South African News
Wildfires’ Hidden Toll: Soil Life Destroyed, Threatening South Africa’s Farmland
While wildfires in South Africa visibly scorch vast landscapes, scientists warn that the deeper damage occurs beneath the surface. Soil experts reveal that fire destroys essential microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms, halting decomposition and degrading soil fertility. Although deliberate burning can sometimes benefit farming by removing weeds and diseased plants, uncontrolled veld fires devastate ecosystems, livestock, and livelihoods. With over 32,000 hectares burnt this year - down from 78,000 in 2023 - researchers caution that the long-term loss of soil health threatens food security and the sustainability of agriculture across the country.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: November 12, 2025
Steenhuisen Champions Honeybees as ‘Farmers of the Sky’ to Boost South Africa’s Beekeeping Industry
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has pledged renewed government support for South Africa’s beekeeping sector, calling honeybees “farmers of the sky” for their crucial role in food security and rural livelihoods. Speaking at the Beekeeping Awareness Field Day in Cape Town, Steenhuisen outlined plans to strengthen the honey value chain, combat poor-quality imports, and expand research into bee health. With local production at just 2,500 tons against double that in demand, the government aims to grow a sustainable, home-grown honey industry. Steenhuisen also urged responsible pesticide use and the creation of “bee gardens” to protect vital pollinators.
Read full story: Central News
Date Published: November 12, 2025
African News
Ghanaian Farmers Urge Mahama to Halt Grain Imports as One Million Tonnes of Rice Remain Unsold
Ghanaian farmers have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to impose a six-month moratorium on rice, maize, and soybean imports after one million tonnes of locally produced rice worth ₵5 billion remain unsold. The glut, driven by cheap imports and weak state procurement, has forced millers to shut down and left farmers facing major losses. Farmer groups demand government institutions prioritise local rice purchases, lift the export ban on soya, and provide affordable credit to millers. The Chamber of Agribusiness has declared a national agricultural emergency, warning that over 1.2 million tonnes of grains are currently unsold across the country.
Read full story: News Ghana
Date Published: November 12, 2025
Global News
Mexico Expands Water Access with 100 New Administrative Modules for Farmers
Mexico’s federal government has launched over 100 administrative modules nationwide to help small farmers update or regularise their water concession titles, improving access to federal programmes and sustainable water management. Jointly led by the Ministry of Agriculture (AGRICULTURA) and the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), the initiative offers a six-month period for users to renew expired concessions. The modules, including a mobile unit for rural areas, aim to simplify procedures, provide legal certainty and enhance productivity. Alongside this, the government opened registration for the 2026 Special Energy Programme for Agriculture, offering preferential electricity rates for irrigation and farm operations.
Read full story: Mexico Business News
Date Published: November 11, 2025
Europe Advances Towards Climate-Neutral Farming Through Innovation and Collaboration
Europe is accelerating its shift to climate-neutral agriculture through the EU-funded ClieNFarms project, coordinated by Climate KIC under the Farm to Fork Strategy. Since 2022, 20 demonstration sites across Europe have trialled practical solutions such as biochar use in the UK, biodiverse olive groves in Portugal, and low-input crop rotations in France. The project promotes circular resource use, reduced emissions, and resilient food systems while linking innovation with financial and policy support. As ClieNFarms concludes, its upcoming Brussels conference will showcase scalable tools and policies for climate-smart farming, highlighting trust, collaboration, and holistic sustainability as keys to transformation.
Read full story: Climate KIC
Date Published: November 11, 2025
Hydroponic Farming Empowers Persons with Disabilities in Malaysia
In Kampung Tawas, Malaysia, a group of persons with disabilities from the Perak Association for the Intellectually Disabled is gaining new skills and independence through hydroponic farming. What began in July 2022 with just one system of 40 pots has grown into a thriving urban farm with over 1,200 pots producing vegetables such as lettuce, sawi, kangkung and kailan. Administrator Noreder Abdul Muti said the initiative, supported by the state Agriculture Department, has boosted participants’ confidence and sense of purpose, proving that with guidance and opportunity, persons with disabilities can thrive in sustainable agriculture.
Read full story: Vertical Farming Daily
Date Published: November 11, 2025
Residents in Japan’s Northern Alps Chase Monkeys to Protect Farms and Homes
Farmers and residents in Japan’s Northern Alps are forming “Monkey Chasing Squads” to drive Japanese macaques away from crops and houses as human–wildlife conflicts escalate. Armed with bells, whistles and GPS trackers, the volunteers herd monkeys back into the mountains to protect farmland from raids. The animals, protected since 1947, are now damaging crops and entering homes in search of food. While some local officials call for culling, ecologists warn it could worsen the problem by disrupting troop structures. Instead, experts advocate long-term, non-lethal strategies such as fencing, vegetation control and better monitoring.
Read full story: The Independent
Date Published: November 12, 2025
