South African News
Absa and AGDA Unite to Strengthen Financial Inclusion in South Africa’s Agricultural Sector
Absa Bank and the Agricultural Development Agency (AGDA) convened a stakeholder roundtable to address funding challenges in South Africa’s agricultural sector. The discussion focused on improving access to finance for emerging farmers and developing sustainable, inclusive funding models aligned with both public and private initiatives. Speakers emphasised collaboration across the agricultural value chain, better coordination of funding streams, and the creation of supportive ecosystems that provide mentorship, market intelligence, and financial readiness. Outcomes from the session will contribute to the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP).
Read full story: Zawya
Date Published: November 10, 2025
EU Avocado Demand Surpasses One Million Tons as South Africa Eyes New Export Opportunities
European Union avocado consumption has exceeded one million tons for the first time, according to Shelly Vorster of the World Avocado Organisation (WAO). Speaking at the Subtrop Marketing Symposium 2025, she highlighted that while the EU absorbs 30% of global volumes, per capita consumption remains relatively low, leaving room for growth. WAO’s consumer research revealed varying motivations for avocado purchases across countries, emphasising quality and consistency as crucial to sustaining demand. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen urged efforts to overcome non-tariff barriers and expand exports to new markets in Asia and the Middle East.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: November 10, 2025
African News
Ghana Targets US$660 Million in Annual Cashew Revenue Through Regulation and Value Addition
Ghana’s cashew industry could generate over US$660 million annually with stronger regulation, improved processing capacity, and enhanced export support, according to the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA). Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in the Bono Region, TCDA CEO Dr Andy Osei Okrah emphasised the need for transparent pricing, licensing enforcement, and investment in local processing to protect farmers and boost value addition. Ghana currently earns about US$300 million from cashew exports - mostly raw nuts - but aims to rival Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria by building a more sustainable, processing-driven sector that supports rural employment and export diversification.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: November 10, 2025
Global News
British Public Shows Record Trust and Optimism Towards UK Agriculture in 2025
New research from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Blue Marble Research reveals that 71% of UK consumers now feel positive about British agriculture – the highest level since 2019. Trust in farmers remains exceptionally strong at 77%, ranking just below doctors and ahead of scientists and teachers. The study highlights growing public engagement, with nearly half of respondents expressing strong interest in farming and food production, especially among younger consumers. As social media becomes a major influence on food choices, AHDB sees opportunities to strengthen farmer-led communication and promote British food standards nationwide.
Read full story: Horti Daily
Date Published: November 10, 2025
Kazakh Herders Use Starlink, AI and Drones to Manage Livestock on the Steppe
Farmers in Kazakhstan are adopting advanced technology - including Starlink satellite internet, artificial intelligence, and drones - to monitor and herd livestock across the country’s vast grasslands. Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov revealed that some herders now attach Starlink terminals to horses, dogs, and vehicles to track animals remotely. The move follows Kazakhstan’s nationwide rollout of Starlink in 2025 under the government’s Accessible Internet initiative, aimed at improving rural connectivity. The initiative forms part of a wider digital transformation strategy, as Kazakhstan seeks to expand its AI ecosystem and modernise sectors from agriculture to transport.
Read full story: IntelliNews
Date Published: November 10, 2025
Pakistan’s Wheat Policy Reversal Risks Repeating Decades of Inefficiency
Pakistan’s government has reversed its recent market reforms in the wheat sector, reinstating state procurement and price controls after a turbulent year of market instability. Economist Muhammad Daud Khan warns that this U-turn risks reviving the inefficiencies that plagued the system for decades - such as corruption, losses in storage, and wasted subsidies. The new policy sets a procurement price of Rs3,500 per 40kg and commits to purchasing 6.2 million tons nationwide. Critics argue that instead of reverting to costly interventions, Pakistan should focus on long-term reforms including mechanisation, research, and improved trade liberalisation.
Read full story: The Express Tribune
Date Published: November 10, 2025
AI Durian Scanners and Smart Coconuts Shine at Shanghai’s International Farm Tech Expo
At the Eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, cutting-edge agricultural technology took centre stage, blending innovation with global trade. Highlights included Dr. Surprise’s “Durian Detective” - an AI-powered CT scanner that assesses durian quality with 98% accuracy - and Delgarden’s high-tech coconut water plant in Thailand, designed to trace each bottle back to its source tree. Swiss agri-tech firm Syngenta showcased new hybrid rice varieties tailored for Asian climates and unveiled a UK-developed robot dog for crop monitoring. The event underscored China’s growing agri-tech collaboration with ASEAN and Belt and Road nations.
Read full story: Sixth Tone
Date Published: November 10, 2025
