South African News
Farmers Warned Against Illegal Roadblocks Amid Foot-and-Mouth Concerns
As cases of foot-and-mouth disease continue to worry livestock producers, experts are urging farmers not to take the law into their own hands by establishing unofficial roadblocks. Current legislation allows only police and traffic authorities to stop or search vehicles on public roads, and any private individual doing so risks criminal charges, civil liability and loss of insurance cover. Farmers may enforce access control only on private property. While they can assist police during authorised operations and may carry out citizen’s arrests under strict conditions, all public-road checkpoints must be run in partnership with law enforcement.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: December 1, 2025
Cape Winelands Living Wage Study Invites Public Feedback
A new living wage study for the Cape Winelands has been released for public comment, highlighting the real cost of living for farmworkers in one of South Africa’s key agricultural regions. Commissioned by the Global Living Wage Coalition and supported by Fairtrade partners, the research estimates that a family of four requires about R12 318 per month to meet basic needs. The net living wage is calculated at R7 604, with a gross wage of R7 681. Bringing together government, unions, producers and workers, the study aims to drive fair wage discussions before finalisation. Public comments are open until 8 December.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: November 29, 2025
African News
Africa Urged to Act Fast as Leaders Warn of “Four Harvests” Left to Secure Food Future
At the B20 Sustainable Food Systems Dialogue, African and global agricultural leaders warned that the continent has only “four harvests” left before 2030 to secure its food future. With the population expected to grow by 200 million, speakers called for urgent reforms to unlock intra-African trade, reduce reliance on imported inputs and strengthen rural infrastructure. They highlighted that improved logistics, local seed production, and wider access to innovation could generate $180 billion in agricultural trade and create 10 million jobs. Emphasising practical, high-impact solutions, leaders stressed that Africa holds the blueprint for transformation but must now deliver rapid, decisive action.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: December 1, 2025
Global News
European Farmers Warn of Deepening Crisis as Crop Prices Collapse
European arable farmers are facing a mounting crisis as wheat and sugar prices plunge while input costs remain stubbornly high. Bumper harvests in major exporting countries have driven global prices to multi-year lows, leaving UK and EU growers selling below cost. Farmers report “negative margins across the board”, with machinery auctions rising as businesses restructure under pressure. Despite falling commodity prices, retail food costs remain elevated due to energy, transport and processing expenses. Sugar beet producers in France warn of an existential threat from cheap imports and stricter EU pesticide rules, while UK growers face additional strain from reduced subsidies and impending tax changes.
Read full story: Financial Times
Date Published: December 1, 2025
Greece’s Mass Livestock Cull Sparks Fears of Feta Shortages
Greece is culling hundreds of thousands of sheep and goats as a fast-spreading pox outbreak devastates herds across multiple regions, threatening supplies of the country’s signature feta cheese. More than 417,000 animals - up to 5% of the national flock - have already been destroyed, leaving farmers facing financial collapse and emotional trauma. Dairies report growing difficulty sourcing sheep’s milk, the key ingredient in feta, raising the prospect of shortages and future price increases. Critics accuse authorities of a slow and understaffed response, while farmers demand emergency vaccination. The government warns mass vaccination could jeopardise feta exports and certification.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published: December 1, 2025
Brazil shifts from arabica to robusta to guard coffee against climate change
Climate change is pushing Brazil - the world’s biggest arabica coffee producer - to shift increasingly towards robusta beans, which tolerate heat, drought and disease better. While arabica remains dominant, robusta production has risen over 81% in the past decade and saw a record 22% increase this year alone. Robusta’s resilience and higher yields help ensure Brazil stays a global coffee supplier even as traditional growing regions warm. Although robusta is usually stronger and more bitter than arabica, its lower cost and improved quality are making it more attractive, especially among younger consumers who mix coffee with milk, syrups and creamers.
Read full story: Fortune
Date Published: November 30, 2025
India’s Farm Output Shifts Toward Livestock, Fisheries and High-Value Crops
India’s agricultural economy is steadily diversifying as the share of traditional crops declines and high-value segments gain momentum. New MoSPI data shows total agricultural GVO rising 55% from 2011–12 to 2023–24, but crops’ share has fallen from 62% to 54%. Livestock output has nearly doubled—driven largely by milk and expanding meat production—while fisheries have grown rapidly, increasing their share from 4.2% to 7%. Within crops, cereals and fruits & vegetables still dominate, but spices are the fastest-growing category. The data highlights a long-term shift toward more resilient, profitable and nutrition-focused farm activities, with implications for incomes and rural employment.
Read full story: Factly
Date Published: December 1, 2025
