South African News
FNB Sees Renewed Confidence in South African Agriculture for 2026
South Africa’s agriculture sector ended 2025 on a stronger footing than expected, despite disease, price and trade pressures, says FNB’s Dawie Maree. Export-focused industries performed well, supported by global demand and better seasonal conditions, while livestock continued to struggle under foot-and-mouth disease. Interest rate cuts improved farm cash flow and balance sheets, boosting confidence and investment appetite. Agricultural GDP grew strongly, exports rose despite US tariffs, and machinery sales rebounded. Looking ahead, favourable rainfall, stable input costs and potential further rate cuts support a positive outlook for 2026, although disease control and infrastructure remain key risks.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: January 2, 2026
From Flower to Freight: How South African Litchi Growers Supply Export Markets
South African litchi producers rely on precise, year-round orchard management to compete in export markets during the counter-seasonal summer harvest, says Komati Fruits production manager Jaco Henery. At Riverside Farm in Mpumalanga, careful pruning, irrigation control and climate management are essential to secure flowering and fruit quality. While the Mauritius cultivar remains dominant, new varieties are being tested to improve size and flavour. Weather volatility continues to affect yields, but exports remain stable, with Europe and the US driving demand. Efficient harvesting, rapid cooling and strict post-harvest handling are key to maintaining fruit quality and supporting steady sector growth.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: January 5, 2026
African News
Crop Losses Intensify Food Insecurity Across Africa
Rising crop losses driven by climate shocks, flooding, pests and disease are placing growing strain on Africa’s food systems, researchers from the Global Burden of Crop Loss warn. Unpredictable rainfall and extreme weather are reducing yields and incomes for farmers from East to West Africa, tightening food supplies and pushing up prices. Smallholders are particularly exposed, with losses occurring at both planting and harvest. Studies show climate shocks can cut national crop output by nearly a third in bad years, while pests and diseases add major economic costs. Researchers argue that improved data, climate-smart farming and expanded small-scale irrigation are critical to strengthening resilience.
Read full story:Eurasia Review
Date Published: January 5, 2026
Global News
Trump’s Bid to Cut Beef Prices Unsettles US Cattle Markets
US cattle ranchers say President Donald Trump’s push to lower beef prices has destabilised cattle markets, cutting profits while failing to ease costs for consumers. Public comments describing beef as “too expensive”, alongside moves to expand low-tariff imports and probe meatpackers, triggered a sharp fall in cattle futures. Ranchers report rising uncertainty, stalled buying and concerns about rebuilding the national herd after years of drought and high costs. Retail beef prices, however, remain elevated, highlighting a disconnect between farmgate and supermarket prices. Despite financial frustration, many ranchers continue to support Trump politically, underscoring tensions between loyalty and economic pressure.
Read full story:The Scottish Farmer
Date Published: January 4, 2026
Heavy Rains Drive Sharp Rise in Vegetable Prices Across Malaysia
Prolonged heavy rainfall in Malaysia has disrupted vegetable production, pushing prices up by more than 50% in some areas. Flooded fields and slower crop growth during the monsoon season have reduced supplies of produce such as tomatoes, chillies, okra and leafy greens. Traders say limited harvests are forcing them to sell smaller quantities so more customers can still buy. The price spikes highlight how extreme and unpredictable weather, linked to climate change, is increasingly affecting food production and household budgets. Farmers expect volatility to persist and are adjusting operations to cope with ongoing supply disruptions.
Read full story:The Cool Down
Date Published: January 4, 2026
India Overtakes China to Become World’s Largest Rice Producer
India has become the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China with output of 150.18 million tonnes, according to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Announcing the milestone in New Delhi, Chouhan also unveiled 184 new high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties covering 25 crops, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and partners. The new varieties aim to raise productivity, improve quality and boost farmer incomes, while strengthening food security. Chouhan said India has shifted from food deficit to global food supplier, with ample grain stocks and growing exports, and urged faster distribution of improved seeds to farmers nationwide.
Read full story:The Economic Times
Date Published: January 4, 2026
Mexico’s Organic Dairy Sector Expands with Strong Certification Growth
Mexico’s organic dairy sector continued to grow in 2025, supported by a wider range of certified products and a strong base of organic producers. Around 40,000 certified farmers now operate across more than 210,500 hectares, supplying over 370 fresh and 1,700 processed organic products, including cow and goat milk. The sector spans several key agricultural states and benefits from stricter enforcement of Mexico’s Organic Products Law and improved certification systems. These measures are helping producers access higher-value domestic and export markets, while meeting rising demand for sustainable, pesticide-free and non-GMO dairy products.
Read full story:Dairy News Today
Date Published: January 5, 2026
