South African News
Court ruling delays farmers’ access to FMD vaccines amid dispute over control
Farmers face further delays in accessing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines after a high court declined urgent relief sought by farming groups to allow private procurement. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen welcomed the ruling, saying it upheld the government’s authority to manage the outbreak through a coordinated legal framework. The court postponed the matter to allow the department to finalise a national vaccination scheme. However, farming organisations criticised the decision, arguing that delays are worsening financial strain on farms and highlighting frustrations with the pace of government action. The court has set deadlines for the minister to advance the process.
Read full story: The Citizen
Date Published: March 26, 2026
Eastern Cape businesses turn innovation into export opportunities
In South Africa’s Eastern Cape, small businesses are increasingly targeting global markets through innovation and export support programmes. Leafline, based in Bathurst, is converting pineapple leaf waste into durable, biodegradable hygiene products, combining sustainability with social impact by employing vulnerable groups. Its growth reflects a wider regional trend supported by the Global Export Passport Programme, which equips enterprises with skills for international trade. Other participants, including vegetable producers InteliMinds and Aruzabiz, are also expanding export ambitions. The initiative is helping businesses move from local production to accessing foreign markets, with some already trading regionally.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: March 26, 2026
African News
Social innovation seen as vital to Africa’s climate resilience
Africa faces intensifying climate extremes alongside declining global adaptation funding, prompting a shift towards social innovation as a practical solution. With most smallholder farms reliant on rainfall, community-driven initiatives are helping improve resilience, from climate-smart agriculture in Sierra Leone to conservation-linked farming in Zambia and advisory networks in Kenya. These approaches combine environmental sustainability with economic opportunity, particularly for vulnerable communities. Despite challenges such as limited investment and policy barriers, evidence shows strong long-term returns. Strengthening ecosystems, finance, skills, partnerships and data systems is key to scaling impact and enabling locally led responses to climate change.
Read full story: World Economic Forum
Date Published: March 25, 2026
Global News
European farmers rally in Brussels for EU-wide cage farming ban
Farmers from across Europe gathered in Brussels on World Cage Free Day to urge the European Commission to introduce legislation banning cage farming. Hosting a market-style event, cage-free producers showcased practical alternatives while engaging directly with policymakers and MEPs. Supported by animal welfare organisations, the demonstration highlighted environmental and welfare benefits of cage-free systems and aimed to accelerate long-promised reforms. The campaign also launched a 190-day countdown to expected legislative proposals later in 2026. With an estimated 300 million animals still kept in cages annually, participants called for urgent EU action to transition towards more humane farming practices.
Read full story: Eurogroup for Animals
Date Published: March 25, 2026
Conflict and climate pressures drive Afghan farmers into crisis
Afghan farmers are facing deepening hardship as decades of conflict combine with worsening climate stress to undermine agriculture and water systems. Damaged irrigation infrastructure, prolonged droughts and erratic weather have led to crop failures, food insecurity and declining livelihoods, forcing some farmers to abandon land or switch to less water-intensive crops. Cross-border tensions with Pakistan have further disrupted trade and water access, intensifying economic strain. With rivers under pressure and little investment in infrastructure, communities are left to manage repairs themselves. The crisis highlights the compounding impact of war and environmental change on rural resilience.
Read full story: Eco Business
Date Published: March 26, 2026
Rising input costs place pressure on US and South American farmers
Farmers in the United States and South America are facing similar challenges as rising input costs, particularly for fertiliser, strain production. Market analyst Don Roose notes that planting cycles in both regions are closely aligned, meaning many producers have already secured inputs under comparable conditions. While some volatility remains, especially around nitrogen supplies, the greater concern lies in potential shortages next year if supply tightens further. Meanwhile, Brazil’s corn planting season is nearing completion. The situation highlights how global conflicts, including those in the Middle East, are influencing agricultural costs and outlooks across major farming regions.
Read full story: Brownfield Ag News
Date Published: March 25, 2026
Drone Didi’ scheme falls short as farmers hesitate to adopt technology
A government scheme promoting women-led drone spraying in Sirsa has struggled to meet targets, with less than half of the registered farmland treated. The initiative aimed to empower women while introducing modern agricultural practices, but low farmer uptake, limited awareness and short operational timelines hindered progress. Many farmers preferred traditional methods, citing reliability concerns, while issues such as battery limitations, transport challenges and cost-sharing requirements further reduced participation. Officials noted that favourable weather and low pest activity also lessened demand. Greater outreach, training and engagement are now seen as essential to improving adoption and ensuring the scheme’s success.
Read full story: The Tribune India
Date Published: March 26, 2026
