South African News
Major diesel price cut eases pressure on South African farmers
South African farmers are set to benefit from one of the largest diesel price reductions in recent years, helping to lower production costs during the busy harvesting season. From 1 July, wholesale diesel prices fell by up to R3.59 per litre, while petrol prices also declined, driven by lower global oil prices and a stronger rand. Although the reinstatement of the full fuel levy limits the overall savings, a reduced Slate Levy provides some additional relief. Grain SA said the reduction is particularly welcome, as diesel accounts for around 13% of grain and oilseed production costs, making harvesting and transporting crops significantly more affordable.
Read full story: Farmer's Weekly
Date published: July 1, 2026
Steenhuisen calls for pollination to be recognised as critical agricultural infrastructure
Pollination should be treated as essential agricultural infrastructure if South Africa is to remain competitive in global markets, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen told delegates at BeeCon 2026. He said healthy pollinator populations are vital to the productivity of key export crops, including citrus, apples, pears, avocados and macadamias, supporting yields, quality and the wider agricultural value chain. Steenhuisen also highlighted opportunities to grow the beekeeping sector, despite South Africa remaining a net importer of honey, by investing in bee health, research, disease management and commercial production. He stressed the importance of authentic honey standards and greater collaboration between government, industry and researchers to strengthen the country’s pollination economy.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: July 1, 2026
African News
Kenya launches KES 1.081 trillion agri-food investment plan
Kenya has launched the National Agri-food Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) 2026–2030, a KES 1.081 trillion strategy aimed at transforming the agricultural sector over the next five years. The plan seeks to improve food security, modernise agricultural value chains, expand irrigation, strengthen climate resilience, create more than two million jobs and increase farmers’ incomes by 2030. Funding will come from national and county governments, the private sector and development partners. Launched during the FINAS Summit 2026 in Nairobi, the initiative also supports implementation of the CAADP Kampala Declaration, with leaders emphasising the need for stronger partnerships, increased investment and large-scale implementation to drive sustainable agricultural growth.
Read full story: Africa Business
Date published: July 2026
Global News
Trump tariff suspension raises competition for global fertiliser supplies
Brazil is expected to face stronger competition for phosphate fertiliser supplies after US President Donald Trump temporarily suspended additional tariffs on certain imports, reducing costs for American farmers and increasing US demand. Brazil, which relies entirely on imported phosphate fertiliser, has been strengthening supply agreements with Russia, China and Morocco ahead of the next crop season. With less than half of its fertiliser requirements already secured, the country remains vulnerable to global supply pressures. Meanwhile, the UN warns that supply chain disruptions, rising input costs and weather risks continue to threaten global food production, with poorer countries likely to be hardest hit by higher food and energy prices.
Read full story: Datamar News
Date published: July 1, 2026
Soil health should take priority over new GM cotton seeds, expert argues
India’s declining cotton productivity is driven more by poor soil health and agronomic challenges than by a lack of new genetically modified (GM) seed technologies, according to agricultural scientist Keshav Kranthi. He argues that while GM traits help protect crops from pests and improve weed management, there is little evidence they directly increase yields. Instead, countries such as China and Turkey have achieved higher cotton productivity through improved varieties, better agronomy and healthier soils. Kranthi says India’s degraded soils, low organic carbon levels and broader farming constraints should be the focus of investment, alongside climate-resilient varieties, regenerative agriculture and more efficient crop management.
Read full story: The Indian Express
Date published: July 2, 2026
Australian poultry farms tighten biosecurity after first H5N1 cases found in wild birds
Australian poultry producers have strengthened biosecurity measures after the country confirmed its first cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in wild birds on the remote western coast. The virus was detected in a brown skua and a giant petrel near Esperance, with further suspected cases under investigation. Although no commercial poultry has been infected, major producer Inghams has locked down its Western Australian operations, restricting non-essential access as a precaution. The government says it is well prepared to respond to any outbreak, having invested more than A$113 million in preparedness, while urging farmers and the public to report sick or dead birds promptly.
Read full story: The Fence Post
Date published: July 1, 2026
Improved rainfall brings relief to drought-hit Saskatchewan farmers
Above-average rainfall has brought welcome relief to farmers in southwest Saskatchewan after years of severe drought, improving soil moisture and crop prospects. Since April, the region has received significantly more rain than average, helping reverse prolonged dry conditions. However, producers say financial pressures remain, with low grain prices, rising repair costs and years of limited investment continuing to affect farm businesses. Local leaders are also urging improvements to crop insurance, warning that future droughts remain a risk. While current conditions are favourable, experts caution that excessive rainfall later in the season could lead to flooding, crop diseases and increased pest pressure.
Read full story: CBC News
Date published: July 1, 2026
