South African News
Three developments offer optimism amid South Africa’s FMD crisis
South Africa’s livestock sector, severely affected by foot-and-mouth disease, is seeing early signs of recovery through coordinated interventions. A record shipment of one million vaccine doses from Biogénesis Bagó has arrived, with further consignments expected from international suppliers, boosting disease control efforts. Authorities have also authorised private veterinarians to assist state services, expanding vaccination capacity and improving prospects of reaching the 70–80% herd coverage target. In addition, the Department of Agriculture has launched a national FMD Control Centre to enhance communication and guidance for farmers. Together, these measures signal a shift from emergency response toward structured containment and long-term eradication.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: February 21, 2026
Macadamia sector faces consolidation as export strategy reshapes value chain
South Africa’s macadamia industry is entering a period of consolidation after years of rapid expansion and high prices, according to Duncan Allen of Green Farms Nut Co. Growing exports of high-quality in-shell nuts to Asia risk weakening local processing capacity and eroding value addition, potentially turning the country into a commodity supplier. Falling prices, rising debt and global market uncertainty are placing producers under pressure, with consolidation expected between 2026 and 2028. Allen emphasised that future competitiveness will depend on efficiency gains, disciplined financial management, technological adoption and market development, while preserving domestic kernel processing to sustain employment and long-term industry resilience.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: February 21, 2026
African News
Rwanda bill aims to modernise farming and strengthen food security
Rwanda is advancing a plant production bill designed to modernise agricultural regulation, boost productivity and support food security amid population growth and climate pressures. Aligned with Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources strategies and Rwanda Vision 2050, the legislation consolidates laws on seeds, plant health and agrochemicals while introducing farmer classification, stronger quality controls and penalties for counterfeit inputs. The bill promotes private sector participation, improved irrigation and environmentally friendly bio-input regulation. Stakeholders say reforms could professionalise farming, address land fragmentation and enhance market orientation, though MPs highlighted infrastructure and implementation challenges. If adopted, the law would represent a major step toward a high-tech, market-led agricultural sector.
Read full story: All Africa
Date published: February 24, 2026
Global News
Greece leads EU in agricultural added value share of GDP
Greece has emerged as the European Union’s leader in agricultural added value relative to GDP, according to the 2025 “Key figures on the European food chain” report published by Eurostat. The study, which tracks the food system from production to consumption, found that agriculture accounted for 3.2% of Greece’s GDP in 2024, well above the EU average of 1.2%. Romania and Spain followed with 2.5% and 2.3% respectively, while several countries recorded shares below 1%. The findings highlight agriculture’s continued economic importance in parts of southern and eastern Europe despite broader structural shifts across the EU economy.
Read full story: Tovima
Date published: February 23, 2026
Ontario farmers seek policy certainty as sector confidence weakens
Farmers in Ontario remain confident in their individual operations but are increasingly pessimistic about the wider agricultural sector, according to a survey by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Rising input costs, volatile commodity prices, insurance expenses and trade uncertainty are widening a “confidence gap”, prompting many producers to delay capital investments and repair rather than replace machinery. The findings mirror broader economic concerns highlighted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Farmers are calling for reduced taxes, stronger support for local food purchasing and relief on energy costs, stressing the need for greater policy and economic certainty to sustain sector growth.
Read full story: Farmer’s Forum
Date published: February 23, 2026
China expands high-standard farmland as agricultural modernisation accelerates
China continued advancing agricultural modernisation in 2025, establishing and upgrading 75.68 million mu (5.05 million hectares) of high-standard farmland, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Total high-standard farmland now exceeds one billion mu, supporting stable and high yields. Technological progress contributed more than 64% to agricultural output, while domestic seed varieties dominate several sectors. Mechanisation of crop production reached 76.7%, and the use of agricultural drones surpassed 300,000 units covering extensive operational areas. Officials emphasised that modernising agriculture remains central to broader national development goals, with continued investment planned to improve farmland quality and productivity.
Read full story: The State Council The People’s Republic of China
Date published: February 23, 2026
Japan presses US to respect trade pact amid proposed tariff changes
Japan has called on the United States to honour existing trade commitments as Washington considers new tariffs that could raise duties on Japanese exports. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa raised concerns during talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, warning that proposed global tariffs of up to 15% could impose additional burdens beyond the bilateral agreement reached in 2025. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to implement the deal, which includes Japanese investment in the US in exchange for tariff arrangements. Agricultural exports such as green tea and beef are expected to remain unaffected by the potential policy shift.
Read full story: AA
Date published: February 24, 2026
