South African News
South Africa Calls for Binding Global Action On Drought
South Africa is calling for stronger international action on drought resilience and significantly increased finance for land restoration at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia. The country will support efforts to establish a legally binding global drought protocol focused on prevention, preparedness and recovery, rather than relying mainly on emergency responses. South Africa has restored, conserved or sustainably managed about 2.9 million hectares and has revised its land degradation target to eight million hectares. It is also seeking greater financial and technical support for developing countries and a science-based, measurable UNCCD framework beyond 2030. The country is acting as Africa’s drought champion at COP17.
Read full story: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Date published: August 19, 2026
Foot-And-Mouth Disease Creates Wider Business Crisis in South Africa
Foot-and-mouth disease is creating economic pressures that extend beyond South Africa’s farming sector, disrupting the wider meat supply chain and threatening food security, jobs and livelihoods. Restrictions on livestock movement and animal culling are reducing meat supplies, contributing to higher prices and leaving farmers unable to sell animals while still facing ongoing costs. The crisis is also affecting informal traders who rely on meat and offal sales to support their families and have little financial protection when supplies fail. The article calls for faster disease containment and vaccination, financial support for affected farmers and greater assistance for small and emerging producers.
Read full story: Mail & Guardian
Date published: August 19, 2026
African News
Mozambique Plans US$2 Billion Investment to Boost Agriculture
Mozambique plans to mobilise around US$2 billion over the next four years to increase agricultural productivity, with a particular focus on small-scale producers and promising value chains. The investment is expected to support more than two million farmers through measures including agricultural research and extension services, producer financing, improved seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, mechanisation and irrigation. The Chókwè and Lower Limpopo irrigation schemes in Gaza province have been identified as priority areas. The plans come amid calls from the private sector for better access to agricultural information and education, including digital services providing farmers with advice on storms, pests and other challenges.
Read full story: Club of Mozambique
Date published: August 19, 2026
Global News
Mexico Challenges US Ruling Over Strawberry Dumping
Mexico has expressed serious concern over a preliminary US ruling that found Mexican strawberry exporters had sold the fruit below normal market value during the winter season. The US Commerce Department calculated dumping margins ranging from 3.37% to 5.28%, with an average of 4.83%. The case could affect nearly 5,000 Mexican strawberry growers, 97% of whom are small or medium-sized farmers, as well as 151,000 jobs linked to strawberry production. Mexico exported 263,000 tonnes of strawberries to the US worth US$1 billion in 2025. Mexico plans to challenge the findings ahead of a final ruling expected in early 2027.
Read full story: Reuters
Date published: August 19, 2026
Canadian Farmers Battle Widespread Crop Disease Ahead of Harvest
Canadian farmers are facing widespread crop diseases following an unusually wet spring and early summer, raising concerns over the quantity and quality of this year’s harvest. High moisture levels followed by hot, humid conditions have created ideal conditions for fungal diseases affecting durum and spring wheat, canola and pulse crops. Despite tight finances and weak crop profitability, many farmers have continued spending heavily on fungicides to protect their crops, with costs reaching US$6–20 per acre. Canada is a major global exporter of these crops, so disease-related losses could have wider implications for agricultural markets. However, the full impact will not be known until harvesting begins.
Read full story: Reuters
Date published: August 17, 2026
Young Indian Farmers Turn to Agri-Tech to Tackle Climate Challenges
India is promoting drones, satellite data, precision agriculture and digital advisory services to help farmers improve productivity and cope with increasingly unpredictable weather. Younger farmers are often more willing to adopt these technologies and can also help older farmers navigate digital systems. However, high upfront costs, fragmented landholdings, data privacy concerns and limited suitability for small farms are restricting wider adoption. Experts also warn that precision agriculture does not automatically make farming more sustainable and could reinforce reliance on chemical inputs. India hopes to develop and eventually export data-driven agricultural technologies, but solutions will need to be adapted to local farming conditions and infrastructure.
Read full story: Eco-Business
Date published: August 20, 2026
Thailand Unveils Roadmap to Become Global Food Powerhouse
Thailand has unveiled a new agricultural roadmap aimed at strengthening food security, modernising farming and expanding the country’s position in global food markets. The strategy covers the entire supply chain, from research and breeding to processing and exports. Upstream priorities include improved plant and animal genetics, modern machinery and greater support for young farmers and agricultural service providers. Midstream measures focus on food biotechnology, extending fruit shelf life, processing hubs, private investment and stronger food safety standards. Downstream, the plan promotes digital sales, direct farm-to-market distribution, Halal certification and standardised farmer registration, while supporting SMEs and community enterprises to expand.
Read full story: Pattaya Mail
Date published: August 20, 2026
