South African News
Young Farmers Demand Action on Finance, Land and Market Access
Young farmers at a Youth Day round-table discussion in Stellenbosch called for urgent reforms to improve access to finance, land and markets, warning that delays are undermining confidence in the agricultural sector. Participants highlighted challenges such as securing buyers, meeting compliance standards and accessing market information. Industry representatives stressed the importance of equipping young people with business and technology skills, while promoting agriculture as a modern, innovation-driven industry with diverse career opportunities. Attendees also called for stronger partnerships to support certification, mentoring and market access. The event concluded with renewed calls for coordinated action to create opportunities for young people across the agricultural value chain.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: June 23, 2026
Cape Town Port Ranked Worst in the World as Exporters Demand Faster Improvements
Cape Town has been ranked the world’s worst-performing container port in the 2025 Container Port Performance Index, placing 400th out of 400 ports globally. While other South African ports, including Durban, Ngqura and Port Elizabeth, recorded notable improvements, exporters warned that Cape Town’s continued inefficiencies threaten the competitiveness of the country’s agricultural sector. The port handles around 80% of South Africa’s deciduous fruit exports, and delays have already cost producers billions of rand in lost revenue and additional expenses. Industry groups acknowledged Transnet’s infrastructure upgrades but stressed that tangible improvements in productivity and reliability are urgently needed to protect jobs, exports and rural livelihoods.
Read full story: Food for Mzansi
Date Published: June 23, 2026
African News
Tanzania Fertiliser Firm Shifts to Soil-Specific Production to Boost Efficiency
Tanzania’s state-owned fertiliser company is moving towards local fertiliser blending and production to create soil-specific products tailored to regional agricultural needs. Using soil testing and analysis, the company aims to replace standardised fertiliser distribution with customised formulations that improve efficiency and crop performance. Plans also include investment in processing infrastructure and the development of an agricultural lime plant in Tanga to improve soil quality and address acidity. The initiative is expected to reduce reliance on imports, lower production costs and improve fertiliser availability for farmers. The company is also continuing farmer training programmes and supporting access to subsidised fertilisers.
Read full story: Daily News
Date Published: June 23, 2026
Global News
European and Ukrainian Young Farmers Unite Through New Partnership
The European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) and the Ukrainian Agri Council Young Farmers' Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation on agricultural policy, governance, projects and resilience. The agreement establishes a structured partnership focused on knowledge exchange, leadership development and support for young farmers, particularly as Ukrainian farmers continue operating under the challenges created by the war with Russia. The partnership will provide Ukrainian young farmers with greater integration into the European agricultural community, while CEJA will gain valuable insights on resilience, agricultural systems and future EU enlargement. Both organisations believe the collaboration will strengthen preparedness for market and geopolitical challenges.
Read full story: Agriland
Date Published: June 23, 2026
Peru Moves Towards Stronger Farm Animal Welfare Protections
Peru has taken a significant step towards improving farm animal welfare through two congressional committee votes. One proposed law would require egg producers to label eggs according to whether hens are raised in caged, cage-free or free-range systems, giving consumers greater transparency. A second bill would require the use of anaesthesia or analgesia during painful procedures carried out on piglets, including castration, tail docking and teeth clipping. Although neither measure has yet become law, both reflect growing recognition of animal welfare issues in public policy. The progress follows years of advocacy by animal welfare organisations, veterinarians and campaigners seeking stronger protections for farmed animals.
Read full story: We Animals
Date Published: June 23, 2026
India Prepares Drought Response as Weak Monsoon Threatens Crops
India has developed contingency plans for more than 300 districts vulnerable to below-average monsoon rainfall as concerns grow over the impact on summer crops. Rainfall has been around 43% below normal so far, with forecasts indicating continued weak rains due to an El Niño-influenced monsoon season. The government has identified the most at-risk districts, particularly those with limited irrigation, and is encouraging farmers to switch to shorter-duration and less water-intensive crops such as pulses, millets and oilseeds. Authorities have also prioritised water conservation measures, including repairing ponds and water-harvesting structures, to reduce the potential impact on agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
Read full story: Free Malaysia Today
Date Published: June 24, 2026
China Begins First Harvest from Massive Offshore Salmon Farming Vessel
China has launched the first commercial harvest from Su Hai No.1, the world’s first 100,000-tonne-class salmon farming vessel, as part of efforts to strengthen domestic seafood production and reduce reliance on imported salmon. Operating off the coast of Shandong Province, the vessel contains 15 enclosed farming tanks and is expected to produce more than 8,000 tonnes of salmon annually. Unlike conventional fish farms, it can relocate to optimise water temperatures and avoid severe weather, while using automated feeding and digital monitoring systems. Although its output remains modest compared with Norway’s industry, the project reflects China’s growing ambitions in offshore aquaculture and food security.
Read full story: Scandasia
Date Published: June 24, 2026
