South African News
South Africa’s Farm Exports Surge Despite Trade and Logistics Pressures
South Africa’s agricultural exports made a strong start to 2026, rising 11% year-on-year to US$3.7 billion in the first quarter, driven by higher export volumes and firmer commodity prices. Fruit, maize, wine and nuts were among the leading products, with Africa remaining the largest export market, followed by the EU. Despite the robust performance, logistical disruptions at the Port of Cape Town increased transport costs for some growers, affecting profitability. Agricultural imports declined in key categories, helping the sector post a trade surplus of US$1.8 billion, up 30% from a year earlier. The report says continued investment in transport infrastructure and efforts to expand export markets will be vital amid global trade uncertainty.
Read full story: Farming Portal
Date published: May 25, 2026
Boosting Farm Productivity Key to Tackling Food Inflation
South Africa’s food economy is under growing pressure from rising input costs, imported inflation and global supply disruptions, while large areas of arable land transferred through land reform remain underutilised. Peter Setou argues that the country must improve agricultural productivity by supporting land reform beneficiaries with finance, market access, advisory services and skills development. Heavy reliance on imported fertiliser and other inputs has exposed farmers to global shocks, increasing production costs and food prices. The article says stronger partnerships between government, business and private investors are needed to help land reform projects become productive and reduce food insecurity while narrowing the food supply gap.
Read full story: Sunday World
Date published: May 24, 2026
African News
SADC Moves to Cut Fertiliser Costs Through Regional Reforms
Southern African countries are stepping up efforts to harmonise fertiliser regulations as part of a wider push to improve food security, reduce farming input costs and strengthen agricultural productivity. The reforms, to be discussed at a high-level SADC ministerial meeting in Victoria Falls, aim to align national standards, improve quality control and make cross-border fertiliser trade more efficient. Regional officials say streamlined regulations could lower costs, expand farmer access to quality inputs and support resilience against climate shocks and supply disruptions. The initiative forms part of broader agricultural reforms focused on seed systems, irrigation, financing and climate-smart farming to build more sustainable regional food systems.
Read full story: Herald Online
Date published: May 25, 2026
Global News
Right-to-Repair Campaign Gains Support Among P.E.I. Farmers
Advocates are calling for stronger right-to-repair laws in Canada, arguing that Prince Edward Island farmers face rising costs because they are often unable to fix their own machinery due to manufacturer restrictions on parts, software and repair information. Campaigners say modern agricultural equipment is increasingly locked behind digital barriers, forcing farmers to rely on expensive authorised servicing or replace machinery altogether. Supporters are pushing for federal legislation that would require manufacturers to provide repair tools and data, while also backing local manufacturing and community-based repair solutions. They argue that improving domestic repair capacity could reduce costs, create jobs and strengthen resilience against supply chain disruptions.
Read full story: CBC News
Date published: May 24, 2026
Cash Aid Rolled Out for Thousands of Drought-Affected Corn Farmers in Philippines
More than 6,600 corn farmers in the Philippines’ Cagayan province have received emergency cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) following severe agricultural drought conditions. A total of 6,680 farmers were provided with Emergency Cash Transfer payments, with each beneficiary receiving P10,125 to help cover daily needs and recover from crop losses caused by prolonged dry weather. The programme, carried out across multiple locations, was part of a wider government effort to support affected farming communities under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s directive. Officials said further payouts are planned, with more than 31,000 farmers expected to benefit in the coming weeks.
Read full story: Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
Date published: May 25, 2026
Transparent Pricing Seen as Key to Strengthening India’s Sugarcane Sector
Transparent and sustainable sugarcane pricing is being highlighted as essential to improving farmer welfare, boosting productivity and supporting India’s broader energy and sustainability goals. The Fair and Remunerative Price system provides a guaranteed minimum payment to growers, helping to reduce income volatility and encourage long-term investment in better farming practices such as precision agriculture, improved seeds and efficient nutrient use. Experts say clearer pricing linked to sugar recovery could also promote water-saving techniques and improve resource efficiency in a water-intensive sector. With sugarcane increasingly used for ethanol production under India’s clean energy programme, transparent pricing is viewed as vital for balancing farmer returns, mill viability and national energy priorities.
Read full story: ChiniMandi
Date published: May 25, 2026
Scottish Pig Farmers Warn Industry Is ‘At Breaking Point’ Amid Price Collapse
Scottish pig farmers say the sector is under severe financial strain, with many warning it is “at breaking point” due to rising production costs, falling pork prices and market oversupply across Europe. Farmers report producing pigs at a loss as supermarket prices remain too low to cover costs, with some businesses considering leaving the industry entirely. The downturn has been linked to an oversupply of pork in Europe following disruptions caused by African Swine Fever in Spain, which has increased competition and driven down prices. Industry groups estimate significant herd reductions in Scotland and warn that continued losses could threaten the viability of many farms unless urgent support is provided.
Read full story: BBC Scotland News
Date published: May 25, 2026