South African News
Meyer Urges Farmers to Scrutinise Municipal Election Candidates
Western Cape Agriculture Minister Ivan Meyer has urged farmers to question municipal election candidates about issues affecting agriculture, including water security, rural roads, infrastructure, municipal finances and corruption. He said candidates should provide measurable plans for improving services, supporting young and emerging farmers, strengthening rural safety and working more closely with organised agriculture. Meyer also highlighted concerns over unstable coalition governments, warning that fragmented municipal councils could disrupt service delivery, infrastructure maintenance and investment. He called for stronger, formalised relationships between municipalities and the agricultural sector, including designated officials responsible for agricultural matters and regular engagement with farmers and commodity organisations.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date published: September 17, 2026
Agoa Extension Offers Relief but SA Agriculture Still Needs Long-Term Certainty
South Africa’s agricultural sector has welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), but trade experts warn that it does not remove uncertainty over long-term access to the US market. Citrus growers aim to maintain US customer relationships despite a 12.5% tariff, while also improving competitiveness and expanding into new markets. The poultry industry remains concerned that Agoa has provided limited benefits to South African producers and is pursuing value-added exports to the EU, UK and Middle East. Speakers also stressed the importance of market diversification and adapting to changing global trade policies, tariffs and phytosanitary requirements.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: September 18, 2026
African News
Kenya Plans AI And Value Addition to Transform Tea Sector
Kenya is planning to overhaul its tea industry by expanding local processing and value addition, developing climate-resilient varieties and adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence, precision agriculture and mechanisation. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the strategy aims to address rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, production costs and an ageing workforce while maintaining tea quality. The government also wants to reduce reliance on bulk exports through domestic packaging, branding and manufacturing, while developing products such as iced, speciality and green tea. New markets, sustainability and traceability will also be prioritised to increase the value retained by Kenya and its tea farmers.
Read full story: People Daily
Date published: September 17, 2026
Global News
IFAD Highlights Lessons for Farmers Preparing For El Niño
A near-record El Niño is forecast to peak between October 2026 and January 2027, potentially disrupting harvests and worsening food insecurity. IFAD says farmers can reduce the impact by acting on forecasts early, using drought-tolerant crops, improving water and energy efficiency, diversifying crops, incomes and inputs, and combining farm investments with finance and reliable markets. Examples from Kenya, Nepal, Bangladesh and Indonesia show how insurance, resilient crop varieties, solar-powered irrigation and organic soil management can reduce exposure to climate and input shocks. IFAD emphasises that building resilience before extreme weather strikes can help small-scale farmers withstand or recover from major disruptions.
Read full story: IFAD
Date published: September 17, 2026
Livestock Imports Set to Resume at New Mexico Border Port
The US Department of Agriculture plans to reopen a New Mexico port of entry to livestock trade with Mexico next week, continuing the phased resumption of cattle imports while managing the risk of New World screwworm. The specific port has not yet been announced, although Santa Teresa and Columbus are included in the reopening plan. Livestock imports have already resumed through Douglas, Arizona, with animals subject to USDA inspections. The reopening follows the lifting of New Mexico’s only screwworm-infested zone after no further cases were detected. Officials say the schedule could be paused if risks increase or agreed control measures are not maintained.
Read full story: AGDAILY
Date published: September 17, 2026
India Launches First Soil Carbon Payments for Smallholder Farmers
More than 2,500 smallholder farmers in Punjab and Haryana have received India’s first digital payments linked to soil carbon and regenerative farming practices. Under the Aadi carbon programme, farmers adopted direct-seeded rice, reduced tillage and crop residue management between 2019 and 2022, with resulting greenhouse gas reductions and soil carbon increases independently verified before carbon credits were issued. The wider programme covers more than two million acres and 100,000 farmers across seven states. Payments of around Rs. 3,000–15,000 were made directly to participating farmers, while the initiative also reports major water savings and reductions in crop residue burning.
Read full story: IBEF
Date published: September 18, 2026
Malaysian Poultry Farmers Prepare For El Niño Heat with Cooling Technology
Malaysian poultry farmers are strengthening measures to protect broiler chickens from heat stress as a strong El Niño is expected to bring hot, dry conditions in early 2027. Closed-house farms are using cooling pads, exhaust fans, ventilation systems, sensors and reliable water supplies to regulate temperatures, while some farmers add ice to cooling reservoirs during the hottest part of the day. Heat stress can reduce feed intake, slow growth, worsen feed conversion and increase mortality, particularly in heavier birds. Farmers are also preparing backup power supplies and monitoring equipment closely, as prolonged heat and high humidity can leave chickens with little opportunity to recover.
Read full story: Malay Mail
Date published: September 18, 2026
