (CEA) could revolutionise food production in the face of climate change. Originating from space science experiments, CEA enables crops to grow indoors with precise control of light, water, and nutrients, producing yields up to 20 times higher than traditional farming while using far less land and water. Researchers say this technology could provide year-round fresh produce, support remote communities, and create opportunities in pharmaceuticals and bioproducts. While current successes focus on lettuce, herbs, and microgreens, advances could expand indoor farming to major crops.
Read full story: National Tribune
Date Published: October 1, 2025
Mitsubishi’s Takeover Bid for Thai Union Fails as Shareholders Decline Offer
Thai Union Group has announced that Mitsubishi Corporation’s general offer to acquire additional shares has been cancelled after failing to meet the minimum acceptance threshold. The offer required nearly 12% of Thai Union’s issued shares to be tendered but fell short by the September 26 deadline. As a result, no shares were purchased, and Mitsubishi’s stake remains at 5.36% (6.19% excluding treasury shares). Thai Union confirmed the cancellation would not affect its operations or growth plans, emphasising that its strategic partnership with Mitsubishi, in place since 1991, continues unchanged with scope for future collaboration.
Read full story: Barid Maritime
Date Published: September 30, 2025
