South African News
South African Soya Bean Yields Show Strong Growth Potential
South African soya bean yields have risen from about 1.8t/ha to 2.5t/ha, but still trail Brazil’s 3.2t/ha and the US’s 4t/ha. Improved genetics are helping to close the gap, with 146 new varieties registered since a seed levy was introduced in 2019 and record competition yields exceeding 7t/ha. However, limited access to advanced biotechnology, a relatively small market and low use of purchased seed continue to constrain breeding investment. Better agronomic management is also crucial. Industry leaders say regulatory reform, particularly around gene editing, could accelerate access to improved genetics and further increase yields.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: August 24, 2026
Water Rights Alone Cannot Transform South Africa’s Farming Sector
South Africa’s efforts to address inequality in agriculture by giving Black farmers access to land and irrigation water have had limited success when other barriers remain. Research involving 34 commercial and emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape found that joint ventures often leave emerging farmers dependent on established commercial partners for finance, expertise, equipment and market access. High water and compliance costs, limited infrastructure and difficulties accessing credit can further undermine their independence. Researchers argue that meaningful transformation requires coordinated support for finance, skills, infrastructure and market access, alongside greater decision-making power. Joint ventures should also help emerging farmers build the capacity to eventually operate independently.
Read full story: Polity
Date Published: August 24, 2026
African News
Tanzania Calls for Greater Investment in Land and Natural Resource Protection
Tanzania has called for greater international investment, technology and financial support to restore degraded land and strengthen resilience to drought and desertification. Speaking at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Environment Minister Hamad Masauni stressed the need to protect grazing areas, forests and water sources while promoting sustainable rangeland management. Tanzania identifies deforestation, agricultural expansion, bushfires, soil erosion, unsustainable land use and settlement growth as key drivers of degradation. Officials said the country hopes to use the conference to attract funding from international institutions, the private sector and innovative financing mechanisms to expand land restoration, conserve biodiversity and strengthen farming and pastoral communities.
Read full story: Daily News
Date Published: August 24, 2026
Global News
Rising Pressure on Australian Farmers Threatens Food Security
Australian farmers are facing worsening financial and environmental pressures, with rising input and freight costs, natural disasters and global uncertainty contributing to growing stress and mental health concerns. The 2026 Norco National Farmer Wellbeing Report found that 54% of farmers had felt depressed or down, 33% said their mental health had deteriorated over the past year and 41% had considered leaving the industry. More than a quarter of farms had operated at a loss over three years, while many farmers are taking on off-farm work to remain viable. Industry leaders warn that declining farmer wellbeing could ultimately threaten Australia’s food security.
Read full story: Beef Central
Date Published: August 25, 2026
Pressure Mounts for Irish Fertiliser Support Scheme
Pressure is growing on Ireland’s agriculture minister to introduce a fertiliser support scheme quickly, amid concerns over tightening European supplies and rising costs. Industry representatives told the National Fodder and Food Security Committee that Ireland has enough fertiliser for the next four weeks but needs to secure supplies for spring. France has already introduced subsidies of €50–70/t on fertiliser purchases, reportedly absorbing cheaper supplies available on the European market. Under the EU Fertiliser Action Plan, Ireland has been allocated almost €15.4 million in emergency assistance, with the option to increase support using national funds, but the government has yet to decide how the money will be distributed.
Read full story: Agriland
Date Published: August 24, 2026
Pakistan Expands Use of AI And Technology in Agriculture
Pakistan is expanding the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology to improve agricultural productivity, particularly for small and medium-scale farmers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a new master plan for the National Agricultural Research Centre, including AI tools to identify crops and pests, satellite-backed crop assessments and a national system for estimating production. The research centre will also be reorganised and expanded with new laboratories and Centres of Excellence. Broader reforms include crop insurance, machinery and financing schemes, digitalisation and improved certification. The government also aims to link research with storage, processing and international markets to increase farmer incomes and exports.
Read full story: ProPakistani
Date Published: August 24, 2026
Indonesia And Uruguay Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation
Indonesia and Uruguay are seeking closer agricultural ties, with Uruguay offering to share technical expertise and farming practices to help Indonesian farmers increase domestic production. The proposed capacity-building programme will draw on Uruguay’s experience as a major producer and exporter of beef and dairy products, with the aim of strengthening food security and economic resilience. The countries also discussed expanding trade and investment, with bilateral trade reaching $112.5 million in 2025, a 70.7% annual increase. Both sides agreed to advance Indonesia-Mercosur trade negotiations and highlighted wider cooperation through the CPTPP and OECD.
Read full story: ANTARA News
Date Published: August 24, 2026
