South African News
AgriSA pushes for fair climate policies and stronger farmer resilience at COP30
AgriSA used COP30 in Belém, Brazil, to advocate for climate policies and financing frameworks that support rather than hinder African agriculture. Chief Operating Officer Jolanda Andrag emphasised the need for fair, science-based trade rules, improved access to climate finance, and global recognition of adaptation as an urgent priority for African producers. AgriSA engaged development finance institutions, insurers, and research bodies to explore blended-finance models, climate-risk data solutions, and scalable adaptation technologies. The organisation aims to break barriers that limit farmers’ uptake of climate-smart tools while strengthening global partnerships to enhance resilience, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability for South African agriculture.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: November 21, 2025
SA–EU summit reinforces vital agricultural and trade ties
South Africa’s recent bilateral summit with the European Union reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong, long-standing trade relationships while also expanding links with new partners. The meeting, held on 20 October 2025, prioritised cooperation, investment and deeper trade, with new agreements signed in areas such as critical minerals and energy. For agriculture, the EU remains an indispensable market, taking 19% of South Africa’s US$13.7 billion agricultural exports in 2024, including citrus, grapes, wine and wool. The summit supports efforts to resolve ongoing trade issues and strengthen collaboration, especially as South Africa looks to expand agricultural production and secure reliable export markets.
Read full story: Agricultural Economics Today
Date Published: November 20, 2025
African News
Senegal boosts 2026 agriculture budget to drive food sovereignty
Senegal will increase its 2026 agriculture budget by nearly 38%, allocating CFA427 billion ($750.7 million) to strengthen food security and modernise the sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty announced on 19 November. The rise is largely driven by expected new external financing agreements for agricultural programmes. The government’s draft finance bill outlines a strategy focused on boosting production, advancing research and innovation, and improving sector governance. Key measures include expanding irrigation, strengthening storage and processing infrastructure, enhancing mechanisation, and establishing Community Agricultural Cooperatives. The initiative supports efforts to reduce reliance on food imports, which averaged $1.88 billion annually between 2021 and 2023.
Read full story: Ecofin Agency
Date Published: November 20, 2025
Global News
NFU Scotland challenges government over uncertainty in future farm funding
A strained post-debate briefing at AgriScot exposed growing tension between NFU Scotland and the Scottish Government over the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS). Officials signalled that both the timing and structure of the second funding round may change after unexpectedly strong backlash to the first tranche. While ministers defended the rapid delivery of the initial £21 million and confirmed that unused grants have been recycled into 122 new offers, they conceded the scheme may need “refinement”. Disputes also resurfaced over plans to raise ecological focus areas from 5% to 7%. NFU Scotland insists farmers need clear, multi-year funding commitments, warning that the sector remains in limbo.
Read full story: The Scottish Farmer
Date Published: November 21, 2025
Farmers’ wellbeing to take centre stage with new health hub at 2026 East Coast Expo
The 2026 East Coast Farming Expo will debut a dedicated Rural Wellbeing Hub aimed at improving farmers’ physical and mental health, recognising that many in the sector neglect their own wellbeing. The hub will bring together health professionals, outreach teams and support organisations, offering services ranging from general health checks and hearing advice to mental health guidance. Keynote speaker Kane Briscoe of FarmFit NZ will share his personal mental health journey and practical strategies for farm fitness. Contributors include the Kahungunu Executive, Rural Women New Zealand’s ConnectHER, the Rural Support Trust, and Bowel Screening Outreach, all focused on accessible, community-based support.
Read full story: Rural News
Date Published: November 20, 2025
Volatile weather stalls corn and soybean planting across South America
Severe rainfall is disrupting agriculture across Argentina, with almost four million acres at risk and farmers unable to access fields to plant corn and soybeans. The central Buenos Aires region, a major global grain exporter, has been particularly affected, prompting concerns that some land could be left idle for months due to long-standing underinvestment in drainage and rural roads. Weather patterns in Brazil are also mixed, with central areas receiving beneficial rain but experiencing delays in soybean sowing. Analysts note that the uncertainty may influence global grain markets, with soybean prices supported by strong algorithmic trading. Meteorologists attribute the volatility to a peaking La Niña system.
Read full story: RFD-TV
Date Published: November 20, 2025
EU debate over “meaty” labels puts farmers in the plant-based supply chain at risk
Europe’s vote to restrict meat-related terms for plant-based foods has entered trilogue negotiations, creating major uncertainty for producers and potentially impacting farmers who supply raw ingredients such as soy, peas and other pulses. While livestock groups claim the rules would protect consumer clarity and traditional farming, plant-based advocates argue there is no evidence of confusion and warn that the restrictions threaten a fast-growing market that supports European crop farmers. Rebranding costs, possible short implementation windows and legal challenges add further instability. The policy also risks contradicting EU sustainability goals that encourage reduced meat consumption, leaving farmers caught between competing agricultural interests.
Read full story: Food Ingredients First
Date Published: November 21, 2025
