South African News
South Africa’s Livestock Market Faces Structural Reset as Disease and Supply Pressures Push Prices Higher
South Africa’s livestock sector is experiencing sustained price increases across beef, pork, poultry and sheep meat as disease outbreaks and supply shortages continue to reshape the market. According to Absa’s Autumn 2026 AgriTrends Report, foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever and avian influenza have disrupted production and trade, while earlier drought conditions have reduced herd numbers. Beef exports fell sharply, poultry and pork prices reached elevated levels, and sheep meat markets are recovering amid tighter global supply. The report suggests these pressures represent a long-term structural shift, with higher meat prices likely to persist even if domestic supply conditions improve.
Read full story:Food for Mzansi
Date Published: April 28, 2026
South Africa Expands Pistachio Industry with Ambitious 60,000-Ton Production Goal
South Africa’s pistachio sector is set for significant growth, with large-scale orchard development underway in the Northern Cape’s Karoo region. Industry leaders aim to raise annual production to 60,000 tons and capture 5% to 8% of the global market within the next decade. Supported by favourable climatic conditions, export demand, and long-term investment structures, the expansion is positioned as a strategic diversification away from traditional crops such as maize and wheat. Rising global prices, partly driven by supply disruptions in Iran, have further strengthened prospects. Success will depend on stable yields, export-grade quality, and effective long-term water and market management.
Read full story:Fresh Plaza
Date Published: April 27, 2026
African News
African Development Fund Approves $87 Million to Bolster Sudan’s Food Security
Sudan is set to receive an $87 million grant from the African Development Fund to strengthen food security and support rural livelihoods amid ongoing conflict, climate shocks and economic strain. The BOOST project, valued at around $100 million, will focus on key agricultural regions including Blue Nile, Sennar and Kassala. Support will include improved seeds, climate-smart technologies, better storage and market access to reduce post-harvest losses and raise household incomes. Women and young people will also gain access to finance, skills and digital tools for agribusiness development. The initiative is expected to benefit more than 1.2 million people and create substantial employment opportunities.
Read full story:African Development Bank Group
Date Published: April 27, 2026
Global News
EU Pledges Emergency Support for Farmers Amid Rising Production Costs
The European Commission has promised urgent financial and regulatory support for farmers across the bloc as mounting production costs continue to strain the sector. Following talks in Luxembourg, Agriculture Commissioner Christoph Hansen acknowledged the severity of the crisis, driven by high energy and fertiliser prices alongside the regulatory burden of the Green Deal. A fertiliser action plan due on 19 May aims to reduce import dependence, boost domestic production and promote lower-cost alternatives. Ministers also raised concerns over food supply stability and the future of farm subsidies beyond 2027, with pressure growing for meaningful support to safeguard farmer incomes and European food security.
Read full story:Brussels Signal
Date Published: April 27, 2026
El Niño Raises Drought and Crop Risks Across Asia as Farmers Face Rising Costs
A strong El Niño is expected to bring hotter, drier conditions across Asia in the second half of 2026, increasing the risk of drought and lower crop yields. Forecasts suggest below-average monsoon rains in India, prolonged dryness in Australia, and potential declines in palm oil, rice, wheat and soybean production across the region. The weather threat is compounded by fertiliser shortages and higher fuel costs linked to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict. Analysts warn that reduced fertiliser use, driven by high prices and poor rainfall prospects, could further weaken yields and place additional pressure on regional and global food supplies.
Read full story:The Pig Site
Date Published: April 27, 2026
Pakistan and China Sign Agreements on Desalination and Agricultural Technology
Pakistan and China have signed three memorandums of understanding aimed at improving water security, advancing agricultural technology and strengthening trade ties. The agreements include plans to make seawater usable through desalination projects in Karachi, expand access to modern farming methods and improved seeds, and promote cooperation in the tea sector. Officials said the partnerships are expected to create investment and employment opportunities while helping address urban water shortages and boost agricultural productivity. The agreements also reflect broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Read full story:Daily Times
Date Published: April 28, 2026
UN Highlights Cambodia’s Farmer Support Model as Extreme Heat Threatens Food Security
A new UN report warns that rising extreme heat is increasingly threatening global food production, rural livelihoods and agricultural workers, with crop yields, livestock health and fisheries already under pressure. The FAO and WMO estimate that maize and wheat yields could fall by 4–10% for every 1°C rise in temperature, while livestock mortality and fisheries losses are also increasing. Cambodia has been highlighted as a model for climate resilience through its PEARL Project, which uses weather stations, mobile alerts and tailored farming advice to help smallholder farmers prepare for heatwaves. The report calls for greater investment in early warning systems and climate-smart agriculture.
Read full story:Khmer Times
Date Published: April 28, 2026
