South African News
Free State Warns Farmers as Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases Rise to 620
The Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs has urged farmers to report suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases immediately, warning that failure to do so is both a criminal offence and a major obstacle to controlling the outbreak. Twelve new cases have been confirmed, bringing the provincial total to 620. Authorities said accurate reporting is essential for planning vaccination campaigns and allocating resources effectively. Farmers were also reminded to follow strict biosecurity measures, including restricting animal movements, disinfecting equipment and quarantining new livestock. The outbreak has now spread to 19 municipalities, with Kroonstad remaining the worst-affected area.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: June 16, 2026
Strait of Hormuz Reopening Brings Hope for Lower Farm Input Costs
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following an agreement between the United States and Iran could help reduce fertiliser and fuel costs for South African farmers ahead of the 2026–27 summer crop season. Fertiliser prices have risen by around 50% over the past year due to conflict in the Middle East, placing pressure on producers of grains, oilseeds and sugarcane. Lower input costs would provide significant relief to the agricultural sector. The development may also improve trade logistics and support agricultural exports to the Middle East, a region that accounts for around 8% of South Africa’s agricultural export value.
Read full story: Wandile Substack
Date Published: June 16, 2026
African News
Ghana Distributes Fertiliser to Boost Smallholder Farm Production
The Ghanaian government has begun distributing 40,000 bags of fertiliser to smallholder farmers as part of its Feed Ghana Programme, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, improving crop yields and strengthening food security. The initiative is designed to lower production costs, enhance crop nutrition and support greater domestic food production. Working alongside the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, the government has organised a beneficiary database to ensure efficient and transparent distribution across all farming regions. Officials say the fertiliser will provide timely support during the planting season, helping to stabilise food supplies and contribute to efforts to curb food inflation.
Read full story: Citi Newsroom
Date Published: June 16, 2026
Global News
India Turns to Biofertilisers Amid Fears Over Chemical Fertiliser Supplies
Rising concerns about the availability of chemical fertilisers, fuelled by disruptions to Middle Eastern shipping routes, are driving greater interest in biofertilisers among Indian farmers ahead of the monsoon planting season. Small-scale producers, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, are increasingly adopting organic alternatives made from locally sourced materials such as cow dung and jaggery. While biofertilisers cannot fully replace chemical products, they can reduce dependence on them, improve soil health and lower environmental impacts. Government-backed initiatives led by women’s farming groups are expanding access to these products, while growing concerns over fertiliser shortages and soil degradation continue to support demand.
Read full story: France 24
Date Published: June 16, 2026
Elevarm Secures $4.25 Million to Expand AI-Driven Support for Farmers
Indonesian agritech startup Elevarm has raised $4.25 million in pre-Series A funding to expand its AI-powered agricultural solutions for smallholder farmers. The investment, led by Intudo with support from existing investors, will be used to broaden the company’s seed offerings, develop new bio-based fertilisers and crop protection products, and enhance digital productivity tools. Founded in 2022, Elevarm combines advanced greenhouse seedling production with mobile technology that provides farmers with real-time insights and precision farming support. The company also works with government agencies, universities and non-governmental organisations to improve crop resilience, biodiversity and soil health across Indonesia’s horticulture sector.
Read full story: Deal Room
Date Published: June 16, 2026
Rising Input Costs Drive Australian Farmer Confidence to Near Record Low
Australian farmer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since 2006, according to Rabobank’s latest Rural Confidence Survey, as concerns over rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs continue to weigh heavily on the sector. More than half of farmers expect agricultural conditions to worsen over the next year, with tensions in the Middle East and fears over supply disruptions adding to uncertainty. While improving commodity prices and recent rainfall have provided some support, many producers are reassessing cropping plans, livestock management and investment decisions to protect profitability. Confidence declined across all states and commodity sectors, with grain, sugar cane and cotton producers among the most pessimistic.
Read full story: Media Net
Date Published: June 16, 2026
Argentine Citrus Growers Struggle as Costs Rise and Returns Fall
Citrus producers in Argentina’s Entre Ríos province are facing severe financial pressure due to soaring production costs, weak domestic demand and falling international prices for juice concentrate. Industry representatives say farmgate prices have failed to keep pace with rising expenses, leaving many small-scale growers vulnerable. Reduced export opportunities have pushed more fruit onto the domestic market, increasing supply at a time when consumer purchasing power has weakened. Producers who control additional parts of the supply chain, such as packing, transport and sales, are better positioned to survive. Lengthening payment terms and growing concerns over non-payment are adding further strain to the sector.
Read full story: Fruitnet
Date Published: June 15, 2026
