South African News
SA farmers challenge government over Foot and Mouth Disease response
South Africa’s worst-ever outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease has escalated into a legal battle, as agricultural lobby groups take the matter to court. Sakeliga, the Southern African Agri Initiative and Free State Agriculture are challenging Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, accusing him of obstructing private sector efforts to contain the disease. The groups want livestock owners and private veterinarians to be allowed to obtain and administer vaccines, arguing this is essential to protect livestock and food security. Steenhuisen maintains that such actions would be unlawful. With pressure mounting, farming leaders say legal intervention is now unavoidable to safeguard the agricultural sector.
Read full story: Channel Africa
Date Published: February 3, 2026
Eastern Cape launches R19.5m drive to revive irrigation schemes
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has launched a R19.5 million irrigation scheme revival programme to tackle poverty, create jobs and stimulate agricultural growth across the province. Officially launched on 27 January at the Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme near Keiskammahoek, the initiative will initially support vegetable, grain and fodder production over 1,528 hectares. The long-term goal is to revitalise 10,000 hectares of irrigation schemes province-wide. Farmers will receive machinery and infrastructure support, while district-specific funding has been allocated to boost productivity, skills development and market access, with strong emphasis on partnerships and sustainable farming.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: February 2, 2026
African News
Kitui rolls out Sh26m subsidised livestock vaccination against FMD
The Kitui County Government has launched a Sh26 million subsidised livestock vaccination campaign to curb Foot and Mouth Disease and protect farmers’ livelihoods. The countywide exercise, covering all 40 wards, targets more than 245,000 cattle and will be implemented by licensed veterinary officers using vaccines from KEVEVAPI. To improve affordability, the cost per animal has been reduced from Sh160 to Sh50 through a subsidy administered via cooperatives. County officials say the programme will reduce disease outbreaks, stabilise livestock markets and strengthen food security, while supporting the county’s broader agenda to improve animal health and agricultural productivity.
Read full story: Kenya News Agency
Date Published: February 3, 2026
Global News
£1.34m DEFRA funding backs low-carbon fertiliser for UK cereal farmers
A Healthier Earth and Cefetra have secured £1.34 million from DEFRA’s Farming Innovation Programme to develop a biogenic, low-carbon fertiliser for UK cereal farming. The three-year project, delivered with Innovate UK and partners including the UK Agri-Tech Centre and UKCEH, aims to cut nitrogen use, reduce emissions and improve soil health while maintaining yields. The biochar-based product, originally developed by Biochar Innovations, has shown a 23% reduction in nitrogen requirements in early trials. The funding will support farm-scale testing and commercial scaling, helping farmers lower costs, unlock carbon credits and support net-zero goals.
Read full story: Farming Online
Date Published: February 3, 2026
Israeli fruit exports hit by European boycotts amid Gaza war
Israeli fruit farmers say exports are sharply declining as overseas buyers, particularly in Europe, boycott Israeli produce following the war in Gaza. Growers report cancelled or reduced orders for citrus, mangoes and other fruit, with some European distributors only buying when no alternative suppliers are available. At the same time, the Houthi blockade of the Red Sea has disrupted shipping routes, increasing costs and delays and damaging access to Asian markets. As a result, fruit is being left unsold, rotting on trees, and farmers are facing mounting financial losses. Even iconic Jaffa oranges have seen a reduced international presence.
Read full story: Fruitnet
Date Published: February 3, 2026
Mexican Indigenous farmers to showcase traditional methods at German organic fair
Mexico will send 19 farmers from its Sembrando Vida programme to BIOFACH 2026 in Nuremberg, where they will share Indigenous farming knowledge and promote sustainably grown produce. The delegation represents several Indigenous communities from across Mexico and will highlight organic coffee, cacao and Persian limes, alongside wider knowledge exchange and networking. Some participants will also attend Fruit Logistica 2026. Launched in 2018, Sembrando Vida supports food security, reforestation and rural livelihoods through agroforestry. The programme now spans over a million hectares, supports hundreds of thousands of families and plays a significant role in carbon capture and sustainable land use.
Read full story: Mexico News Daily
Date Published: February 2, 2026
Canadian farmers warn red tape is holding back growth and innovation
Canadian farmers and industry leaders say excessive regulation is placing unnecessary strain on agriculture, reducing productivity and stifling growth. A new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business found that 90% of respondents believe red tape is harming productivity, with environmental and health regulations causing lengthy delays in accessing new crop technologies. Farmers say paperwork consumes valuable time during critical periods such as planting and harvest, while new rules also increase building and compliance costs. Industry groups are urging governments to better measure regulatory burdens and simplify processes, as federal authorities acknowledge the issue and work on regulatory reforms.
Read full story: CTV News
Date Published: February 1, 2026
