South African News
South Africa’s Poultry Inquiry Must Strengthen, Not Undermine, a Vital Industry
The South African poultry sector, employing over 134,000 people, is a cornerstone of rural livelihoods and food security. Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of the SA Poultry Association Broiler Organisation, argues that the Competition Commission’s inquiry into market structure should focus on evidence rather than ideology. Large, vertically integrated producers, he contends, are crucial for sustaining affordable production, supporting smallholders, and maintaining supply during crises. Breitenbach urges the Commission to tackle real constraints - dumped imports, high feed costs, and poor infrastructure - while promoting transparency, transformation, and collaboration with the industry to foster inclusive growth.
Read full story: SA Poultry Association
Date Published: October 6, 2025
South African Potato Prices Plunge Below Production Costs Amid Oversupply
South African potato prices have dropped to around R3.50–R4 ($0.18–0.20) per kilogram—almost 50% lower than a year ago and below production costs—following a bumper harvest and expanded plantings. According to FreshPlaza, increased hectares and overlapping regional harvests have led to a glut in supply, with Limpopo alone adding 12 million extra 10kg pockets to the market. Analysts expect prices to remain low through 2025, threatening farmers’ financial viability. While consumers may benefit from cheaper produce, the industry faces mounting pressure to better coordinate planting and manage price risks.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: October 7, 2025
African News
African Leaders Call for Bold Investment and Innovation to Transform Agriculture
At a high-level AATF roundtable held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, African leaders urged major investment in agricultural innovation to unlock the continent’s vast potential. Officials including H.E. Moses Vilakati of the African Union Commission and H.E. Prof. Muhammadou M. O. Kah highlighted the need for African-led solutions, integrating technologies such as AI, IoT, and precision farming to make agriculture more profitable, sustainable, and appealing to youth. The discussion underscored the importance of enabling policies, climate-smart technologies, and access to capital to drive food security, resilience, and inclusive economic growth.
Read full story: AATF Africa
Date Published: October 7, 2025
Global News
Argentina Launches Extra-Early Cherry Harvest in Jujuy’s Temperate Valley
Argentina has begun its 2025 cherry season unusually early, with the first harvest taking place in week 40 at an experimental plantation in Jujuy’s temperate valley. The project, led by Güizzo Frutas Frescas S.A. in collaboration with local producers and researchers, tested six cultivars planted between 2022 and 2023. Early-maturing varieties Minnie Royal and Royal Lee showed excellent results, including high sweetness (25–29° Brix) and firm texture. Jujuy’s mild winters, high solar radiation, and low humidity have proven ideal for extra-early production, offering Argentina a strategic market advantage in both domestic and future export markets.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: October 7, 2025
Mexico Confirms Second Screwworm Case in Nuevo León as Authorities Tighten Controls
Mexico’s agriculture ministry has confirmed a new case of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite in Nuevo León, the state’s second in two weeks. The infested calf, originating from southern Mexico, was intercepted in Montemorelos, south of Monterrey, with all larvae found dead following ivermectin treatment. Officials stressed that inspection and treatment protocols remain effective in preventing the parasite’s spread. The U.S. continues to restrict cattle imports from Mexico amid the outbreak, which has seen over 6,700 animal infestations since November 2024. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the latest case appears isolated but will be independently verified.
Read full story: Successful Farming
Date Published: October 7, 2025
Nepali Farmers Fear Crop Loss as Ripe Paddy Remains Unharvested Due to Persistent Rain
Farmers in Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province are growing increasingly anxious as continued rainfall delays the harvest of ripe paddy crops. Despite the monsoon’s official withdrawal, local weather disturbances have brought fresh rain and cloudy skies, damaging paddy left to dry and preventing further harvesting. With the Tihar festival approaching, uncertainty looms over yields in key rice-producing districts such as Kailali and Kanchanpur, which together cultivate over 120,000 hectares of rice. Farmers warn that prolonged wet conditions could cause severe crop losses, as standing paddy risks rotting while cut grain remains exposed to rain.
Read full story: Khabarhub
Date Published: October 7, 2025
BASF Launches ‘Ask a Farmer’ Campaign to Connect Australians with Farming Realities
BASF Agricultural Solutions has launched a national social media initiative, Ask a Farmer, hosted by meteorologist Jane Bunn, to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities. The series invites Australians to ask farmers questions about agriculture, covering topics such as sustainability, technology, food waste, and rural life. Featuring producers like vegetable grower Richard Hawkes and vineyard owner Andrew Hickinbotham, the campaign promotes transparency and understanding of modern farming. BASF’s Parvana Wali said the project highlights farmers’ vital role in feeding the nation and caring for the land while inspiring meaningful conversations about food and sustainability.
Read full story: Mi3
Date Published: October 7, 2025
