South African News
South Africa’s Food Inflation Falls To 16-Year Low
South Africa’s annual food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation fell to 0.9% in July 2026, down from 1.6% in June and its lowest level since June 2010. Food prices also declined 0.2% month on month, helped by lower grain and meat prices following strong harvests and improved beef supplies. Grain-product prices fell 2% year on year, while meat inflation slowed to 1.5%. However, processed meat, fish and seafood remained relatively expensive. Economists cautioned that the sharp decline partly reflected a high base from the previous year and warned that weather conditions could influence food prices in the coming months.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date published: August 30, 2026
Swartland Drought Threatens South Africa’s Wheat Production
A severe drought in South Africa’s Swartland is threatening wheat production, with some farmers estimating losses of 25% to 30% of crop potential. The crisis comes as rising input costs have outpaced wheat prices, leaving dryland producers with limited financial resilience. Grain SA is calling for government intervention, particularly affordable crop insurance supported through public-private partnerships and technology such as satellite monitoring and weather stations. The threat extends beyond individual farms, as South Africa’s wheat hectarage is already at its lowest level in 97 years. The national wheat value chain contributes up to R75 billion to the economy and supports around 90,000 jobs.
Read full story: Agri News
Date published: August 31, 2026
African News
TELA Maize Launched to Help Close Nigeria’s Production Gap
A new TELA maize variety developed by Ahmadu Bello University’s Institute for Agricultural Research and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation is being promoted as a way to address Nigeria’s significant maize supply deficit. Nigeria produces around 3.6 million tonnes of maize against annual demand of about 18 million tonnes. TELA maize can yield up to nine tonnes per hectare and offers drought tolerance, improved nutrition and resistance to stem borer and fall armyworm. Farmers have reported yields of around seven tonnes per hectare. A field day also aimed to address concerns about the variety’s safety by demonstrating its use in traditional foods.
Read full story: Environews Nigeria
Date published: August 30, 2026
Global News
EU To Ban Brazilian Beef Imports from September 3
Irish MEP Ciaran Mullooly says the European Commission’s health chief’s office has confirmed that a full ban on Brazilian beef imports will begin on September 3, with an exception for consignments already shipped before the deadline. The decision follows Brazil’s removal from the EU’s approved list of countries for food-producing animals and animal products over concerns about compliance with EU antimicrobial-use requirements. Mullooly said the restriction could effectively halt Brazilian beef exports to the EU for at least two years. He also warned of potential risks for Northern Ireland, as the UK has not adopted the same restrictions.
Read full story: Agriland
Date published: August 31, 2026
Heavy Rain and Disease Threaten Costa Rica’s Banana Farms
Heavy rainfall and flooding are putting increasing pressure on Costa Rica’s banana industry, particularly in the Caribbean region, where some plantations have remained underwater for up to 36 hours. Excess moisture can weaken banana plants and increase the spread of black sigatoka and Moko diseases, potentially reducing export-quality fruit. Rainfall along the Caribbean coast is expected to remain above normal for the rest of 2026, while higher temperatures could further encourage disease. Although banana exports were 5% higher year on year through June, producers are strengthening drainage, treating disease and working with authorities to limit potential losses.
Read full story: The Tico Times
Date published: August 30, 2026
Kansas Reader Opposes Save Our Bacon Act While Supporting Animal Welfare
A Kansas farm-raised reader argues that supporting agriculture and stronger animal welfare protections can coexist, while opposing the Save Our Bacon Act and efforts to include it in the US farm bill. The writer supports allowing states to introduce stronger animal welfare laws and welcomes Senator Roger Marshall’s withdrawal of his co-sponsorship. The opinion piece also includes letters covering concerns about election administration, reflections on former Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum’s bipartisan approach to government and healthcare, criticism of US government spending and national debt, and a call to end the US embargo against Cuba.
Read full story: The Kansas City Star
Date published: August 30, 2026
Erratic Monsoon Puts India’s Crops Under Pressure
Erratic monsoon rainfall is putting pressure on India’s agricultural sector, with kharif crop sowing reaching 107.11 million hectares by August 28, 1.89 million hectares below the same period last year. Rice planting has fallen particularly sharply, while maize acreage is down more than 4% and ragi cultivation has declined by over 30%. Although pulse cultivation has increased modestly, the cumulative monsoon rainfall deficit has widened to nearly 14% since June 1. Uneven rainfall has disrupted planting and reduced soil moisture in rain-fed areas, raising concerns over crop yields, food prices and rural incomes.
Read full story: Pakistan TV
Date published: August 31, 2026
