South African News
South Africa Strikes Landmark Stone Fruit Export Deal with China
South Africa has secured a historic trade agreement with China to export five varieties of stone fruit - apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes - under a single protocol. Signed in Shanghai by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and China’s GACC Minister Sun Meijun, the deal is expected to boost South Africa’s agricultural exports by up to R400 million over the next five years and create nearly 600 jobs. The agreement marks China’s first multi-fruit import arrangement with one country and is seen as a key step in diversifying South Africa’s export markets.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: October 17, 2025
Western Cape Agriculture Turns US Tariff Shock into Growth Opportunity
A 30% US tariff on South African produce has shaken the Western Cape’s export-driven agricultural sector, but industry leaders are viewing it as a catalyst for diversification and reform. Speaking at NAMPO Cape, experts including AgriSA CEO Johann Kotze and BFAP’s Louw Pienaar stressed the need to strengthen competitiveness, branding, and regional partnerships. Despite challenges, South African products remain attractive in the US market, while growing opportunities in Africa and Asia could reduce dependence on traditional buyers. The crisis has also spurred closer collaboration between government and industry to navigate future trade uncertainties.
Read full story: Engineering News
Date Published: October 17, 2025
African News
Research Reveals Key Factors Shaping Cabbage Farming in Namibia
A recent study by Hamalwa, Awala, and Togarepi has highlighted the socio-economic, environmental, and institutional factors influencing cabbage production among smallholder farmers in Namibia’s Omusati Region. The research underscores challenges such as limited access to quality seeds, water scarcity, and inadequate market support, while also identifying opportunities in agricultural education, technology adoption, and gender equity. Improved irrigation, training, and stronger market linkages could significantly enhance yields and food security. The findings call for coordinated policy action and stakeholder collaboration to promote sustainable, inclusive growth in Namibia’s vegetable farming sector.
Read full story: Bioengineer
Date Published: October 16, 2025
Global News
Report Condemns Factory Farming’s Role in Global Food Waste Crisis
A new report by Compassion in World Farming reveals that feeding grain to factory-farmed animals wastes 766 million tonnes of food each year—more than global household waste—and uses farmland nearly the size of Mexico. The NGO argues that ending this practice could feed an extra two billion people annually while reducing biodiversity loss and pollution. Released on World Food Day, the findings call factory farming “simply scandalous” for worsening hunger and climate pressures. The group urges governments to redirect subsidies towards regenerative farming that prioritises feeding people over livestock.
Read full story: Euronews
Date Published: October 16, 2025
Chinese Coffee Boom Fuels Brazilian Exports but Raises Environmental Concerns
Brazilian coffee exports to China have surged fivefold in five years, driven by growing Chinese demand and trade tensions with the US. In July, China granted export permits to 183 Brazilian companies, including small cooperatives such as Raízes do Campo, which promotes organic and agroecological coffee. While the boom offers opportunities for smallholders, producers warn that low-cost demand from China may sideline sustainable farming and heighten environmental risks. Experts say the trend could reshape global coffee trade, but without stronger oversight, expansion could threaten Brazil’s ecosystems amid climate pressures.
Read full story: Dialogue Earth
Date Published: October 16, 2025
Japanese Farmers Shift from Mikan to Avocado as Climate Change Alters Crop Suitability
Rising temperatures are prompting Japanese farmers to replace traditional mikan orchards with avocado plantations. In Ehime and Shizuoka prefectures, local authorities are distributing avocado seedlings and investing in research to identify winter-hardy varieties and develop quality control systems. Climate projections from Japan’s National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) show mikan-growing zones shrinking southward, while suitable areas for avocado cultivation could expand up to eightfold by 2100. Although typhoons and limited agrochemical approvals pose challenges, experts believe domestic avocados could soon compete with imports as production stabilises.
Read full story: Ukr Agro Consult
Date Published: October 16, 2025
Hamish McIntyre Elected as New President of Australia’s National Farmers’ Federation
Queensland mixed farmer Hamish McIntyre has been elected as the new president of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), succeeding David Jochinke, whose term on the board has ended. McIntyre, who operates a large cotton, cropping, and livestock enterprise with his family, will officially assume the role next Friday. His appointment comes amid internal challenges for the NFF, including member resignations, leadership turnover, and restructuring efforts. Outgoing president Jochinke said it was time for “different blood” and plans to return to farming in north-west Victoria after seven years in NFF leadership roles.
Read full story: ABC Rural
Date Published: October 17, 2025
