South African News
Western Cape canola farmers warned against costly seed-saving and poor rotation choices
Canola producers facing financial strain have been cautioned against planting farm-saved hybrid seed, as it can significantly reduce yields and deepen losses. Speaking at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Langgewens Research Farm, agronomy technician Piet Lombard explained that most commercial canola varieties are hybrids, and saving seed results in genetic segregation and loss of yield potential. Trials showed yield drops of 17–20%, enough to turn marginal profits into losses, given the 1.5t/ha break-even point. Lombard also warned against consecutive cropping, including canola-on-canola, as it lowers yields and increases fertiliser demand, further straining farm finances.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: March 3, 2026
Farmers warned to vaccinate livestock as Rift Valley fever risk rises
Livestock farmers across South Africa are being urged to vaccinate sheep, goats and cattle against Rift Valley fever (RVF) as heavy rains and standing water create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that spread the virus. Recent rainfall and a reported case in November 2025 have heightened fears of a wider outbreak. The National Wool Growers’ Association warns that many animals remain unvaccinated due to long gaps between major outbreaks. Onderstepoort Biological Products produces two vaccines, including a killed version safe for pregnant animals, but concerns remain about supply should a large-scale outbreak occur.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: March 3, 2026
African News
UK trade mission links Zimbabwean horticulture exporters with European buyers
A UK-backed trade mission is connecting Zimbabwean horticultural producers with buyers from the UK and Europe in a bid to boost trade, jobs and foreign currency earnings. Supported by collaboration with ZimTrade and the Horticultural Development Council, eight exporters recently showcased their produce at Fruit Logistica in Germany and are now presenting goods including peas, melons and pineapples to visiting buyers. The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy II and enables tariff-free access to the UK under the ESA-UK Economic Partnership Agreement, strengthening economic ties and resilience. Buyers are visiting farms in and around Harare and other regions.
Read full story: Zawya
Date Published: March 2, 2026
Global News
Record snowfall devastates farms in Japan’s Tohoku region
Record snowfall across the Tohoku region and Niigata Prefecture has caused extensive agricultural damage, breaking fruit tree branches and collapsing greenhouses. In Hirosaki, apple growers report heavy losses following January snowfall of 148cm, with fears this year’s yields may fall further after last season’s ¥20 billion damage in Aomori Prefecture. Similar destruction has hit farms in Akita and Niigata, where hundreds of facilities have been affected. Slow snow clearance has hampered damage assessments. The Japan Agricultural Cooperative warned losses could exceed typical years, while experts link increasingly severe snowfall to climate change and urge stronger mitigation and compensation measures.
Read full story: The Japan News
Date Published: March 3, 2026
Malaysian drone firm Aonic raises US$10m to drive R&D and global growth
Malaysia-founded drone company Aonic has secured US$10 million in Series A funding led by Kairous Capital, which is backed by Jelawang Capital. The investment will support research and development, expand manufacturing capacity in Malaysia and accelerate international growth. Aonic claims its agricultural drones have increased farmers’ incomes by 50%, raised output by 54% and cut spraying water use by 75%, based on internal data. The firm reports triple-digit compound annual growth since 2022, annual revenue exceeding US$60 million, profitability since 2023, operations in over 15 countries and more than 50 service centres across Southeast Asia.
Read full story: Tech in Asia
Date Published: March 3, 2026
EU provisionally approves landmark Mercosur trade pact despite legal challenge
The European Union has fast-tracked provisional approval of its long-negotiated trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay — despite a pending review by the European Court of Justice. Concluded in January after 25 years of talks, the deal could remove around €4 billion in EU export duties and create a combined market of 720 million people. While supporters highlight tariff reductions on products including dairy and olive oil, critics, notably in France, warn of increased agricultural imports such as beef and soyabeans, raising concerns for domestic farmers.
Read full story: Ofi Magazine
Date Published: March 3, 2026
Nine firms selected to boost Canadian food processing and supply chain resilience
Protein Industries Canada has named nine companies in the second cohort of its Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain Programme, aimed at expanding domestic food and ingredient processing. Backed by C$1.7 million in funding, the initiative supports value-added agriculture and reduces reliance on imports. Ministers including Mélanie Joly and Heath MacDonald said the projects would enhance food security, create jobs and strengthen economic resilience. Selected firms from British Columbia to Quebec are developing products such as high-protein flour and plant-based ingredients, reinforcing Canada’s ambition to process more of its crops at home.
Read full story: Farms.com
Date Published: March 2, 2026
