South African News
Eskom and Netherlands Launch Climate-Smart Farming Hub at Former Power Station
Eskom, together with the Government of the Netherlands and the Mpumalanga provincial government, has launched the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre at the Grootvlei Power Station. The project links South Africa’s Just Energy Transition with local economic development by repurposing coal-related infrastructure for climate-smart agriculture. It focuses on skills training, job creation and enterprise development in affected communities. Eight local residents are already training as greenhouse facilitators, while 75 agripreneurs will join a development programme in 2026. The initiative is positioned as a pilot for wider agri-economic development and long-term employment growth.
Read full story: Devdiscourse
Date Published: January 29, 2026
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Disrupts Meat Supply, Exports and Prices
South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis is placing severe strain on the meat industry, cutting exports, driving up consumer prices and causing widespread economic losses. New estimates from the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy suggest total losses to the beef sector could reach R13,1 billion when export earnings are included, while dairy farms face losses exceeding R1 billion. Export suspensions have sharply reduced beef shipments, particularly to the Middle East, while panic buying has pushed domestic meat inflation higher. Industry leaders warn that ongoing outbreaks are destabilising supply chains, leading to waste, job risks and long-term damage if the disease persists.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: January 30, 2026
African News
Southern Africa Urged to Act Together as Drought Becomes an Economic Emergency
Drought across Southern Africa is increasingly undermining jobs, food security and economic stability, according to a new World Bank report. Water scarcity is costing Sub-Saharan Africa up to 900,000 jobs a year, with rain-fed agriculture and vulnerable rural community’s hardest hit. Southern Africa faces particularly high-water stress due to declining freshwater reserves and inefficient agricultural use. The article highlights Eswatini as a regional model, combining indigenous knowledge with modern early-warning systems and governance reforms to build resilience. It calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, proactive risk management and shared investment to shift from crisis response to long-term drought resilience.
Read full story: Farming Portal
Date Published: January 30, 2026
Global News
Chile Deepens Focus on China as Cherries Dominate Fruit Exports
China remains Chile’s most important fruit export market, receiving nearly 40% of all Chilean fruit exports and around 90% of its cherries. Frutas de Chile president Ivan Marambio has intensified engagement with China, aiming to boost everyday consumption and better understand consumer preferences. Bilateral trade has expanded sharply since the 2006 free trade agreement, with cherry exports alone worth almost US$3.3 billion in the 2024/25 season. Although cherry export volumes are down this season due to early harvesting and weather conditions, Chilean exporters continue to emphasise quality as their key competitive advantage amid falling wholesale prices.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: January 29, 2026
Sulawesi Farmers Fear Loss of Land as Nickel Mining Expansion Advances
Farmers around Lake Towuti in Sulawesi are increasingly concerned about plans by PT Vale Indonesia to expand nickel mining within its long-standing concession, amid surging global demand for electric vehicle batteries. Local communities fear the loss of farmland, forests and water quality, threatening livelihoods built on peppercorn farming. Environmental groups warn the company’s operations are already linked to some of Indonesia’s highest mining-related deforestation rates. While PT Vale Indonesia says it is developing biodiversity and social safeguards, farmers and NGOs argue that consultation has been inadequate and compensation uneven. The dispute highlights tensions between the green energy transition, Indigenous land rights and rural livelihoods.
Read full story: Mongabay
Date Published: January 29, 2026
German Farm Gives Away Millions of Potatoes After Record Harvest
A farm in Saxony is distributing millions of potatoes for free after Germany’s bumper harvest left the market oversupplied. Known as the “great potato rescue”, the initiative aims to prevent around four million kilograms of surplus potatoes from going to waste. Hundreds of tonnes have already been transported to Berlin and other regions, supplying food banks, schools and churches. The scheme is backed by Berliner Morgenpost and eco-friendly search engine Ecosia. While organisers say the project highlights the value of food and reduces waste, farmers’ groups have criticised it as a publicity stunt that risks undermining local markets.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published: January 29, 2026
New Zealand Government Backs Young Farmers with Safety and Skills Investment
The New Zealand Government has announced a new partnership between ACC and NZ Young Farmers to support the safety, wellbeing and skills development of emerging agricultural leaders. For the first time, ACC will sponsor the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition, bringing a stronger focus on injury prevention and recovery. Associate Minister Nicola Grigg said the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to building a resilient future for farming while addressing current risks in one of the country’s most hazardous industries. With more than 23,000 farm injury claims in 2024, the partnership aims to promote safer, more sustainable farming careers.
Read full story: The National Tribune
Date Published: January 30, 2026
