South African News
South Africa Sets New Citrus Export Record with 203 Million Cartons
South Africa’s citrus industry has posted its strongest export season on record, shipping 203.4 million 15kg cartons in 2025. The figure represents a 22% rise on 2024 volumes, exceeding forecasts and long-term growth expectations. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen praised the sector’s resilience and strategic leadership, noting its importance for jobs and foreign earnings. As the world’s second-largest citrus exporter after Spain, South Africa sends two-thirds of its citrus abroad, accounting for 95% of sectoral revenue. Officials emphasised the fruit industry’s stabilising economic role and committed to strengthening logistics and market access to support continued growth.
Read full story: Biz Community
Date Published: November 21, 2025
KZN Smallholder Groundnut Farmers Push Back Against Price-Cutting Middlemen
Smallholder farmers in Emabhekazi, Ladysmith, have turned to groundnut production to boost their incomes, but limited market access and reliance on a single middleman are undermining their efforts. Lacking information on market prices, quality standards and buyers, the Kwa-Cwazibe Farmer Group is forced to accept low offers that do not reflect the true value of their produce. Quality issues and labour-intensive processing further restrict their bargaining power. Despite this, the farmers remain determined and are seeking support for market knowledge, value addition and improved links to formal markets, with assistance now being pursued through the NAMC and extension services.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: November 25, 2025
African News
High Atlas Foundation Plans Shared Model Farm to Boost Rural Moroccan Agriculture
The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is developing a collaborative Model Farm to introduce adaptable vertical farming and controlled-environment technologies to rural communities in Morocco. Building on two decades of supporting nearly 20,000 farmers, HAF aims to expand access to tools, water, energy and modern production methods through shared infrastructure rather than individual ownership. The Model Farm will demonstrate low- to medium-tech vertical systems, greenhouses and shade houses tailored to local climates, with a strong focus on sapling propagation for indigenous tree species. HAF believes this approach can strengthen livelihoods, attract younger generations back to agriculture and enhance long-term rural resilience.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: November 24, 2025
Global News
EU Unveils Ambitious Strategy to Double Number of Young Farmers by 2040
The European Commission’s new Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture lays out a comprehensive plan to double the proportion of young and new farmers in the EU by 2040. With ageing demographics threatening the sector, the Strategy tackles long-standing barriers such as land access, succession, finance, and gender inequality through measures including a “Starter Pack for Young Farmers”, fairer land markets, and pension reform. Evidence from the BEATLES and GRASS CEILING Horizon Europe projects helped shape the policy, emphasising sustainability, inclusion, and intergenerational learning. The Strategy also calls for increased investment, stronger innovation systems, and revitalised rural services to make farming a viable and attractive career.
Read full story: AEIDL News
Date Published: November 24, 2025
Agrivoltaics Could Boost Crop Yields Even When Solar Panels Produce No Power
Research from Western University shows that agrivoltaic systems - where crops grow beneath solar panels - can increase yields even when the panels are not generating electricity. Partial shading creates a cooler, more stable microclimate that conserves water and shields plants from heat, wind and hail. Studies worldwide have recorded yield increases across many crops, including an 18% rise in strawberries. Despite these benefits, Alberta’s new regulations restricting solar on farmland threaten agrivoltaic adoption. The findings suggest policymakers should recognise agrivoltaics as dual-use infrastructure that enhances food production and support clearer zoning and regulatory frameworks to enable uptake.
Read full story: Yahoo News
Date Published: November 24, 2025
Mexican Farmers Block US Border Bridge in Protest Over Water Reform
Hundreds of Mexican farmworkers and truck drivers blocked the Zaragoza–Ysleta International Bridge between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso as part of a wider national strike opposing proposed reforms to the General Water Law. The changes, backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, would prohibit farmers from selling or transferring water concession titles. Demonstrations took place across 16 states, with some protesters storming customs offices in Ciudad Juárez. Farmers argue the reforms would allow the government to “monopolise” water rights, leaving them unprotected, while Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez dismissed the unrest as politically motivated.
Read full story: France 24
Date Published: November 25, 2025
Severe Storms and Hail Devastate Crops Across WA’s South West and Great Southern
Severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain, hail and localised flooding to Western Australia’s South West and Great Southern regions, destroying crops just days before harvest. Properties around Boyup Brook, Chowerup and Kojonup were among the hardest hit, with some paddocks suffering up to 80% crop loss. Farmers reported smashed trees, damaged fences and canola pods stripped from plants, while rainfall totals reached 67mm in Carlotta and 60mm in Bridgetown. The storms also caused power outages and disrupted the Bridgetown Agricultural Show. Although spring storms are not unusual, meteorologists described the rainfall as exceptional, compounding the emotional and financial toll on growers.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: November 24, 2025
