South African News
White Farmers Still Dominate South African Land Despite Decades of Reform, Study Finds
More than 30 years after the end of apartheid, white farmers continue to own most of South Africa’s agricultural land despite government efforts to redistribute ownership. New research found that land reform has often benefited existing white landowners, who have used the programme to address issues such as stock theft, labour arrangements and farm management, while many Black beneficiaries remain on small, unsupported farms with limited opportunities to expand. The study argues that the state has relied too heavily on market-led land transfers and should take a more active role in acquiring land and supporting emerging Black farmers to reduce long-standing inequalities.
Read full story: The Conversation
Date Published: August 3, 2026
Wagyu Beef Offers South African Farmers Profitable Export Diversification
South African cattle farmers are being encouraged to diversify into Wagyu beef production as a way to improve profitability and access premium export markets. Strong demand in regions such as the Middle East and Asia, combined with favourable exchange rates, offers producers the potential for higher returns than conventional beef production. The article highlights Wagyu's renowned marbling, the value of its genetics in crossbreeding programmes and the growth of South Africa’s certified Wagyu industry. It suggests farmers can gradually introduce Wagyu genetics into existing beef or dairy herds, creating additional income streams while making use of current livestock infrastructure and management systems.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: August 3, 2026
African News
Flood Relief Livestock Feed to Reach Namibia’s Zambezi Region This Week
Livestock farmers in Namibia’s Zambezi Region are expected to receive supplementary feed this week following delays caused by transport, fuel shortages and limited disaster funding. The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia has donated livestock feed worth N$500,000 to support around 3,000 farmers affected by seasonal flooding in the Kabbe North, Kabbe South and Katima Mulilo Rural constituencies. Distribution will be based on assessments of the worst-affected farmers, with some expected to receive only one sack each due to limited supplies. The donation forms part of wider efforts to help farming communities recover from climate-related disasters and strengthen agricultural resilience.
Read full story: The Namibian
Date Published: August 3, 2026
Global News
UK Launches £20 Million Fund to Accelerate Farm Robotics and Automation
The UK Government has announced £20 million in new funding to support the development of robotic and automated farming technologies that can plant, monitor and harvest crops, while also benefiting livestock and forestry sectors. Delivered through the Farming Innovation Programme in partnership with Innovate UK, the funding aims to help businesses, researchers and farmers tackle labour shortages, improve productivity and strengthen resilience. Projects could include fruit-picking robots, automated crop management systems and technology to detect disease in livestock. The latest investment forms part of £123 million allocated to agricultural innovation this year and contributes to a wider £200 million commitment by 2030.
Read full story: UK Government
Date Published: August 3, 2026
New Zealand Organic Sector Seeks Dedicated Policy to Boost Export Growth
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is calling on political parties to introduce dedicated policies to support the country's growing organic sector, arguing that organic exports are increasing at almost twice the rate of the wider food and fibre industry. The organisation says targeted government support is needed to help achieve New Zealand’s export ambitions through measures including a National Organic Policy, continued ministerial oversight, investment in industry growth, improved market access and protection of the country's GE-free status. OANZ plans to publish an Organic Political Scorecard comparing political parties' responses ahead of the election.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: August 4, 2026
China Invests $319 Million In Farm Disaster Prevention and Water Infrastructure
China has allocated US$319 million (around £240 million) to strengthen agricultural disaster prevention and repair water infrastructure damaged by extreme weather. The funding will support irrigation systems, reservoirs, drainage networks and flood-control facilities to improve resilience against floods, droughts and other climate-related events while protecting food production. The investment reflects China's growing focus on food security, climate adaptation and rural infrastructure, with the government aiming to reduce agricultural losses and speed up recovery after disasters. The move is also expected to help stabilise supply chains and limit the wider economic impacts of climate-related disruptions.
Read full story: ESG News
Date Published: August 3, 2026
China Heat Wave Raises Global Concerns Over Crop Production and Grain Markets
A prolonged heat wave across northern and eastern China is placing corn, rice, cotton and soybean crops under increasing stress during key growth stages, raising concerns over lower yields and tighter global grain supplies. Temperatures of up to 38°C are forecast in major corn-producing provinces, while parts of Xinjiang could approach 50°C, threatening cotton production. At the same time, excessive rainfall in southern China is increasing the risk of rice diseases. As the world's largest agricultural importer, any decline in China's harvests could boost imports, support global commodity prices and create export opportunities for countries including the United States, Brazil and Argentina.
Read full story: AgroLatam
Date Published: August 3, 2026
