South African News
Ceres Cherry Harvest Blossoms with Strong Yields and Growing Export Prospects
South Africa’s cherry season in the Ceres region is thriving under ideal spring conditions, with growers reporting excellent yields, quality fruit, and increasing export opportunities. Tru-Cape’s Calla du Toit attributed the success to well-timed rainfall and warm weather that boosted pollination and fruit set. The 2025 harvest began a week earlier than last year, extending the marketing window ahead of festive demand. While Europe and the UK remain key markets, China presents promising new prospects. Improved cold-chain management, upgraded cooling systems, and sustainability initiatives are further strengthening Ceres’ reputation as a leading cherry-producing hub.
Read full story: Freight News
Date Published: October 28, 2025
Chinese Expansion Threatens South Africa’s Macadamia Industry Stability
South Africa’s macadamia industry faces rising pressure as China, once its largest importer of in-shell nuts, ramps up domestic production and cracking capacity. Global Macadamias CEO Shane Hartman warned that this shift could give China pricing leverage, suppressing in-shell values and increasing global competition in the kernel market. Despite setbacks such as US import tariffs, processors have pivoted towards kernel exports, where demand remains strong. Hartman emphasised the need for greater local cracking capacity, strategic grower–processor partnerships, and careful variety selection to sustain profitability in a changing global market landscape.
Read full story: Freight News
Date Published: October 30, 2025
African News
Mozambican Women and Youth Gain Seaweed Skills Through Zanzibar Exchange
Seven women and youth from Mozambique’s Tany Cooperative on Inhaca Island took part in a six-day learning visit to Zanzibar, Tanzania, from 14–19 September 2025. Organised by the Asia–Africa BlueTech SuperHighway project, the exchange aimed to build capacity in seaweed farming, processing, and marketing. Participants learned from Zanzibar’s successful women-led seaweed enterprises, gaining hands-on experience in making seaweed-based cosmetics, soaps, and food products. The visit also included training on leadership, cooperative management, and product value addition, empowering participants to strengthen livelihoods and promote gender-inclusive economic growth in coastal Mozambique.
Read full story: WorldFish
Date Published: October 30, 2025
Global News
Canadian Grain Deliveries Hit Near-Record Levels in September
Canadian farmers delivered 7.23 million tonnes of major grains and oilseeds in September, marking a 13.3% increase from the same month in 2024, according to Statistics Canada. The total was the second highest on record for September, driven by strong wheat, barley and oat deliveries, up 14%, 86.1% and 9.1% respectively. Canola deliveries, however, dipped 3.4% to 1.92 million tonnes. While the large supplies are expected to support export and domestic use, they may also pressure prices. Statistics Canada cautioned that new U.S. tariffs could affect grain deliveries in the coming months.
Read full story: Country Guide
Date Published: October 30, 2025
Brazil Unfazed by US-China Soybean Deal Despite Domestic Strains
Brazilian soybean producers have downplayed concerns over a new US-China trade deal, describing Beijing’s pledge to buy 12 million tonnes of American soybeans as part of regular seasonal trade. Aprosoja president Mauricio Buffon said the move would not disrupt Brazil’s exports, which supply around three-quarters of China’s soybean imports worth US$44 billion last year. He added that stronger US sales could even bolster global prices. However, Brazil’s outlook is clouded by tight credit, delayed government funding, and dry weather threatening yields in key producing states. Analysts warn that the deal could slightly soften South American price premiums.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: October 31, 2025
$250 Million Green Climate Fund Boost for Glacier Agriculture Across Pakistan and Central Asia
The Green Climate Fund has approved US$250 million for the Glaciers to Farms project, an Asian Development Bank-led initiative supporting glacier-dependent regions such as Pakistan, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus. The programme, backed by an additional US$3.25 billion from the ADB, aims to strengthen water management, irrigation, and climate resilience in nine countries. In Pakistan, the Swat River Basin will be the main focus, benefiting 13 million people through improved flood and drought management, social protection, and women-led farming enterprises. ADB officials described the project as a vital step towards long-term, sustainable adaptation to glacier melt impacts.
Read full story: The Diplomatic Insight
Malaysia Durian Farmers Charged with Money Laundering over Illegal Orchard Profits
Four durian farmers from Malaysia’s Pahang state have been charged with laundering nearly RM560,000 (US$133,000) allegedly earned from selling durians grown illegally on forest reserve and state land. The accused — Tong Thin Fook, Chin Swee Heung, Lai Seng Wah, and Chua Seng Wen — pleaded not guilty to offences said to have occurred in Raub between July 2024 and October 2025. If convicted, they face up to 15 years in prison and fines of at least five times the illicit proceeds. The case follows a wider crackdown on unauthorised Musang King durian orchards in Pahang’s “Durian Town.”
Read full story: VN Express
Date Published: October 30, 2025
