South African News
Municipal Water Losses Threaten South Africa’s Agricultural Production
Municipalities in South Africa lost approximately R15 billion worth of water during the 2023/24 financial year, highlighting the scale of infrastructure failures and poor maintenance. Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Dr Jack Bloom warned that developing El Niño conditions could place further pressure on supplies. Ageing infrastructure, underinvestment and wastewater pollution are affecting both water availability and quality, with consequences for crop and livestock production. Farmers supplying export markets may face additional treatment costs or lose access to markets if water quality standards are not met. Proposed legislative changes aim to strengthen accountability and ring-fence water-service revenue for infrastructure maintenance.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: September 14, 2026
Red Tape and Systemic Failures Expose South Africa’s Foot-And-Mouth Disease Crisis
Dairy farmer Richard de Bufanos’s experience highlights the systemic failures behind South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis. After an infected herd was identified near one of his farms in May 2025, he was prevented from buying vaccines or vaccinating his cattle himself. Within weeks, FMD had spread across all six of his farms. The country’s long-standing zone-based control system, including herd inspections, vaccination and movement monitoring, has deteriorated, while vaccine strain testing has also been neglected. The breakdown threatens livestock production and exports, with farmers left unable to protect their herds effectively.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: September 14, 2026
African News
Nigeria’s Pesticide Crisis Threatens Farmers, Food Safety and Public Health
Approximately 69% of Nigerian farmers and farm workers experience unintentional acute pesticide poisoning each year, according to a regional study. The crisis is compounded by inadequate protective equipment, weak regulation, limited healthcare access and the widespread availability of highly hazardous chemicals. Pesticide exposure can affect farmers, their families, consumers and the environment, while unsafe residues also threaten agricultural exports. The article calls for stronger enforcement, better surveillance, improved agricultural extension services and greater investment in integrated pest management, biopesticides and agroecology to reduce reliance on dangerous chemicals.
Read full story: International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR Nigeria)
Date Published: September 14, 2026
Global News
Irish Processors Urged to Support Farmers as Brazilian Ban Opens EU Market Opportunities
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association livestock committee chair Michael O’Connell has warned processors against repeating the steep beef price cuts seen in late spring 2026, which he said cost farmers €109 million compared with the same period the previous year. With the ban on Brazilian beef imports creating opportunities in EU markets, he urged processors to provide clear pricing models and commitments for cattle bought for finishing over the coming months. O’Connell said stronger demand and declining European herds could support higher prices, but farmers need confidence that finishing cattle will remain profitable.
Read full story: Agriland
Date Published: September 13, 2026
El Niño Drought Boosts Indonesia’s Salt Harvest
Salt farmers in West Java, Indonesia, are benefiting from an El Niño-driven drought that is creating favourable conditions for salt production. The climate pattern is bringing hotter and drier conditions across much of Southeast Asia, although the prolonged heat is creating significant challenges for crop farmers by increasing the risks of drought, wildfires and crop losses. While agricultural producers face mounting pressure from the dry conditions, salt farmers are able to take advantage of the reduced rainfall and strong heat to improve their harvests. The contrasting impacts highlight how El Niño can create both opportunities and risks for different agricultural sectors.
Read full story: China Daily
Date Published: September 14, 2026
$14 Million Partnership to Strengthen Drought Resilience in Australian Cropping
A new $14 million research partnership aims to improve drought resilience across Australia’s cotton and grain industries. Led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the multi-year programme includes almost $8 million from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, alongside industry contributions. Researchers and growers will expand long-term cropping trials and establish 25 on-farm trials across NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory. The programme will assess soil health, water-saving practices, crop rotations, irrigation strategies and new technologies, including remote sensing and soil moisture monitoring, to help farmers prepare for, manage and recover from drought.
Read full story: NSW Government
Date Published: September 14, 2026
Pakistan’s Agricultural Export Decline Highlights Growing Regulatory Problems
Declining exports of rice, sesame, potatoes, mangoes and citrus are raising concerns about weaknesses in Pakistan’s plant quarantine and food-safety systems. Rice exports to the EU fell by more than 37% between 2023 and 2025, while sesame exports declined by a similar amount and potato shipments more than halved in 2026. The article argues that repeated phytosanitary alerts and interceptions of Pakistani produce at international borders suggest regulatory shortcomings are increasingly restricting access to high-value markets. As global sanitary and phytosanitary requirements become stricter, Pakistan may need stronger monitoring, corrective action and export controls.
Read full story: Profit by Pakistan Today
Date Published: September 14, 2026