South African News
Foot-and-mouth outbreak drives losses for South African farmers as exports slump
Farmers in South Africa are facing rising costs and falling productivity as the severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak spreads across most provinces, damaging the livestock sector and cutting exports. Beef exports dropped by 26% in 2025, with shipments to China falling sharply after an import ban. Farmers report increased veterinary expenses and declining milk output as infected animals eat less and produce less. The government has begun rolling out vaccinations and aims to inoculate most of the national herd, but shortages and limited local production capacity have complicated efforts to contain one of the country’s worst outbreaks in years.
Read full story: Reuters
Date published: February 12, 2026
South African farm exports soar, but bottlenecks and payment woes squeeze profits
South Africa’s agricultural exports are set to surpass $13.7 billion, buoyed by strong global demand for citrus, grapes and macadamia nuts, with exports up 10% in the first nine months of 2025. Diversification into African markets and Brics countries such as China and India has supported growth. However, a report by payments platform Verto warns that port congestion, rail decline and costly cross-border payment systems are eroding margins. Policy uncertainty, including risks around the African Growth and Opportunity Act, could further threaten competitiveness, particularly in the US market.
Read full story: Food for Mzansi
Date published: February 13, 2026
African News
Unpaid cocoa farmers in Ghana struggle as falling demand leaves beans unsold
Thousands of cocoa farmers in Ghana are facing severe hardship after months without payment for beans already delivered, forcing some to reduce meals and abandon farm investment. Falling global demand and a mismatch between international prices and the government-set farmgate price have left large volumes of cocoa unsold, while buyers have reduced purchases. Farmers say they cannot afford food, school fees or farm maintenance, raising concerns about future production. The regulator, Cocobod, says it is in talks with authorities to resolve the backlog, as similar pressures affect producers in neighbouring Ivory Coast.
Read full story: CNBC Africa
Date published: February 12, 2026
Global News
Government eases rules on wild boar hunting to protect crops
The government in Sweden has relaxed regulations on protective hunting of wild boar, allowing animals to be shot within 200 metres of agricultural land or commercial horticulture. The change applies to areas that have previously suffered damage and where action is deemed necessary to prevent further losses. Previously, hunting was only permitted when wild boar were physically present on cultivated land. Rural Affairs Minister Peter Kullgren said the revised rules would make it easier for farmers to safeguard crops and could help curb the growing wild boar population.
Read full story: Sweden Herald
Date published: February 12, 2026
Jamaica unveils $100m recovery plan for plantain farmers after Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica has launched a $100 million recovery programme to support banana and plantain farmers after Hurricane Melissa devastated commercial crops. The initiative, led by the The Banana Board and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, aims to assist around 5,000 farmers and rehabilitate more than 2,500 hectares of damaged land. Fertiliser will be distributed based on verified assessments, while catastrophe fund payouts have already begun. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said imports of bananas and plantains remain restricted to prevent disease as the sector rebuilds.
Read full story: The Voice
Date published: February 12, 2026
Malaysian padi farmers fear losses as drought drains irrigation supplies
Padi farmers in Kerian, Malaysia, are facing mounting losses as a prolonged drought leaves irrigation supplies critically low ahead of harvest season. Water levels at the Bukit Merah Dam have fallen close to the cut-off point, forcing rationing during a crucial crop stage and leaving fields dry. Farmers report declining yields, ineffective fertiliser and increased pest problems, with some expecting production to drop by as much as 30%. Authorities warn that continued dry conditions could widen the impact, potentially affecting thousands of farmers and leading to water rationing for residents if rainfall does not return soon.
Read full story: Asia News Network
Date published: February 13, 2026
PM seeks Turkish investment to modernise Pakistan’s agriculture
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited greater Turkish investment to help modernise Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors during talks in Islamabad with a delegation from Türkiye’s Agricultural Technologies Cluster (TUME). Led by chairman Abdulkadir Karagöz, the group discussed expanding cooperation and introducing advanced technologies to boost productivity. Sharif said Pakistan aimed to strengthen economic ties with Türkiye and better integrate modern farming techniques to unlock its agricultural potential. Both sides highlighted the close bilateral relationship as a foundation for deeper business collaboration and a stronger role in the global food value chain.
Read full story: The Daily Times
Date published: February 13, 2026
