South African News
South Africa’s Fruit Exports Recover as Citrus and Cherries Lead Growth
South Africa’s fruit export sector has entered 2026 with renewed strength after several challenging years. Citrus exports led the recovery, reaching a record 203 million cartons in 2025, supported by strong demand and wider market access across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Cherries recorded a sharp rise in volumes, particularly into Asian markets, while stone fruit such as nectarines and peaches also posted moderate growth. Despite this momentum, exporters continue to face constraints from port congestion, shipping delays and policy uncertainty in some markets. Overall, the sector shows resilience, with gradual gains driven by investment in quality, logistics and diversification.
Read full story: Further Africa
Date Published: January 12, 2026
Key Policy Reforms Needed to Unlock South Africa’s Agricultural Growth in 2026
South Africa can significantly boost agricultural growth in 2026 by prioritising effective policy implementation, according to columnist Wandile Sihlobo. He argues that progress has relied too heavily on farmer efficiency, technology and favourable weather, rather than decisive government action. Priority areas include accelerating land reform through releasing state-owned land with title deeds, diversifying exports into fast-growing Asian and Middle Eastern markets, and reforming the Southern African Customs Union to enable more agile trade deals. Strengthening biosecurity, revitalising agricultural research, and tackling rural crime and stock theft are also essential to attract investment and ensure inclusive, sustainable growth.
Read full story: Business Day
Date Published: January 11, 2026
African News
Uganda Distributes Modern Coffee Seedlings to Raise Farmer Incomes in Masaka
The Ugandan government has distributed 8,000 modern coffee seedlings to farmers in Masaka District to boost production, increase household incomes and support national poverty reduction efforts. The initiative targets farmers in Kyannamukaaka and Kyesiiga sub-counties and forms part of a wider drive to promote coffee as a reliable cash crop. Officials highlighted the importance of encouraging youth participation in agriculture to address unemployment and long-term poverty. While farmers welcomed the support, they raised ongoing concerns including coffee wilt disease, high fertiliser prices and counterfeit agricultural inputs, which continue to constrain productivity.
Read full story: Agro Centric
Date Published: January 11, 2026
Global News
UK Government Proposes Major Welfare Reforms for Laying Hens and Lambs
The UK Government has unveiled new proposals to strengthen animal welfare standards for laying hens and lambs, marking a key step in its Animal Welfare Strategy. Plans include phasing out all colony cage systems for laying hens by 2032 and introducing stricter rules to minimise pain during lamb castration and tail docking, including greater use of pain relief and alternative methods. The reforms reflect scientific advice and strong public support, while aiming to balance high welfare standards with food security and farm viability. Both measures are now subject to eight-week consultations with farmers and industry stakeholders.
Read full story: Farming Online
Date Published: January 12, 2026
Argentina Launches Donkey Milk Initiative to Support Children with Food Allergies
Argentina has launched a research-led project to produce and study donkey milk as a hypoallergenic alternative for children with food allergies. Based in Villa María and led by a researcher from Córdoba, the initiative draws on European experience where donkey milk is already used for its low allergenicity compared with cow’s milk. Beyond its health benefits, the project aims to create new opportunities within Argentina’s agroindustrial sector by developing a niche dairy product with scientific and commercial potential. Researchers hope the initiative will both support affected families and contribute to innovation and diversification in the national dairy industry.
Read full story: Dairy News
Date Published: January 12, 2026
New Climate-Resilient Sugarcane Variety Promises Higher Returns for Indian Farmers
Researchers at the Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Karnal have developed a new sugarcane variety, Karna-18 (CO-18022), designed to boost farmer incomes in northwestern India. The variety is tolerant to drought and salinity, resilient to changing weather conditions, and resistant to red rot disease and top borer pests. Suitable for major sugarcane-growing states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, Karna-18 is expected to replace older varieties and perform well in ratoon crops. With estimated yields of nearly 986 quintals per hectare and sugar recovery of about 11 per cent, it offers improved productivity and profitability for farmers.
Read full story: ChiniMandi
Date Published: January 12, 2026
Greek Farmer Protests End, but Deep-Rooted Problems Persist
After 40 days of widespread disruption, Greece’s farmers are dismantling road, border and airport blockades, having realised no further concessions are forthcoming from the government. Public sympathy has waned amid the prolonged refusal to negotiate. While the protests are ending, the underlying problems remain unresolved. Greek agriculture continues to suffer from long-standing structural weaknesses, including fragmented landholdings, an ageing farming population and limited formal training. Neither farmers nor successive governments have presented a credible long-term strategy, instead relying on short-term measures and financial handouts. Without meaningful reform and modernisation, the sector’s challenges are likely to persist.
Read full story: eKathimerini
Date Published: January 11, 2026