South African News
South African Agriculture Better Prepared as El Niño Threat Looms
South Africa’s agriculture sector is entering the 2026/27 summer production season in a stronger position despite the confirmed onset of El Niño, with experts urging caution rather than assuming a repeat of the devastating 2015/16 drought. Record grain harvests, healthy water storage levels and improved disaster preparedness provide important buffers against potential impacts. Government departments, Land Bank and agricultural organisations have strengthened resilience through drought-tolerant crops, climate-smart farming, blended finance, improved early warning systems and enhanced monitoring. While El Niño increases the risk of below-average rainfall and drought, stakeholders stress that its severity, timing and regional impacts remain uncertain.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 21, 2026
Solar-Powered Hydroponics Project Brings Climate-Smart Farming to South African School
Pelican Park High School in Cape Town has partnered with Islamic Relief South Africa and the University of the Western Cape to establish a solar-powered hydroponic agriculture hub, giving learners practical experience in climate-smart farming. The system uses up to 90% less water than conventional methods while producing crops four to ten times faster. Once all 12 hydroponic units are installed, the greenhouse is expected to produce around 600 additional crops, supporting both education and community food security. The initiative also provides agricultural training for local women and promotes sustainable development, with produce contributing to the school’s Mandela Day outreach programme.
Read full story:Horti Daily
Date Published: July 20, 2026
African News
Egypt Unveils Measures to Tackle Livestock Feed Costs and Boost Food Security
Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced a range of measures to strengthen the livestock and poultry sectors, focusing on reducing high feed costs and improving long-term food security. Speaking at the First International Conference for the Sustainable Development of Livestock, Poultry, and Fish Wealth, Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk outlined plans to expand fodder production, promote alternative feeds, encourage local manufacturing and improve financing, marketing and digital services. The government is also investing in veterinary services, genetic improvement, biotechnology and artificial intelligence to increase productivity. Officials stressed the importance of scientific research, private sector collaboration and sustainable farming to build resilience against climate, disease and economic challenges.
Read full story:Daily News Egypt
Date Published: July 20, 2026
Global News
Low Danube Water Levels Restrict Irrigation for Romanian Farmers
Record-low water levels on the Danube River are creating significant challenges for Romanian agriculture, with authorities restricting access to irrigation water for farmers in the country’s south-east following prolonged heatwaves and drought. The river’s flow has dropped to around 1,700 cubic metres per second, far below the July average of 4,700 cubic metres, raising concerns over water availability during the growing season. Low water levels have also left grain barges stranded, potentially affecting the transport of agricultural exports from one of the European Union’s largest grain-producing countries. Authorities expect conditions to improve gradually following heavy rainfall in several regions.
Read full story:Reuters
Date Published: July 20, 2026
Canada Invests $3 Billion to Strengthen National Food Security
Canada’s National Food Security Strategy aims to create a more resilient, affordable and independent food system through more than $3 billion in federal investment over the next decade. The plan includes $1 billion for food infrastructure, such as new food terminals and distribution hubs, alongside $750 million to expand year-round fruit and vegetable production through greenhouses, vertical farms and other controlled growing systems. Speaking at the Port of Windsor, MP Peter Fragiskatos highlighted the significant potential of south-western Ontario’s greenhouse sector to benefit from the funding, helping to boost domestic food production and improve market access for independent food retailers.
Read full story:Vertical Farm Daily
Date Published: July 20, 2026
Indian Entrepreneur Expands Microgreens Business to Promote Healthier Eating
Former pharmaceutical executive Mohit Nijhawan founded Embryonic Green in 2022 after recognising the impact of poor-quality, chemical-laden food on public health. Motivated by a desire to focus on disease prevention rather than treatment, he established an urban farming business producing chemical-free microgreens. The company now grows 75 varieties of live microgreens with intact roots through a network of 24 franchises across India. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, the produce is supplied directly to consumers and premium hospitality businesses, providing healthier food choices and helping to tackle lifestyle-related health issues through improved nutrition.
Read full story:Vertical Farm Daily
Date Published: July 20, 2026
Shared Urban Farms Flourish as Green Retreats Across China
Shared vegetable gardens are becoming increasingly popular in China, transforming unused urban land into productive spaces that promote wellbeing, education and community engagement. In Jinan, Shandong province, a former wasteland has been converted into more than 200 rentable plots where families, retirees and young professionals grow fruit, vegetables and flowers. Beyond providing fresh produce, the gardens offer opportunities to reduce stress, reconnect with nature and teach children where food comes from. Some projects also support older people, people with disabilities and charitable initiatives. While operators face challenges with customer retention, many are expanding into education and leisure activities to ensure long-term sustainability.
Read full story:Asia News Network
Date Published: July 21, 2026
