South African News
GeoMaize uses satellites to give South African farmers early warning of crop stress
GeoMaize is a satellite-based crop monitoring system helping South African maize farmers detect problems before yields are lost. Using free Earth observation data from Digital Earth Africa, the platform combines optical and thermal satellite imagery with machine learning to identify water stress, nutrient shortages and pests’ weeks before visible damage appears. Farmers receive simple, practical advice through SMS alerts in local languages and a mobile app offering dashboards and yield forecasts. By translating complex satellite data into timely decisions, GeoMaize supports smallholder and commercial farmers, boosts resilience, and strengthens national food security efforts.
Read full story: Digital Earth Africa
Date published: January 21, 2026
False narratives risk undermining South Africa’s agricultural success
Economist Wandile Sihlobo argues that misleading portrayals of South Africa’s farming sector do real harm, despite the industry’s genuine challenges. While issues such as animal diseases and port inefficiencies remain costly, he notes that solutions are under way and need faster implementation, including improved vaccination programmes and better performance at the Port of Cape Town. Sihlobo warns that claims of farmers being “under siege” distort reality and damage confidence. In fact, agriculture has flourished since democracy, more than doubling in value, achieving record exports in 2025, and making South Africa the most food-secure country in sub-Saharan Africa.
Read full story: Wandile Substack
Date published: January 22, 2026
African News
Egypt’s agricultural exports reach record $11.5bn in 2025
Egypt’s fresh and processed agricultural exports rose to a record $11.5bn in 2025, accounting for nearly a quarter of the country’s total exports, according to Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk. Export volumes increased to about 9.5 million tonnes, driven by strong performance in citrus, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Egypt retained its position as the world’s largest orange exporter for the sixth year running, while demand from European markets grew notably. The minister attributed the success to strict quality standards, expanded market access, and the full digitisation of quarantine services, which have improved efficiency and competitiveness.
Read full story: Daily News Egypt
Date published: January 21, 2026
Global News
Argentine dairy group pushes for quality-based milk pricing reform
Argentina’s dairy association APyMIL has renewed its call for milk payments to be based on solid content rather than volume, arguing that this would create a fairer and more competitive system for producers. The association says rewarding quality would encourage higher standards of production, improve profitability for farmers, and strengthen the wider dairy industry. The proposal forms part of a broader effort to address structural challenges facing the sector and to align Argentina’s practices with international norms. APyMIL believes the reform is essential for the long-term sustainability of dairy farming and the global competitiveness of Argentine dairy products.
Read full story: Dairy News Today
Date published: January 22, 2026
Canadian farmers seek clarity as partial canola tariff deal leaves uncertainty
Manitoba farmers are welcoming reduced Chinese tariffs on canola but say ongoing uncertainty is making crop planning difficult. A recent interim deal removed tariffs on canola meal and lowered them on seed, but canola oil still faces a 100% tariff, troubling growers who want full market access. Farmers say previous tariffs cut prices and profitability, forcing some to diversify into other crops. Concerns also extend to future trade talks with the United States and Mexico, particularly for seed exporters. While cautiously optimistic, producers are calling for long-term certainty and the full removal of trade barriers.
Read full story: CTV News
Date published: January 21, 2026
EU presses ahead with Mercosur trade deal, leaving farmers exposed
The European Commission has moved forward with the EU–Mercosur trade agreement on a provisional basis, despite widespread protests and the absence of promised safeguards for farmers. European agricultural producers now face increased competition from South American imports without protective measures such as quotas, compensation funds, or stricter border controls. Attempts by parties across the political spectrum to block the deal failed, deepening political divisions within the EU. France and Spain have voiced strong opposition, warning of serious risks to their farming sectors. Critics argue the decision prioritises market access over agriculture, leaving farmers vulnerable while legal challenges are delayed.
Read full story: Russpain
Date published: January 22, 2026
Japan boosts value of Taiwan’s rice exports despite fall in volumes
Taiwan’s rice export volumes fell by 9.4% last year, but total export value rose 2.5% to US$103 million, driven by higher prices and strong demand from Japan, Australia and Canada. Shipments to Japan more than tripled by volume and quadrupled in value, making it the key growth market. Officials credit a strategy focused on appealing directly to Japanese consumers, highlighting taste and quality advantages over US rice. Although Japan maintains strict import limits, rising interest from importers suggests Taiwan’s rice exports to Japan could increase further this year.
Read full story: Taipei Times
Date published: January 22, 2026
