South African News
Biosecurity Failures Threaten South Africa’s Global Meat Market Potential
South Africa’s livestock industry, the backbone of its agricultural sector, faces mounting pressure as recurring outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and swine fever expose weaknesses in national biosecurity systems. Despite strong global demand for South African meat, poor disease surveillance, fragmented coordination, and weak traceability threaten exports and domestic stability. Encouragingly, a new five-year national biosecurity strategy and increased industry collaboration signal progress, but experts warn that lasting reform, investment, and shared responsibility are essential to safeguard farmers, jobs, and market access.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: 6 October, 2025
Farmers Advised to Brace for Wetter Summer as La Niña Looms
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast a wetter-than-usual summer as a weak La Niña event develops, bringing above-normal rainfall to much of the country, especially the north-east. While the increased rain could boost crop and livestock production, it also heightens the risk of flooding. Farmers are urged to strengthen drainage systems and adopt water conservation measures to mitigate climate-related risks. Some areas in Mpumalanga and Limpopo may experience below-normal rainfall, raising drought concerns. Despite challenges, industry sentiment remains positive ahead of the 2025/26 farming season.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: 6 October, 2025
African News
New Research Uncovers Africa’s Vast Potential in Agricultural Tourism
Groundbreaking research by Adeyemi Oluwabunmi, founder of Trippers by Bidaymi AMA Ltd, highlights agricultural tourism as an untapped engine for sustainable growth in Africa. The study, “The Importance of Agricultural Tourism,” reveals how combining farming with tourism can drive rural development, create jobs, and preserve cultural heritage. Drawing on success stories from Tanzania and Morocco, the research identifies Nigeria’s cocoa plantations—particularly in Ondo State—as ideal agritourism destinations. Aligning with key UN Sustainable Development Goals, the study urges policymakers and investors to integrate agriculture into tourism strategies to boost economic and social impact.
Read full story: Business am Live
Date Published: 6 October, 2025
Global News
Experts Unite to Tackle Six Major Animal Disease Threats Across Europe and Central Asia
Over 150 animal health experts and policymakers met in Belgrade, Serbia, for the 20th anniversary of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) in Europe. Supported by the EU, the conference addressed six priority threats — African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, peste des petits ruminants, avian influenza, and rabies. Despite advances, these diseases continue to disrupt trade and food security across the region. Experts emphasised the need for strong veterinary systems, regional cooperation, sustained surveillance, and innovation to build resilient animal health systems.
Read full story: Hog Farmer
Date Published: 6 October, 2025
CCFI Unveils National Initiative to Strengthen Connection Between Canadians and Their Food System
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI), in collaboration with food industry leaders, has launched Canada’s Food System: Our Food. Our Future — a national initiative designed to highlight the essential role of Canada’s agri-food network. Through storytelling, research, and digital engagement, the campaign aims to deepen public understanding of how food reaches Canadian tables and promote the system as a strategic national asset. The initiative includes a new podcast series and a pledge encouraging public participation. Leaders from Farm Credit Canada and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture emphasised its importance for food security, innovation, and economic resilience.
Read full story: RealAgriculture
Date Published: 6 October, 2025
U.S. Farmers Turn to Southeast Asia as China Halts Soybean Purchases
With China suspending U.S. soybean imports amid ongoing tariff disputes, American farmers are urgently seeking new buyers across Southeast Asia. Northern Soy Marketing’s 2025 Crop Tour brought delegates from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand to farms in Minnesota and South Dakota to showcase U.S. soybean quality and build trade ties. While Asian buyers cited cost and protein content as key considerations, they expressed interest in the superior amino acid profile of U.S. soybeans. Farmers, however, remain under financial strain, facing shrinking markets, rising costs, and uncertain federal support as trade tensions persist.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date Published: 7 October, 2025
Brazilian Farmers Restore the Amazon Through Profitable Cocoa and Açaí Agroforestry
In Mamuí, southern Pará, Brazilian farmers are reversing Amazon deforestation through an Embrapa-led initiative that replaces degraded cattle pastures with agroforestry systems combining native trees and income-generating crops such as cocoa and açaí. The project provides farmers with seeds, fertilisers, and technical support to restore ecosystems while increasing profits — cocoa now sells for nearly four times the price of beef. The approach has revived springs and improved soil health, offering an eco-friendly and lucrative alternative to livestock farming. As Pará prepares to host COP30, the model is being hailed as a blueprint for sustainable Amazon recovery.
Read full story: Noticias Ambientales
Date Published: 6 October, 2025
