South African News
Pineapple leaves turned into low-cost weapon against pollution and crime
South African researchers have found a way to transform discarded pineapple leaves into advanced nanoparticles that clean polluted water and help police detect fingerprints. Scientists at Nelson Mandela University discovered that carbon-based nanoparticles made from the leaves can remove harmful copper from wastewater, a major problem linked to mining and industry. Once used, the copper-loaded particles can be reused as a safer fingerprint dusting powder. The innovation offers a cheaper alternative to existing water treatment methods, reduces agricultural waste, and supports a circular economy by giving farm by-products a valuable second life.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: February 2, 2026
NSPCA warns of fast-spreading foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
The NSPCA has raised serious concerns over the rapid spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among South African livestock, warning that cattle, sheep, goats and pigs are suffering as the outbreak intensifies. Typical symptoms include fever, blisters, excessive salivation, lameness and painful sores. Farmers have been urged to act quickly by contacting veterinarians, restricting animal movement and reporting suspected cases. While government has begun vaccinations and plans further roll-outs, experts say shortages in veterinary capacity and delayed responses have worsened the situation, leaving small-scale farmers especially vulnerable.
Read full story: Getaway
Date Published: February 2, 2026
African News
Botswana imposes quarantine after foot-and-mouth disease confirmed
Botswana has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the North East District, triggering immediate quarantine measures and livestock movement restrictions. The virus was detected in cattle at Jackalas 1 village near the Zimbabwean border, following laboratory tests by veterinary authorities. Surveillance is under way to assess the scale of the outbreak, alongside containment zones and public awareness campaigns for farmers. The situation has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, with both Zimbabwe and South Africa reporting recent cases. While FMD poses no risk to humans, it threatens Botswana’s vital livestock industry and export markets.
Read full story: APA News
Date Published: February 2, 2026
Global News
EU moves closer to new rules on innovative plant breeding
The European Union is preparing to adopt new regulations on plant breeding using new genomic techniques (NGTs), aiming to boost sustainability, resilience and competitiveness in agriculture. The rules, agreed politically in late 2025 and due to be implemented in 2028, will classify NGT plants into two categories, with some treated like conventionally bred crops and others regulated as GMOs. The European Commission says this will help farmers tackle climate pressures and pests while supporting food innovation. However, consumer groups warn that easing risk assessments could undermine transparency, safety and consumer trust.
Read full story: Ingredients Network
Date Published: February 2, 2026
US cattle numbers stuck at historic low, pushing beef prices higher
The US cattle herd remains at its smallest level since 1951, signalling continued high beef prices for consumers. Government figures show little change in herd size from last year, as ranchers continue sending animals to slaughter rather than rebuilding stocks. Years of drought, high costs and strong demand have driven prices to record levels, discouraging producers from holding back breeding cows. Although cattle prices are attractive, concerns over dry conditions and delayed returns are slowing expansion. With supplies tightening further before any recovery, efforts to ease supermarket beef prices face ongoing challenges.
Read full story: Irish Independent
Date Published: February 2, 2026
Drones transform farming with sharper yields and lower costs
Agricultural drones are becoming vital tools for farmers worldwide, helping them boost productivity while cutting costs and environmental impact. Used for precision spraying, drones can reduce chemical use by up to 90 per cent, while advanced cameras detect crop disease and stress weeks earlier than the human eye. Thermal imaging supports smarter irrigation, saving significant amounts of water, and drones also aid livestock monitoring, planting in hard-to-reach areas and accurate yield forecasting. As the technology becomes more affordable, drones are moving from experimental gadgets to everyday farming equipment, supporting more sustainable and resilient food production.
Read full story: Rolling Out
Date Published: February 1, 2026
Kim Jong Un opens North Korea’s largest greenhouse complex near China
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inaugurated the country’s largest greenhouse farm on islands along the Yalu River near the Chinese border, pledging to make North Korea a global leader in greenhouse technology. The vast Sinuiju complex is intended to boost vegetable production and improve food security after years of shortages. Kim praised scientists for cutting costs through integrated production systems and highlighted the role of thousands of young workers and soldiers mobilised to build the site. While the project underscores Pyongyang’s push for agricultural self-sufficiency, independent verification of its full operation remains unavailable.
Read full story: NK News
Date Published: February 2, 2026
