South African News
Government vows continued support for small-scale farmers amid fuel cost pressures
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured South Africa’s small-scale farmers that government support will continue even if temporary fuel levy relief ends in June, as rising fuel costs put pressure on agricultural production. He said alternative support measures were being explored, alongside existing assistance such as subsidies for fertiliser, seeds and production inputs, infrastructure development, affordable credit and market access initiatives. Mashatile also highlighted efforts to localise fertiliser production, promote climate-smart farming and expand advisory services. He said the Land Bank had committed R10 billion to support small-scale farmers, stressing that government remained committed to protecting food security and farmers’ long-term sustainability.
Read full story: IOL
Date published: May 22, 2026
Western Cape storms deal major blow to agricultural sector
Severe storms that swept across the Western Cape have left the agricultural sector among the hardest hit, with provincial authorities warning that damages could amount to billions of rand. Flooding, strong winds and uprooted trees caused extensive destruction to farming areas, while roads and transport routes critical to farming communities and exporters were also badly affected. The disaster comes as farmers were already grappling with drought, rising fuel costs, disease outbreaks and export pressures. Western Cape Agriculture Minister Ivan Meyer said the latest storms would place further strain on an already struggling sector, as officials continue assessing the full extent of damage to farms, infrastructure and agricultural production.
Read full story: SABC News
Date published: May 22, 2026
African News
Kenya approves field trials for gene-edited banana resistant to deadly disease
Kenya has taken a significant step towards agricultural innovation by approving field trials for gene-edited banana varieties designed to resist Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), a disease that severely threatens banana production in East Africa. The National Biosafety Authority ruled that the banana lines developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture are not classified as genetically modified organisms because they contain no foreign genetic material, allowing them to proceed through conventional research channels. The trials, conducted with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, will assess performance and disease resistance under real farming conditions, with researchers hoping the development will improve resilience, boost production and strengthen regional food security.
Read full story: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
Date published: May 21, 2026
Global News
Farmers turn to unconventional fertilisers as global supply crisis deepens
Farmers around the world are increasingly exploring alternative fertilisers, including manure, biological products and even human urine-based solutions, as disruptions to conventional nitrogen fertiliser supplies push prices sharply higher. The crisis, triggered by conflict in the Gulf region and supply constraints in key export routes, has forced growers to seek lower-cost substitutes ahead of upcoming planting seasons. Start-ups producing waste-based and microbial fertilisers are seeing rising demand, while traditional options such as livestock waste are also becoming more sought after. Despite growing interest, experts warn that alternative products face challenges in scaling up and may not fully replace synthetic fertilisers, which remain central to maintaining global crop yields.
Read full story: Japan Times
Date published: May 22, 2026
China’s smart farming technologies expand onto the global stage
China’s advances in smart agriculture are increasingly being applied both domestically and internationally, with technologies such as robots, digital monitoring systems and AI-driven greenhouses transforming traditional farming practices. At the China (Shouguang) International Vegetable Science and Technology Expo, intelligent tools demonstrated how farmers can improve productivity, reduce labour and optimise water, fertiliser and pesticide use through precision farming. Officials say smart equipment adoption in Shouguang has significantly boosted labour productivity and modernised greenhouse production. Chinese agricultural technology is also gaining traction overseas, with projects in the UAE and exports to other regions showcasing its ability to support food production in extreme climates and challenging environments.
Read full story: Xinhua
Date published: May 22, 2026
Dutch firms to invest $200m in automated greenhouse project in Mexico
Dutch companies Signify, Alpine Greens and Van der Hoeven are set to invest more than $200 million in an automated greenhouse project in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo León. The initiative, announced by Governor Samuel García, will begin with an initial $70 million phase to develop high-tech facilities in Galeana for growing lettuce and other vegetables under controlled conditions. The project aims to establish the area as a hub for advanced agriculture, using fully automated systems and energy-efficient lighting technology. Designed to optimise water and energy use, the greenhouses are intended to support sustainable food production in extreme or challenging climates.
Read full story: Vertical Farming
Date published: May 21, 2026
Canadian farmers take leading role in shaping future of crop innovation
A shift is emerging in Canadian agriculture as farmers, researchers and industry leaders increasingly take responsibility for driving crop innovation rather than relying on traditional systems. Discussions around wheat breeding have highlighted concerns that the current model is no longer sustainable, prompting calls for new investment approaches. At the same time, long-term research in crops such as oats has demonstrated the importance of sustained funding in preventing disease threats. Major agribusiness investments, including Bayer and BASF projects in Canada, underline confidence in the sector. The article argues that stronger collaboration between farmers, government and industry is essential to build a resilient, future-focused breeding system.
Read full story: Seed World Canada
Date published: May 21, 2026
