South African News
South African Government Holds Back Millions of Hectares from Black Farmers
South Africa’s government is retaining around 2.5 million hectares of agricultural land acquired under its Pro-Active Land Acquisition Strategy instead of transferring it to black farmers with title deeds, hampering both economic participation and agricultural output of historically disadvantaged growers, according to Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo. He criticised the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development for poor progress in 2025 and urged a return to earlier reform approaches backed by the agriculture sector. The broader land debate reflects deep inequalities rooted in colonial and apartheid-era policies, with much redistributed land remaining under state control and long-term leases rather than outright ownership.
Read full story:Newsday
Date Published: January 7, 2026
Sunflower Sector Wary Yet Hopeful as 2026 Season Approaches
South Africa’s sunflower industry is entering the 2025/26 season with cautious optimism, shaped largely by rainfall uncertainty, climate variability and rising production costs. As a predominantly rainfed crop, sunflower remains attractive for dryland farmers due to its resilience and stable yields under adverse conditions. Industry economists note that farmers are adapting by prioritising climate-smart practices, diversifying crops and monitoring soil moisture closely. While planting intentions suggest a slight decline in hectarage, improved yields and strong demand for high-oil sunflower varieties could support prices. Overall production prospects remain steady, with weather conditions expected to be the decisive factor.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: January 3, 2026
African News
Zimbabwe’s Dairy Sector Gains Ground on Path to Self-Sufficiency
Zimbabwe’s dairy industry is recovering steadily, with milk production expected to rise enough to meet national demand in 2025. Output reached 115 million litres in 2024, and the sector is targeting 132 million litres on the back of good rainfall, improved feed availability and wider use of cost-efficient production methods. Investment in modern infrastructure, breeding technologies and farmer training is helping to lift productivity, despite rising input costs and pricing pressures. Industry leaders say continued growth will depend on addressing power shortages, feed costs and producer prices, while improved land tenure confidence is encouraging longer-term investment.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: January 7, 2026
Global News
Prabowo Proclaims Indonesia Self-Sufficient in Rice, Amid Calls for Caution
President Prabowo Subianto has declared that Indonesia achieved rice self-sufficiency in 2025, marking the announcement at a harvest festival in West Java alongside senior ministers and farmers. He praised the farming community for reducing reliance on imports and hailed the achievement as a milestone for national independence. However, policy analysts have urged caution, warning that claims of self-sufficiency must be supported by robust data and resilient systems. Concerns remain over extreme weather, rising food prices and the government’s decision to halt rice and sugar imports in 2026, which critics say could heighten risks during shortages or festive demand periods.
Read full story: Tempo
Date Published: January 7, 2026
Malaysia Seeks Deeper Agricultural Cooperation with United States
Malaysia is looking to strengthen its agricultural and food security partnership with the United States, with potential collaboration in corn production for animal feed, cabbage farming and greater mechanisation and automation. The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said the move would also encourage US investment in technology, including improved seed varieties and Internet of Things applications. A Malaysian delegation is expected to visit the US to benchmark food safety and agricultural control systems under the Reciprocal Trade Agreement framework. The initiative builds on strong bilateral ties, with agricultural trade between the two countries exceeding RM14.68 billion by September 2025.
Read full story:New Strait Times
Date Published: January 5, 2026
Major Grain Traders Exit Long-Standing Amazon Soy Pact
Several of Brazil’s largest grain trading companies are withdrawing from the Amazon soy moratorium, a nearly 20-year-old agreement credited with curbing deforestation linked to soybean farming. The decision follows a change in tax law in Mato Grosso, which removed incentives for companies complying with the pact. Industry group Abiove confirmed that it and many members, including global traders, have begun exiting the agreement. Environmental organisations warned the move weakens one of Brazil’s most effective deforestation controls and could heighten climate risks. Farmer groups welcomed the decision, arguing the moratorium is unfair and unnecessary under existing forest laws.
Read full story: Reuters
Date Published: January 5, 2026
Pakistan Sets Out Five-Year Plan to Raise Farm Exports and Yields
Pakistan is preparing a five-year strategy to strengthen agricultural exports and improve crop yields as climate change places growing strain on the sector. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said reforms will focus on better-quality seeds, timely and affordable fertiliser, and improved crop protection to lift per-hectare productivity. The government also aims to expand value-added exports through enhanced processing and certification systems, boosting farmer incomes and foreign exchange earnings. Measures under consideration include increasing palm oil production along the coast and expanding fisheries and fruit exports. The initiative comes amid increasing losses from floods and heat stress affecting food security.
Read full story:Arab News
Date Published: January 6, 2026
