South African News
Organised seed-theft syndicates strike again in North West and Free State
Seasonal seed-theft syndicates are again targeting farms in South Africa’s North West and Free State as planting begins. Agri North West’s Sarel Pretorius confirmed a recent theft in Lichtenburg involving Dekalb seed worth R450 000, while Free State Agriculture recorded two further cases in Bethlehem and Ventersburg totalling R1,7 million. Industry leaders say the police are under-resourced and cannot act proactively, calling instead for stronger on-farm security, community patrols, and use of cameras, alarms and secure storage. Bayer warned that organised theft and counterfeiting of high-value seed harms food security, inflates costs and erodes farm profitability.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date published: October, 19, 2025
Megafarms warned to invest in rural people or forfeit their future workforce
At the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, agribusiness leaders warned that South Africa’s megafarms risk losing both labour and future customers if they fail to invest in rural communities. Windmeul Eggs’ MD Pier Passerini argued that large commercial farms must support local schools and child nutrition, noting that roughly 25% of children under five are stunted from chronic undernutrition — a future economic and labour crisis. He cautioned that AI will not compensate if a quarter of the adult population cannot buy food. De Keur Group’s Danell du Toit likened big farms to “mini municipalities” and said producers must co-fund education, health and safety to attract and retain skilled staff.
Read full story: African Farming
Date published: October 20, 2025
African News
Bureaucracy leaves ₦50 billion tractor scheme idle as planting window closes in Nigeria
Nearly four months after President Bola Tinubu unveiled ₦50 billion worth of tractors and implements under the Renewed Hope mechanisation plan, the machines remain parked at the National Agricultural Seed Council in Abuja due to stalled approvals on the distribution “sharing formula”. Over 9,000 units — including 2,000 tractors — risk missing the current planting season as the Agriculture Ministry says it awaits a presidential directive. Farmers and experts warn that time-bound farm work and soaring labour costs make the delay costly, while engineers fault the absence of a maintenance plan, raising fears of yet another wasteful agricultural rollout.
Read full story: The Guardian Nigeria
Date published: October 20, 2025
Global News
France halts cattle exports and bullfighting to curb lumpy skin virus spread
France has temporarily banned cattle exports and public animal events, including bullfighting, to contain the country’s first major outbreak of lumpy skin disease. The insect-borne virus, which does not infect humans, causes lesions in cattle and can trigger trade bans and sharp economic losses. The measures took effect on 18 October and are due to run until 4 November, pending review. Fresh clusters were detected in Ain, Jura and Occitanie, with officials warning some infections likely stem from illegal animal movements. Mandatory vaccination has begun near the Spanish border as authorities warn the future of French livestock farming is at stake.
Read full story: MSN
Date published: October 18, 2025
Tech takes centre stage as China accelerates smart-agriculture upgrade
The China International Agricultural Trade Fair in Tianjin showcased how digital and automation technologies are reshaping the country’s farm sector from field to fork. Exhibits ranged from DJI’s unmanned T100 farm drone to sensor-driven aquaculture systems and big-data management platforms, underscoring a shift from labour-intensive practices to precision, data-led production. Traceability tools on display, such as Jilin’s livestock platform, aim to boost food safety and consumer trust. Organisers framed the tech push as essential for food security, rural revitalisation and for overcoming land and resource constraints as demand rises for higher-quality grains, meat, milk and eggs.
Read full story: Global Times
Date published: October 19, 2025
Canada and Mexico move to strengthen agri-food trade ties
Canadian and Mexican agriculture officials met to enhance bilateral agri-food trade under the Canada-Mexico Action Plan 2025–2028. Agreements include easing import requirements for apples from Eastern Canada, certifying Canadian pet food with bovine ingredients for Mexico, and expanding electronic certification for plant products like wheat and canola. Both nations will also assess regulatory recognition in meat and seafood and leverage consultative committees to share information on food security, competitiveness, and trade diversification. The initiative strengthens collaboration amid ongoing US tariffs of 25–35% and aims to reinforce Canada and Mexico as strategic partners in global agri-food trade.
Read full story: MSN
Date published: October 18, 2025
Thailand unveils Agriculture 4.0 to modernise farming with smart tech and sustainability
Thailand’s government has announced the ‘Agriculture 4.0’ initiative, set to launch on 15 January 2026, aiming to modernise farming nationwide through smart technologies, precision agriculture tools, and sustainable practices. The program includes training for farmers to use drones, sensors, automated machinery, and data-driven irrigation, ensuring accessibility for smallholders. It also promotes alternative protein sources such as Jingkrong cricket farming to diversify incomes. The initiative emphasises inclusive development, technical support, and locally adapted innovations. By combining technology with sustainable practices, Thailand seeks to boost productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods, and position its agricultural sector at the forefront of Southeast Asian innovation.
Read full story: Grand Pinnacle Tribune
Date published: October 19, 2025
