South African News
South Africa’s UN Agritech Vote Leaves Small Farmers Behind
An opinion piece by Michael Kransdorff argues that South Africa’s decision to vote against a UN resolution on agricultural technology undermines its own development priorities and harms more than two million small-scale farmers. Although 129 countries supported the resolution, which focused on climate-smart farming, water-efficient irrigation and rural resilience, South Africa rejected it solely because it was sponsored by Israel. Kransdorff contends that the technologies offered — such as drip irrigation, micro-irrigation and drought-resistant crops — are precisely what the country’s struggling rural communities need. He calls the vote an act of political self-sabotage that worsens food insecurity and rural poverty.
Read full story: Farmer’s Review Africa
Date Published: December 9, 2025
Free State Pilot Project Helps Emerging Farmers Enter South Africa’s Hi-Tech Livestock Market
A new pilot project in Bethulie, Free State, is helping smallholder livestock farmers bridge the agri-tech divide as South Africa shifts to a strict national traceability system following severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. Led by Daniël Rautenbach of Pointr Solutions, the initiative provides communal farmers with RFID tags, training and software compatible with the Red Meat Industry Services platform. The project tackles barriers such as high technology costs, poor connectivity, limited finance and low digital literacy. By making livestock traceable and compliant, participating farmers can access formal markets and secure better prices. A six-week digital skills programme is also being developed.
Read full story: Daily Maverick
Date Published: December 8, 2025
African News
Nigeria Urged to Embrace Agri-Industrialisation to Break Food Insecurity Cycle
Speaking at the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit 2025, former AfDB adviser Prof. Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka warned that Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains technologically backward and unable to drive national development. Despite vast fertile land, the country remains a major importer of staple foods, a situation he says undermines farmers, weakens industry and fuels unemployment. He argued that Nigeria must transition from subsistence farming to science-driven, industrial agriculture supported by mechanisation, research, stable policy and market-linked value chains. Government representatives highlighted ongoing efforts in Oyo State, including partnerships with research institutes and the development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones.
Read full story: Punch
Date Published: December 9, 2025
Global News
EU’s First Soil Monitoring Law Set to Transform Land Management from 16 December
The EU’s landmark Soil Monitoring Law will take effect on 16 December 2025, marking the bloc’s first comprehensive legislation dedicated to soil health. Member States must regularly assess soil conditions across farmland, forests and urban areas, addressing issues such as erosion, compaction and contamination. With 60–70% of EU soils currently considered unhealthy, the law aims to support farmers and land managers through improved monitoring, knowledge-sharing and access to a new EU soil health data portal. While it introduces no binding targets or new permitting rules, it promotes soil resilience, mitigation of land take and more transparent management of contaminated sites.
Read full story: Open Access Government
Date Published: December 8, 2025
Beer Brewing Waste Shows Promise in Reducing Salmon Disease and Antibiotic Use
A Chilean study has found that brewer’s spent grain (BSG), the main byproduct of beer production, could help farmed salmon resist salmon rickettsial syndrome (SRS), a major cause of mortality in Chile’s aquaculture sector. Researchers from several universities and the Incar centre developed an enhanced form of BSG, known as BEP, and found it may boost intestinal health, strengthen immune responses, and reduce oxidative stress in fish. The findings suggest BEP could lower reliance on antibiotics, long a challenge for Chilean salmon farming. However, scientists emphasise that further testing is required before the additive can be applied commercially.
Read full story: Seafood Source
Date Published: December 8, 2025
Trump’s Threatened Tariffs on Indian Rice Likely to Hurt the U.S. More Than India
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened new tariffs on Indian rice, accusing India and other countries of “dumping” rice in the American market. However, trade data indicates the move would damage U.S. consumers more than Indian exporters. India exports only around 3% of its rice to the U.S., while Indian rice makes up roughly 26% of U.S. rice imports. Analysts note that India has diverse export markets, whereas the U.S. relies heavily on Indian rice supplies. Experts suggest Trump’s remarks, made as he unveiled a $12 billion aid package for American farmers, are driven by domestic political considerations rather than trade logic.
Read full story: The Hindu
Date Published: December 9, 2025
FAO Warns of Widespread Soil Fertility Decline and Nutrient Loss in Pakistan
A new FAO assessment released on World Soil Day highlights severe soil degradation across Pakistan, marked by low organic matter, declining fertility, and widespread nutrient deficiencies. Much of the country’s agricultural land faces salinity, sodicity, erosion, and pollution, exacerbated by intensive farming, waterlogging, deforestation, and overgrazing. Weak land-tenure systems and gaps in legal and institutional frameworks hinder long-term soil management. The FAO calls for a national soil policy, stronger enforcement, improved interagency coordination, and better farmer education. Continued reliance on chemical fertilisers, inadequate monitoring, and weak provincial capacity remain significant challenges to sustainable soil stewardship.
Read full story: The Tribune India
Date Published: December 8, 2025
