South African News
Rabies Vaccination Urged as South Africa Marks World Rabies Day
Rabies remains a significant public and animal health threat in South Africa, with infected domestic dogs responsible for most human exposures and infections. Around 59,000 people die from rabies globally each year, with children accounting for 40% of deaths, mainly in Asia and Africa. Veterinarian Dr Danie Odendaal stressed that vaccinating dogs is the most effective way to prevent and ultimately eradicate the disease. He also urged people to report suspected cases and seek veterinary assistance, warning against handling infected animals without professional support. Rabies is a notifiable disease in South Africa and can also pose a serious risk to cattle.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: September 28, 2026
New Funding Framework Proposed for South African Sugar Cane Growers
Government plans to develop a more suitable funding framework for South African sugar cane growers after farm visits in KwaZulu-Natal highlighted gaps in existing finance models. The proposed framework would bring development finance institutions, commercial banks and industry representatives together to explore more appropriate funding structures. Growers also called for greater tariff certainty to support long-term investment in replanting, machinery and infrastructure. Diversification was another focus, with the industry exploring opportunities for sugar cane-based ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel. However, growers stressed that new markets must ensure additional value ultimately reaches producers.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: September 22, 2026
African News
FAO Trains Eswatini Youth in Agribusiness to Address Unemployment
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is training young people in Eswatini in agricultural production and agribusiness skills to create employment and self-employment opportunities. The initiative forms part of FAO’s support for the government’s efforts to reduce rural poverty and strengthen food security amid youth unemployment of 56%. Participants gain practical experience through placements on farms and in agricultural industries, while job-shadowing opportunities aim to introduce younger people to careers in agriculture. FAO plans to expand these opportunities, helping young people develop the skills needed to secure employment or establish their own agricultural enterprises.
Read full story: Eswatini Positive News
Date published: September 28, 2026
Global News
India And Netherlands to Expand Agricultural Cooperation and Explore AI Solutions
India and the Netherlands are planning to deepen agricultural cooperation, focusing on seed innovation, artificial intelligence and climate resilience. Dutch State Secretary Silvio Erkens said the countries would continue government-to-government discussions to identify practical areas for collaboration, with the aim of supporting innovation and increasing farmers’ incomes. The partnership could also improve resilience to climate change and geopolitical disruptions, including rising fertiliser costs. Both countries are exploring AI and measurement technologies for agricultural applications, while India’s holistic approach to farming, particularly dairy production, could offer lessons for Dutch agriculture. The proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement could further support cooperation and supply-chain diversification.
Read full story: ANI
Date published: September 28, 2026
Multiple Middlemen Drive Wedge Between Nepal’s Farmers and Consumers
Nepal’s agricultural supply chain can involve up to seven layers of middlemen, pushing consumer prices to as much as seven times the farmgate price while leaving farmers with limited returns. Government data shows farmgate prices rose just 2.04% in the final quarter of fiscal year 2025/26, the lowest growth rate in eight years, while consumer prices for vegetables, meat, fish and fruit continued to increase. Farmers in districts including Makawanpur and Dhading may receive Rs25–35/kg for vegetables that retail for up to Rs125/kg in Kathmandu. Officials and experts are examining ways to reduce unnecessary market layers and improve price transparency.
Read full story: The Kathmandu Post
Date published: September 28, 2026
US Soybean Farmers Disappointed by Exclusion from China Tariff Cuts
US soybean farmers have criticised the exclusion of soybeans from a newly announced list of US agricultural products receiving reduced tariffs in China. Soybeans still face a 10% Chinese retaliatory tariff, making US supplies less competitive with those from South America. Although China has committed to purchasing 25 million tonnes of US soybeans in 2026, Purdue University analysis indicates this would still be 14% below the five-year average exported to China between 2020 and 2024. Farmers and industry groups say the tariff remains a barrier, while rising fuel and fertiliser costs and reduced access to the Chinese market are adding to financial pressure.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date published: September 29, 2026
Canada’s Investment Boom Could Boost Rural Agriculture and Processing
Canada’s investment drive is generating major commitments across agriculture, agri-food processing and related industries, but rural advocates say farming communities must share in the benefits. Projects highlighted at Canada’s first Investment Summit include a greenhouse expansion, soybean crushing facility and sustainable aviation fuel initiative in Manitoba, alongside Ontario’s Martison Phosphate Project, which could support fertiliser production. Such developments could create local jobs, strengthen domestic agricultural supply chains and increase the value captured from commodities before they leave the country. However, rural communities will need sufficient electricity, transport, water, housing and skilled labour to support new investment and ensure projects deliver lasting economic benefits.
Read full story: Farms.com
Date published: September 28, 2026
