South African News
South Africa launches first large-scale plum exports to China
South Africa has shipped its first large-scale consignment of plums to China, marking a significant step in expanding agricultural exports and strengthening trade relations. Around 20,000 cartons of African Delight and Ruby Star plums were prepared for export following the implementation of a long-awaited stone fruit trade agreement. The deal allows qualifying exports to enter China under zero-tariff conditions and is expected to boost export revenue, create hundreds of jobs and improve the competitiveness of South Africa’s fruit industry. Officials also plan to expand exports to include cherries, blueberries and potentially beef, while enhanced transport infrastructure is expected to support future growth.
Read full story: IOL
Date published: June 30, 2026
Experts urge stronger disease control to boost South Africa’s livestock exports
South Africa’s livestock industry has been encouraged to strengthen disease control, traceability and collaboration to remain competitive in global markets, particularly in the beef sector. Speaking at the Livestock Global Forum 2026 in Pretoria, industry experts highlighted growing export opportunities, especially in Asia and the Middle East, while stressing that foot-and-mouth disease remains a major barrier to trade. Brazil’s success in achieving FMD-free status and expanding exports was presented as a model for South Africa. Delegates also emphasised the importance of digital livestock traceability, public-private partnerships, research, innovation and supporting emerging farmers to secure the sector’s long-term growth.
Read full story: Farmer's Weekly
Date published: June 29, 2026
African News
US suspends some tariffs on Moroccan phosphate fertiliser to ease supply shortages
The United States will temporarily suspend certain anti-dumping and countervailing duties on phosphate fertiliser imports from Morocco to help address supply shortages affecting farmers. President Donald Trump said global fertiliser supply chains have been disrupted by conflict in key producing regions and trade restrictions, leaving domestic production unable to meet agricultural demand. The eight-month suspension, or until the declared emergency ends, is intended to secure reliable imports while the US expands its own fertiliser manufacturing capacity. The move follows significant disruption to global fertiliser markets, raising concerns about agricultural production and wider food security.
Read full story: Reuters
Date published: June 30, 2026
Global News
Mexico set for record corn imports as domestic production declines
Mexico is expected to import record volumes of corn during the 2026/27 marketing year as lower domestic production, rising input costs and growing demand from the livestock sector widen the gap between supply and consumption. The United States is forecast to remain Mexico’s main supplier, with yellow corn imports supporting the poultry and animal feed industries. While international organisations predict increasing reliance on imports, Mexico’s government maintains that domestic white corn production remains sufficient for human consumption and argues that higher yellow corn imports reflect expanding livestock demand rather than declining food security. The government continues to prioritise white corn self-sufficiency through support for local producers.
Read full story: Mexico Business News
Date published: June 29, 2026
Pakistan to develop national agriculture policy to drive sector reforms
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to develop a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy in partnership with provincial authorities to modernise the sector and support sustainable growth. An apex forum will oversee reforms and monitor the implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan through monthly meetings. The government also plans to expand farmers’ access to concessional loans, improve crop yields with better seeds, technology and irrigation, and strengthen storage and value addition. Ongoing initiatives include AI tools for crop disease detection, expanded agricultural finance, and the development of new policies covering seeds, biotechnology, wheat, olives and livestock.
Read full story: Business Recorder
Date published: June 29, 2026
Durian glut sends prices tumbling in Malaysia and Singapore
An exceptional durian harvest in Malaysia has created a major oversupply, causing prices to fall sharply and prompting some retailers in Singapore to sell the fruit at steep discounts or even give it away for free. The glut is largely attributed to trees planted during a decade-long expansion driven by strong demand from China, which have now reached maturity. While consumers are benefiting from cheaper fruit, many farmers are facing falling incomes, worsened by weather-related production challenges and inconsistent fruit quality. Malaysian authorities have introduced support measures, while the industry is focusing on premium quality and strengthening export markets to restore profitability.
Read full story: BBC News
Date published: June 30, 2026
Youth farming programme inspires new generation of agricultural leaders in Indonesia
A youth-focused agricultural programme in Indonesia is helping to reverse rural migration by encouraging young people to see farming as a viable and rewarding career. Led by RYTHM Foundation and Plan Indonesia, the initiative has trained 209 young people across six villages in East Nusa Tenggara, with women making up 53% of participants. The programme combines climate-smart farming, business skills and gender equality training, enabling participants to improve productivity, generate income and access new markets. Success stories from young women farmers highlight changing attitudes towards women’s roles, while sustainable farming practices and stronger local partnerships are helping build more resilient rural communities.
Read full story: RYTHM Foundation
Date published: June 29, 2026
