South African News
Cross-border financial planning becomes critical for South African farming families
Farming families with members living across different countries are being urged to strengthen cross-border financial planning to protect long-term wealth and business continuity. The article explains that while international exposure creates opportunities through offshore income, trade and education, it also increases risks linked to tax, succession, liquidity and governance. Key priorities include understanding tax residency, separating personal and business finances, planning currency needs early, aligning succession plans across jurisdictions and establishing clear governance structures. The piece argues that coordinated financial advice is now essential for farming families seeking to preserve assets and ensure smooth generational transitions in an increasingly global environment.
Read full story: FNB Private Banking and Advisory
Date published: May 12, 2026
Severe storms disrupt Eastern Cape citrus exports as lemon shipments stall
Severe flooding and heavy rainfall in South Africa’s Eastern Cape have brought lemon exports to a near standstill, with major citrus-growing areas suffering infrastructure damage and poor harvesting conditions. Despite the disruption, recent high lemon shipments to Europe have helped offset temporary oversupply concerns. The mandarin market is experiencing a seasonal transition, with lower volumes from Peru and modest supply from South Africa, although weak consumer demand has limited price movement. Meanwhile, shortages of hand oranges in Europe are creating favourable conditions for South African Navels. The report also highlights uncertainty caused by US tariffs and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, both of which are increasing pressure on global citrus supply chains.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date published: May 12, 2026
African News
Climate change could drive crop pests and diseases into new farming regions across Africa’s Great Lakes
Rising temperatures linked to climate change are expected to increase the spread of crop pests and diseases across Africa’s Great Lakes region, threatening food security for millions of smallholder farmers. Researchers studying banana, cassava, potato and sweet potato crops in Rwanda and Burundi found that warmer conditions could allow nearly half of the pests and pathogens analysed to move into higher-altitude farming areas where they were previously less common. The study highlights the need for improved disease surveillance, predictive modelling and climate-smart agriculture to help farmers adapt. Experts also warn that limited agricultural resources and infrastructure could make effective responses more difficult across the region.
Read full story: Polity
Date published: May 13, 2026
Global News
EU approves €1.5 billion aid package for Spanish farmers hit by severe floods
The European Commission has approved a €1.5 billion Spanish state aid scheme to support farmers affected by severe flooding in Andalusia and Extremadura between November 2025 and February 2026. The floods damaged crops, agricultural infrastructure and production assets across more than 100,000 km² of Spain, significantly increasing operating costs for farms. The scheme will provide direct grants covering up to 100% of eligible losses, including income reductions and physical damage, with the aim of preventing farm closures and restoring production capacity. The Commission said the programme complies with EU state aid rules after Spain demonstrated a direct link between the floods and the agricultural losses suffered.
Read full story: EU Reporter
Date published: May 13, 2026
Argentine soybean exports to Europe face threat over unauthorised GM crop
Argentina is working to prevent disruption to its soybean exports to Europe after genetically modified HB4 soybeans were detected in shipments rejected by the Netherlands. The drought-resistant variety is approved in Argentina and China but remains unauthorised in the European Union, raising the possibility of broader EU restrictions on Argentine soybean imports. The Netherlands is a key European distribution hub for soybean products, making the issue particularly significant for exporters. Argentina, which earned around $18 billion from soybean exports last year, hopes to expand trade under the EU-Mercosur agreement. Exporters are now attempting to isolate GM soybeans and redirect approved supplies to China to avoid contamination concerns.
Read full story: UKr Agro Consult
Date published: May 12, 2026
China considers US corn and soybean deal ahead of Trump–Xi summit
China is in talks with the United States to purchase agricultural commodities including corn, sorghum, distillers dried grains and soybeans, with a potential agreement expected during President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing. The discussions form part of wider efforts to stabilise trade relations between the two countries ahead of a meeting with President Xi Jinping. While details such as volumes and timing are still being negotiated, any deal would depend on broader geopolitical progress. China has recently reduced reliance on US farm imports due to tariffs and weaker demand, but rising domestic prices and weather-related crop damage have increased interest in imports. Corn purchases, if confirmed, would mark a significant revival in trade flows after a long slowdown.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date published: May 12, 2026
IFAD and India launch eight-year rural investment strategy to boost incomes and resilience
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of India have unveiled an eight-year strategy aimed at strengthening rural incomes, resilience and economic opportunity across India. The Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (2026–2033) aligns with India’s long-term development vision and focuses on climate resilience, inclusive growth and scaling successful rural development models. It builds on community-led systems such as self-help groups, farmer producer organisations and cooperatives, which have already helped expand access to finance and markets. The initiative also aims to share India’s rural development experience internationally, particularly across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America, while deepening rural finance and innovation partnerships.
Read full story: International Fund for Agricultural Development
Date published: May 12, 2026
