South African News
South Africa Moves Towards Bird Flu Vaccinations to Protect Poultry Industry
South Africa’s government is set to modernise its response to bird flu by allowing vaccinations against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), replacing the long-standing practice of mass culling of both infected and healthy birds. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the change will provide poultry farmers with legal and scientific tools to protect their flocks, reduce financial losses, safeguard jobs and help keep food prices stable. The new framework will combine vaccination, biosecurity measures and testing, while improving disease surveillance and outbreak management. Interim measures will be introduced immediately as the new regulations are finalised.
Read full story: Business Tech
Date Published: June 8, 2026
South Africa’s Pistachio Industry Eyes Major Global Export Growth
South Africa’s pistachio industry is preparing for significant expansion, with producers aiming to capture between 5% and 8% of the global export market over the next decade. Driven by strong international demand, high prices and supply shortages in the Northern Hemisphere, the sector plans to increase annual production from just 20 metric tonnes last year to 60,000 metric tonnes. The Karoo and Northern Cape, particularly around Prieska, have emerged as ideal growing regions, although climate challenges remain. Industry leaders say local research has helped adapt international growing methods to South African conditions, making pistachio farming both technically proven and commercially viable for future investment.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: June 8, 2026
African News
Kenyan Macadamia Farmers Welcome Possible Easing of Export Ban
Macadamia farmers and traders in Kenya’s Mt Kenya region have welcomed signs that the government may review restrictions on exporting unprocessed macadamia nuts, a move they believe could revive the struggling sector. Growers say thousands of tonnes of unsold nuts remain in storage due to limited market access and falling prices. Industry representatives have urged the Agriculture Ministry to remove or temporarily suspend the export ban, arguing that it has reduced competition and left farmers dependent on a small number of local processors. They also highlighted unpaid debts, declining farmgate prices and growing export opportunities in markets such as China and Russia.
Source: The Star
Date Published: June 8, 2026
Global News
Campaigners Push for Ban on Pre-Harvest Glyphosate Spraying in UK Farming
Pressure is mounting on the UK government to ban the use of glyphosate as a pre-harvest drying agent, with nearly 60,000 people backing a petition calling for tighter controls. Environmental groups, led by the Soil Association and Riverford, argue that spraying crops shortly before harvest increases the risk of pesticide residues in food and poses potential health and environmental concerns. Farmers, however, maintain that glyphosate remains a vital tool for weed control, reduced tillage and efficient harvest management, particularly in challenging conditions. As regulators review the herbicide’s approval status, growers warn that any restrictions must be accompanied by practical alternatives, financial support and sufficient time to adapt.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: June 8, 2026
Severe Water Shortage Threatens Pakistan’s Kharif Crop Production
Pakistan’s agricultural sector is facing a major challenge as severe water shortages in the Sukkur Barrage’s Right Bank Canal System threaten millions of acres of farmland during the crucial Kharif growing season. The shortages have heavily affected irrigation supplies in Sindh and parts of Balochistan, leaving many farmers unable to prepare fields or establish paddy nurseries. Local officials and farming representatives have accused upstream regions of excessive water withdrawals and unequal distribution, while criticising federal authorities for failing to address the crisis. Political leaders warn that reduced water allocations could severely damage agricultural output, rice exports and regional economies, with concerns also growing over potential disputes between provinces over water resources.
Read full story: Daily Hunt
Date Published: June 7, 2026
Study Finds Women Farmers Face Higher Mental Health Strain Due to ‘Triple Shift’
A new study by University of Guelph researchers has found that women in farming experience disproportionately higher levels of mental health strain compared with men, driven by heavy workloads, limited recognition and a lack of inclusivity within the sector. Researchers described a “triple shift” faced by women, combining paid farm work, unpaid agricultural labour and household responsibilities such as childcare, administration and financial management. The study also found women are often expected to take responsibility for mental health support within farming communities, despite already carrying significant pressures. Researchers warned that dismissive attitudes and assumptions about leadership roles further undermine women’s wellbeing in agriculture.
Read full story: Flamborough Today
Date Published: June 8, 2026
Australian Carbon Farming Scheme Shows Strong Evidence of Forest Regrowth, Study Finds
Australia’s human-induced regeneration carbon farming scheme is showing largely positive results, with independent assessments indicating that forests are regrowing across most participating land. The scheme allows landholders to earn carbon credits for encouraging natural forest regeneration on previously cleared land, with each tonne of CO₂ absorbed converted into credits. Critics have questioned whether the carbon gains are genuine or would have occurred naturally, but on-site audits and high-resolution data suggest most concerns are overstated. Around 94% of eligible land is successfully regenerating, with only a small proportion removed from the scheme. While some areas remain slow to recover, experts conclude the initiative is broadly effective in increasing forest cover and carbon storage.
Read full story: The Conversation
Date Published: June 7, 2026
