South African News
Botswana’s Surprise Vegetable Import Ban Strains Regional Trade Ties
Botswana has reintroduced a ban on importing 16 vegetables from neighbouring countries, including South Africa, in a move that has frustrated local producers and raised concerns about regional trade reliability. The restrictions, imposed without consultation, affect goods such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions and peppers, and undermine established Southern African Customs Union (SACU) processes. Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo criticised Botswana’s unilateral action, arguing that it disrupts exporters, erodes trust, and makes coordinated regional planning impossible. Although Botswana represents only about 8% of South Africa’s vegetable export market, the lack of communication highlights deeper structural issues within SACU and threatens future trade stability.
Read full story: Business Tech
Date Published: December 11, 2025
South Africa Seed Market Set to Reach $985M by 2030 Amid Rising Hybrid and GM Adoption
The South Africa seed market is projected to grow from USD 802 million in 2025 to USD 985.17 million by 2030, reflecting a 4.2% CAGR, driven by increased adoption of hybrid and GM seeds, demand for climate-resilient crops, and expanded cover-crop use. Farmers are turning to drought- and heat-tolerant varieties, while regulatory clarity on gene-editing and GM technologies supports faster development of next-generation seeds. Precision farming tools and soil-health initiatives are also boosting repeat purchases. Key players, including Corteva, Syngenta, and Bayer, are contributing to market stability, positioning the sector for steady long-term growth despite pricing and climate pressures.
Read full story: The Globe and Mail
Date Published: December 10, 2025
African News
Morocco’s Hass Avocado Season Stabilises After Early Market Pressures
Morocco’s Hass avocado season, initially disrupted by slow trade and intense price pressure from European buyers, is now regaining momentum. Early tensions stemmed from limited volumes and a surge of Latin American avocados saturating the European market, prompting many Moroccan growers to postpone harvesting. Since early December, however, market conditions have strengthened, with farm-gate prices rising more than 15% in two weeks. Strong domestic demand, boosted by stockpiling ahead of Ramadan, is further supporting the market. With good fruit quality and improving prices, producers are optimistic that the season may end earlier and more favourably than expected.
Read full story: Morocco World News
Date Published: December 10, 2025
Global News
Peru’s Cherry Sector Shows Promise in High-Value Niche Markets
Chile’s cherry industry has expanded dramatically over the past decade, reaching over $1.8 billion in exports by 2025 thanks to ideal climate conditions, technological advances and strong Asian demand. The crop requires cold winters and hot summers, conditions Peru largely lacks except in select high-altitude areas such as Huaraz. While Peru cannot replicate Chile’s large-scale model, experts note opportunities in premium niche markets. Successful production would depend on controlled environments, specialist infrastructure and efficient cold-chain logistics to achieve the fruit size and firmness demanded internationally. Peru’s potential lies in targeted, high-quality output rather than volume-driven exports.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: December 10, 2025
EU Farmers Plan Mass Brussels Protest for a Fairer and Stronger CAP
Thousands of farmers from across Europe will gather in Brussels on 18 December to demand reforms to EU agricultural policy, as frustration grows over falling profitability, rising costs and increasing regulatory pressure. Organised by COPA-COGECA, the protest aims to highlight fears that current EU decisions—ranging from CAP budget cuts to trade deals such as Mercosur—are undermining farm viability and exposing producers to unfair global competition. Farming groups argue that legal uncertainty, complex regulation and weak market power are hindering investment and generational renewal. They call for a well-funded post-2027 CAP, fair trade rules and genuine regulatory simplification to safeguard Europe’s agricultural future.
Read full story: Fruit Today
Date Published: December 10, 2025
North American Produce Sector Urges Full 16-Year Renewal of USMCA
Leaders from the North American produce industry are calling for a full 16-year renewal of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of its first six-year joint review in July 2026. Canadian Produce Marketing Association President Ron Lemaire has written to Prime Minister Mark Carney and senior officials, stressing the agreement’s crucial role in supporting a stable, integrated agricultural market. He highlights that provisions on sanitary and phytosanitary standards, biotechnology and dispute settlement have provided regulatory certainty and encouraged innovation. Lemaire warns that turbulent negotiations could dampen Canadian sentiment toward U.S. goods but remains optimistic about improving alignment across the three nations.
Read full story: The Packer
Date Published: December 10, 2025
Australia’s Emerging Biofuel Sector Seen as Major Opportunity for Farmers and Industry
Australian farmers and innovators say the country’s biofuel sector has significant untapped potential, with strong prospects for a domestic low-carbon fuel industry. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation estimates the sector could be worth $36 billion by 2050, but producers argue greater policy support is needed. Projects underway range from refining canola oil for aviation fuel to converting biogenic CO₂ into e-methanol and gasifying household waste to produce hydrogen. Industry leaders say the benefits include regional investment, reduced landfill pressure and lower emissions. While the federal government has launched a $1 billion fund, stakeholders are urging mandated use of low-carbon fuels to secure investor confidence.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: December 8, 2025
