South African News
South African Vineyards Anticipate High-Quality 2026 Harvest
South Africa’s wine industry is preparing for a strong 2026 harvest, with early indicators suggesting another high-quality vintage. According to Vinpro’s Dr Etienne Terblanche, favourable winter conditions, balanced rainfall, and warm early spring weather have led to healthy vine canopies, even bud break, and promising flower clusters. While total vineyard area continues to decline, yields are expected to match 2025 levels, with white cultivars such as chenin blanc and sauvignon blanc performing particularly well. Producers remain vigilant against frost and water challenges but are optimistic that 2026 will reinforce South Africa’s growing reputation for premium wines.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: October 14, 2025
Closure of Denny Mushrooms’ Western Cape Farm Sparks Fears of Supply Shortages
The planned December 2025 closure of Denny Mushrooms’ Phesantekraal farm in the Western Cape has raised concerns about the stability of South Africa’s mushroom supply. As the country’s largest producer, Denny’s exit from the region — its second closure since 2022 — could lead to short-term shortages and price increases, according to market agents. Smaller producers see growth opportunities but warn that mushroom farming remains costly and technically complex. Challenges such as biosecurity risks, high input costs, and limited access to sustainable substrates continue to pressure the sector, even as demand for exotic varieties rises.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: October 13, 2025
African News
Ethiopia and Kenya Embrace Solar Technologies to Boost Agricultural Resilience
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, has launched the Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) project in Ethiopia and Kenya to enhance food security and climate resilience. Building on earlier successes in South Asia, the initiative expands solar use beyond irrigation to include cold storage, drying, milling and agro-processing technologies. These innovations aim to cut costs, reduce waste and improve farmer incomes. The project also promotes inclusive access, especially for women and youth, while fostering collaboration to develop policies and financing that enable large-scale adoption of solar-powered farming solutions.
Read full story:IWMI
Date Published: October 14, 2025
Global News
EU Invests $6.1 Million to Boost Sustainable Algae Farming and Blue Innovation Hubs
The European Union has announced four new projects worth €5.7 million ($6.1 million) under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to advance regenerative ocean farming and marine innovation. Spanning Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland, the initiatives — MED-Hubs, ATL.A.HUB, OCEAN GARDENS and SEAGROW — aim to scale algae and seaweed aquaculture, develop regional innovation hubs and create marine biotechnology products. The projects support the EU’s blue economy and Green Deal goals by promoting decarbonisation, biodiversity, and sustainable coastal livelihoods, positioning Europe as a leader in ocean-based climate solutions and renewable marine resources.
Read full story: ESG News
Date Published: October 13, 2025
China’s Soybean Buying Shift Threatens U.S. Export Market
China’s dramatic reduction in U.S. soybean imports is sending shockwaves through American agriculture, according to a new American Farm Bureau Market Intel Report. Between January and August 2025, China purchased only 218 million bushels of U.S. soybeans - down sharply from 985 million in 2024, when it accounted for half of total exports. Brazil has now become China’s dominant supplier, shipping around 2.5 billion bushels. Analysts warn the shift could leave U.S. soybeans oversupplied, depressing prices and squeezing farmer margins. The USDA projects crop receipts will fall 2.5% to $236.6 billion in 2025 - the lowest since 2007.
Read full story: California Ag Today
Date Published: October 14, 2025
Border Closure Over New World Screwworm Strains Cattle Trade Between Mexico and Texas
The U.S.-Mexico border closure to live cattle, prompted by the spread of New World screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, has severely disrupted livestock operations on both sides. Texas feedyards that depend on Mexican cattle, such as Rogers & Sons in Dimmitt, are operating at only 70% capacity. Mexican producers, meanwhile, face oversupply and plummeting prices, with cattle selling for half their usual value. Imports to the U.S. have dropped from nearly one million head in 2024 to just 230,000 in 2025. Industry leaders fear long-term trade damage if the border remains shut, warning of ripple effects across the beef supply chain.
Read full story: DTN/Progressive Farmer
Date Published: October 13, 2025
Sindh Farmers Stage Rallies Demanding Fair Crop Prices and End to Exploitation
Farmers across Sindh have continued their rallies in Kandhkot-Kashmore for a second day, demanding fair prices for their crops and an end to what they call their “economic murder” by millers, traders and government officials. Organised by Awami Tehreek, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and local growers’ groups, the protests drew large crowds. JI Sindh Emir Kashif Saeed Shaikh condemned the provincial government’s indifference, urging it to fix paddy prices at Rs4,000 per 40kg instead of the current Rs2,200. Farmers also protested rising costs of fertiliser, seeds and pesticides, unfair market deductions, and policies that leave them struggling against exploitation and poverty.
Read full story: Dawn
Date Published: October 14, 2025
