South African News
Farm Insurance Becomes Essential as Climate Extremes Threaten South African Agriculture
South African farmers are facing mounting challenges as severe hailstorms and heavy rainfall damage crops, infrastructure and production across the country. Land Bank Insurance says climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, making insurance a vital part of modern farming rather than an optional safeguard. The organisation offers protection against weather-related losses and damaged farming assets, while also developing innovative and affordable solutions, including micro-insurance, to support smaller-scale producers. By working with insurers, government bodies and agricultural organisations, Land Bank Insurance aims to strengthen resilience, improve recovery after disasters and help protect long-term food security as climate risks intensify.
Read full story: Food for Mzansi
Date Published: June 5, 2026
State Bottlenecks Hold Back South Africa’s Poultry Export Ambitions
South Africa’s poultry industry is warning that government delays and inadequate export support are preventing it from capitalising on significant international market opportunities. Industry leaders speaking at a FairPlay webinar said the sector has grown by 26% since 2019 and now has an additional 120,000 tonnes of cooking capacity ready for export markets. Despite being globally competitive on production costs, producers face administrative delays, skills shortages and limited government assistance in securing access to overseas markets. Stakeholders argue that expanding exports is essential as domestic demand stagnates, and that resolving these structural barriers could deliver substantial benefits across the agricultural value chain.
Read full story: Food for Mzansi
Date Published: June 5, 2026
African News
Africa Emerging as a Major Future Hub for Aquaculture Growth
Africa is increasingly being recognised as one of the most promising regions for aquaculture expansion, driven by strong seafood demand, favourable natural conditions and growing investment. Despite accounting for less than 2% of global aquaculture production, many African countries rely heavily on imports, creating significant opportunities for domestic production. Industry experts at the Blue Food Innovation Summit highlighted the need for investment in feed, seed, technology and market infrastructure to unlock growth. Projects such as large-scale salmon farming in Namibia demonstrate the continent’s potential, while stakeholders emphasised that sustainable development, local economic benefits and patience from investors will be essential for long-term success.
Read full story: Seafood Source
Date Published: June 4, 2026
Global News
U.S. Rice Industry Backs Tariffs to Counter Foreign Competition
The U.S. rice industry is increasingly supporting tariffs on imported rice as a way to combat what it sees as unfair competition from heavily subsidised producers in countries such as India, Thailand and Vietnam. Industry leaders are pushing for a Section 301 investigation that could lead to tariffs of 50% to 60% on rice imports, which currently account for around 32% of U.S. rice consumption. They argue that reclaiming even a small share of the domestic market would significantly benefit American producers. Alongside tariff efforts, the industry is building international alliances to challenge trade distortions and secure a more level playing field for U.S. rice farmers.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date Published: June 5, 2026
Australian Farmers Embrace Innovation Despite Ongoing Challenges
Australian farmers are increasingly adopting new farming practices to improve resilience, productivity and profitability, according to the first Farms in Focus report. The survey of 500 farmers found that while rising input costs, extreme weather and natural disasters remain major concerns, many producers are embracing innovations such as rotational grazing, improved land management and more efficient use of water and energy. Farmers who have implemented these changes reported stronger profit expectations and positive returns on investment. The report also highlights growing optimism about consumer demand and potential policy reforms, although barriers such as limited access to finance, expertise and burdensome regulations continue to hinder wider adoption.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: June 5, 2026
FAIFA Urges Climate-Resilient Farming to Prepare India for El Niño Risks
India’s farming sector must urgently adopt climate-resilient practices to safeguard food security and rural livelihoods amid increasing El Niño-driven weather volatility, according to a new report by the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA). Released on World Environment Day 2026, the report highlights rising threats from extreme heat, erratic rainfall, soil degradation and groundwater stress. It calls for a dual ecological and technological transition, including improved soil health, reduced chemical dependency, better water efficiency and greater crop diversification. FAIFA stresses that agricultural planning must shift towards proactive risk management rather than reacting to climate shocks as they occur.
Read full story: The Pioneer
Date Published: June 5, 2026
Pakistan Launches Rs7.1bn Initiative to Boost Agricultural Storage and Cut Food Losses
Pakistan has launched a major financing initiative aimed at expanding agricultural storage capacity and reducing post-harvest losses across the country. The Rs7.1 billion Agri-Storage Portfolio Financing Facility, led by InfraZamin Pakistan and supported by the Ministry of Finance, will mobilise private sector investment to build and upgrade warehouses, silos and cold storage facilities. The scheme is expected to create over 300,000 tonnes of additional storage capacity while improving farmers’ incomes, reducing waste and strengthening food security. It will also support job creation across logistics, processing and construction, and improve access to credit through warehouse receipt financing and related agricultural lending schemes.
Read full story: The Nation
Date Published: June 4, 2026
