South African News
South Africa Urged to Back Small-Scale Farmers
South Africa is being encouraged to learn from Zimbabwe’s agricultural experience by investing more support in small-scale farmers. The article argues that Zimbabwe’s failure to properly empower black farmers after independence contributed to the collapse of parts of its farming sector following land seizures in the early 2000s. However, smallholders now play a major role in maize and tobacco production, with tobacco output reaching record levels. Despite this progress, many farmers remain financially vulnerable because they lack land ownership and cannot access bank loans. The piece warns South Africa against relying on foreign companies to sustain emerging farmers, describing this as a new form of colonialism.
Read full story: The Citizen
Date published: May 27, 2026
Weekend Farming Seen as a Pathway to Success
An opinion piece by editor Lebogang Mashala argues that part-time and weekend farming should not be viewed as a sign of failure, but rather as a practical and realistic entry point into agriculture. Reflecting on Africa Month and the continent’s strong farming heritage, the article highlights how many aspiring farmers balance employment with agricultural activities to reduce financial risk. Mashala criticises funding systems that require emerging farmers to leave stable jobs before qualifying for support, warning that such expectations often undermine long-term success. The piece calls for more flexible funding models that help farmers gradually transition into full-time commercial agriculture while maintaining financial security.
Read full story: African Farming
Date published: May 27, 2026
African News
Kenya Plans Ksh100 Billion Green Bond for Agriculture Growth
Kenya is aiming to raise Ksh100 billion through green and climate bonds by 2027 to modernise and strengthen its agriculture sector. The government plans to issue low-interest bonds backed by carbon credit revenues, with funding directed towards projects such as solar-powered cold storage and regenerative farming. The initiative forms part of the National Agriculture Sector Investment Plan, which seeks to attract greater private sector involvement and improve resilience in food production. The programme also includes loan guarantees for farmers, with a strong focus on supporting women and youth-led enterprises. Officials hope the measures will ease long-standing financing challenges faced by smallholder farmers and boost national food security.
Read full story: Kenyans
Date published: May 26, 2026
Global News
Regenerative Farming Seen as Key to Europe’s Food Future
McCain Foods says regenerative agriculture will play a crucial role in strengthening Europe’s food security, sustainability and global competitiveness. Writing for the company, regional president Jillian Moffatt highlighted the growing pressures facing agriculture, including climate change, soil degradation and rising production costs. The article argues that healthier soils and more resilient farming systems are essential to maintaining crop yields and supporting long-term food production. McCain aims to implement regenerative practices across all potato acreage used for its products by 2030, supported by partnerships with farmers and research institutions. The piece also calls for stronger EU policies, targeted funding and trade support to help scale sustainable farming across Europe.
Read full story: Politico
Date published: May 27, 2026
India’s Ethanol Expansion Raises Concerns Over Food Security
India’s rapid expansion of ethanol production has dramatically increased the amount of farmland dedicated to fuel crops, with land linked to ethanol feedstocks growing from 0.7 million hectares in 2020-21 to 5.7 million hectares in 2024-25. The government sees ethanol blending to reduce oil imports, strengthen energy security and cut emissions, with petrol now containing 20 per cent ethanol. However, researchers warn that the growing use of maize and rice for fuel could strain food supplies, animal feed markets and water resources. Concerns have also been raised about the long-term impact on nutrition security as more agricultural land shifts towards fuel production instead of food crops.
Read full story: Farmtario
Date published: May 27, 2026
Heavy Rain Disrupts China’s Wheat Harvest as Farmers Rush to Save Crops
Persistent rainfall across key agricultural regions in China, including Henan, Shandong and Anhui provinces, has disrupted the summer wheat harvest and forced farmers to act quickly to protect crops from waterlogging and disease. In Henan, fields have become too muddy for machinery, although authorities have mobilised thousands of harvesters in anticipation of a short weather window. Shandong has seen improved grain filling but rising risks of fungal disease due to excess moisture. In Anhui, severe flooding has submerged farmland, prompting emergency drainage efforts. Despite the challenges, officials remain hopeful that harvesting can be completed rapidly once conditions improve.
Read full story: Bastille Post https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/5884109-chinese-farmers-race-to-harvest-wheat-despite-rain-delays
Date published: May 26, 2026
New Zealand Food Exports Seen as Stable Amid Global Hormuz Uncertainty
New Zealand’s strong position as a reliable food producer is being highlighted as global energy and supply chain uncertainty continues, particularly following disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. A Rabo Research report suggests that even if tensions ease, instability in the region could persist for months, keeping fuel and freight costs elevated and creating risks for global trade flows. However, analysts say New Zealand’s low-cost, pasture-based farming system gives it an advantage, with strong demand for dependable food exporters during crises. While markets face volatility and input costs remain exposed to energy prices, New Zealand is expected to benefit from its stable production of natural food products.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date published: May 27, 2026
