South African News
UCT Study Finds Widespread Pesticide Exposure Among Farm Children
A two-year study of 533 children aged nine to 15 in three Western Cape farming areas found widespread recent exposure to pesticides. More than 60% reported spray drift from nearby agricultural applications, while around 60% reported recent household pesticide use in most sampling rounds. Researchers found that these exposures were associated with increased levels of pesticide biomarkers in urine, with open drinking-water sources also linked to higher levels of some biomarkers. The findings highlight the need to consider household and environmental exposure alongside agricultural activities, with researchers calling for stronger biomonitoring, environmental monitoring and safer pesticide-handling practices.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: October 4, 2026
How South African Farmers Can Unlock Retail Market Access
Getting products onto formal retail shelves requires more than producing a high-quality crop. Farmers need to understand buyer specifications, required volumes, quality standards, packaging, pricing, labelling and compliance before approaching retailers or food manufacturers. Building relationships through industry events and market networks can also help producers identify opportunities and practical solutions to supply challenges. Experts recommend understanding target consumers and testing products in smaller markets first, using customer feedback to refine them. Visiting fresh produce markets and working with market agents can provide valuable insight into pricing, commissions and demand, helping farmers make better-informed decisions about production and marketing.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: October 6, 2026
African News
BII Commits $65 Million To Boost Agriculture and Sustainable Finance in Zambia and Zimbabwe
British International Investment (BII) has committed $65 million to strengthen sustainable finance and agricultural lending in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The funding includes a $15 million investment in Zanaco’s $100 million sustainability bond programme, supporting climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy and women-owned businesses. In Zimbabwe, a combined $50 million facility for CABS and NMB Bank will expand access to agricultural finance, where farmers face significant barriers to formal credit. BII is also launching Horizon Zambia, a technical assistance programme to help SMEs become investment-ready, building on a 2025 pilot that supported 15 businesses and investments worth $8 million.
Read full story: Trade Finance Global
Date published: October 6, 2026
Global News
Higher US Diesel Prices Add Up to US$142 Per Hectare to Apple Harvest Costs
Rising diesel prices are increasing harvest costs for US farmers, with the American Farm Bureau Federation estimating that farm diesel rose from US$3.01 to US$5.61 per gallon between September 2025 and September 2026. The US$2.60 increase adds an estimated US$142.31 per hectare to apple harvest diesel costs, compared with US$45.05 for potatoes and US$46.13 for almonds. Row-crop growers are also facing higher costs, including an additional US$19.72 per hectare for maize and US$34.59 for rice. Actual increases vary according to farm size, production practices, equipment efficiency and fuel requirements.
Read full story: FreshPlaza
Date published: October 2, 2026
Indonesia To Halt Forest Clearing for Rice Production
Indonesia will halt plans to clear millions of hectares of forest for rice cultivation after reaching self-sufficiency in the staple crop. The government launched the programme in 2024 with a target of clearing three million hectares to reduce reliance on imports, but officials now say expanding rice cultivation in forest areas is no longer necessary. Instead, the government will focus on increasing yields through measures such as improved seed varieties. Indonesia produced 34.71 million tonnes of rice in 2025, exceeding domestic demand of 31.19 million tonnes. The decision could support the country's goal of becoming a net carbon sink by 2030.
Read full story: CAN
Date published: October 6, 2026
Bangladesh Trains Extension Officers to Expand Solar Irrigation
Bangladesh is strengthening the capacity of more than 13,000 agricultural extension officers to support the expansion of solar-powered irrigation. While solar pumps can reduce dependence on diesel, lower running costs and provide irrigation in areas without grid access, farmers face barriers including high upfront costs, shortages of skilled technicians, limited spare-parts supply, theft and a lack of awareness. Training by the International Water Management Institute and the Department of Agricultural Extension is combining technical knowledge with field visits to working solar irrigation systems. Researchers say empowering extension officers to advise farmers, connect them with technicians and support maintenance will be crucial to scaling the technology sustainably.
Read full story: International Water Management Institute
Date published: October 7, 2026
Mexico Trade Deal Could Shape Future of US Agriculture
US agricultural leaders are closely watching trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada as the future of the USMCA framework could affect export demand, commodity prices and farm investment. Mexico and Canada bought about US$59.3 billion of US agricultural products in 2025, representing nearly 35% of total US agricultural exports. Mexico is particularly important for corn, soybeans, pork, dairy and poultry, while ongoing disputes with Canada include dairy market access. Farm organisations are seeking predictable, long-term trading rules to support production and investment. The USMCA remains in force while negotiations continue, with the next stage of the review process extending into 2027.
Read full story: AgroLatam
Date published: October 6, 2026
