South African News
South African farm employment hits highest level in two years
South Africa’s agriculture sector boosted employment in the final quarter of 2025, with farm jobs rising 3% year-on-year to 950,000, according to Statistics South Africa. Strong field crop and horticulture output drove gains, said Wandile Sihlobo, although livestock employment remained constrained by foot-and-mouth disease. Overall unemployment fell slightly to 31.4%, while formal jobs increased. Youth unemployment, however, remained high, prompting calls from Thembi kaMadlopha-Mthethwa for greater youth participation. Provincial gains were led by the Western Cape, while policy reforms urged by Cyril Ramaphosa’s critics were highlighted as key to sustaining growth.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: February 20, 2026
Editorial warns foot-and-mouth crisis is devastating South Africa’s livestock farmers
An editorial by Lebogang Mashala argues that persistent foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks have undermined South Africa’s livestock sector, eroding decades of biosecurity progress once recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Since 2019, repeated outbreaks have triggered trade bans, slashed exports, including major losses to China, and imposed heavy financial strain across the red meat value chain. Addressing leaders including Cyril Ramaphosa and John Steenhuisen, the piece highlights farmers’ personal losses, vaccine rollout concerns and calls for stronger veterinary services, infrastructure investment and transparent long-term biosecurity reforms.
Read full story:African Farming
Date published: February 20, 2026
African News
Chinese investment drives Zimbabwe’s record tobacco harvest despite debt and health worries
Strong demand from China helped Zimbabwe produce a record 352.7 million kg tobacco crop worth about US$1.2 billion, reinforcing the crop’s role as the country’s leading export and foreign currency earner. Support from Tian Ze Tobacco Company, linked to China National Tobacco Corporation, has boosted production through contract farming, loans and technical assistance, reviving an industry weakened after land reforms under Robert Mugabe. However, analysts warn of farmer indebtedness and public health risks highlighted by the World Health Organization.
Read full story:South China Morning Post
Date published: February 20, 2026
Global News
Report urges national agriculture strategy to restore Canada’s sector confidence
A report by the Canada West Foundation calls for a clear national agriculture strategy to rebuild trust among producers, investors and trade partners in Canada. The study highlights structural challenges including regulatory fragmentation, ageing infrastructure and geopolitical trade tensions, notably disputes with China affecting canola exports. Based on a 2025 expert roundtable, recommendations focus on boosting on-farm investment, diversifying markets, upgrading infrastructure and strengthening technology and innovation. The report also stresses engaging agriculture representatives in port governance and aligning research priorities with farm needs to enhance competitiveness and long-term growth.
Read full story:Country Guide
Date published: February 19, 2026
Japan’s agricultural robot market set for rapid expansion amid labour shortages
A market report from Report Ocean forecasts strong growth in the agricultural robotics sector in Japan, driven by labour shortages, rising food demand and technological innovation. The market, valued at about US$310 million in 2023, is projected to grow at roughly 16% annually to nearly US$880 million by 2030. Government initiatives and collaboration with the National Agriculture Food Research Organization are accelerating adoption, while precision agriculture and AI-powered software are expected to lead development. However, geopolitical tensions could disrupt supply chains and investment, posing risks to sustained expansion.
Read full story:Taiwan News
Date published: February 20, 2026
Kinno sector joins Pakistan’s struggling crops amid deepening agricultural decline
Pakistan’s kinno industry, once a flagship horticultural export, is facing severe decline as falling yields, pest attacks, rising input costs and water shortages erode profitability. Farmers report collapsing farmgate prices alongside soaring fertiliser, fuel and packaging expenses, forcing many to uproot orchards. The downturn mirrors earlier crises in sugarcane, cotton and wheat, signalling wider structural neglect within Pakistan’s agricultural sector. As exports to markets in the Middle East and Central Asia lose competitiveness, small and medium-scale growers are particularly vulnerable. The editorial urges urgent reforms, including market diversification, streamlined export processes and fair returns to restore stability and protect rural livelihoods.
Read full story:Dawn
Date published: February 20, 2026
Cross-border pilot aims to replicate New Zealand’s success in tackling bovine TB
A five-year cross-border initiative between Northern Ireland and the Ireland seeks to reduce bovine TB by adopting strategies used in New Zealand, where infected herds have fallen dramatically. The project, supported by the Shared Island Initiative, combines enhanced cattle testing, biosecurity advice and wildlife interventions, including badger testing, vaccination or removal. Agriculture minister Andrew Muir described the pilot as a major policy shift, while counterpart Martin Heydon stressed the need for cooperation as disease crosses borders. The programme aims to cut costs, improve disease control and inform wider eradication efforts.
Read full story:BBC News
Date published: February 19, 2026
