South African News
Ramaphosa Welcomes Financial Support for Small-Scale Farmers
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the Land Bank’s Blended Finance Scheme, which aims to improve access to finance for small-scale and emerging farmers. Speaking during a visit to the youth-owned Redlands Dairy Farm in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape, he said the initiative was creating opportunities for more black farmers to enter the agricultural sector. Ramaphosa highlighted the historical exclusion of most South Africans from agricultural land ownership and commercial farming, particularly in the Eastern Cape. He emphasised that access to finance is essential to helping emerging farmers expand their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Read full story: SABC News
Date Published: October 8, 2026
Four Major Risks South African Farmers Cannot Afford to Ignore
South African farmers face four major risks: extreme weather, rising input costs, crime and cybercrime. Floods, droughts and fires can damage crops, livestock and infrastructure, disrupting supply chains and market access. Increasing fertiliser and fuel prices are putting pressure on already tight margins, while machinery breakdowns and rising replacement costs can further threaten profitability. Stock theft and the theft of equipment, fuel and cables can interrupt operations, while digital fraud puts payments and financial records at risk. Insurance expert Ryno de Kock recommends reviewing insurance cover annually, maintaining accurate asset records, improving security and using technology to strengthen farm resilience.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: October 9, 2026
African News
Emirati Agricultural Investments Raise Questions Over Egypt’s Wheat Security
Emirati agricultural investment in Egypt, particularly by Al Dahra, has highlighted concerns over land allocation, water use and food security. The company supplies domestically grown wheat to the Egyptian government while also participating in a separate financing arrangement for imported wheat, with a potential value of US$500 million over five years. Experts argue that investment should be assessed not only by production and economic returns, but also by its contribution to domestic food supplies and the use of scarce water resources. Egypt aims to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat for subsidised bread by 2028, prompting calls for clearer land-use conditions and stronger support for local production.
Read full story: Zawia3
Date Published: October 8, 2026
Global News
EU Introduces Stricter Emissions Rules for Large Pig and Poultry Farms
The European Commission has adopted EU-wide operating rules for large pig and poultry farms to reduce emissions of ammonia, nitrogen and phosphorus, which contribute to respiratory illness, environmental degradation and water pollution. The measures fall under the Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive and cover approximately 30% of pig and poultry farms across the EU. The new requirements will be introduced between 2030 and 2032, depending on farm size, allowing producers time to adapt. The framework aims to establish consistent minimum environmental standards across member states while reducing administrative burdens for farmers.
Read full story: The Brussels Times
Date Published: October 8, 2026
Rising Fuel and Fertiliser Costs Test US Farmers’ Support for Republicans
Surging diesel and fertiliser prices are squeezing US farmers’ already narrow profit margins ahead of November’s midterm elections. Fuel costs have risen by more than 67% since February, while some fertilisers have doubled in price, driven partly by conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to global supply routes. Although many farmers remain loyal to President Donald Trump’s Republican Party, growing financial pressures are fuelling frustration. The Ohio Farmers Union warns that some supporters may abstain from voting rather than switch to the Democrats. Previous trade disputes, weak crop prices and rising farm bankruptcies have added to the sector’s difficulties.
Read full story: France24
Date Published: October 9, 2026
Japan’s Rice Price Swings Highlight Need for Agricultural Policy Reform
Japan’s rice market has shifted from shortages and record prices to oversupply, with supermarket prices falling and payments to farmers down by 20–40% compared with last year. Agricultural economist Masayoshi Honma attributes the volatility partly to government policies controlling production and supporting prices. He argues that production targets should be scrapped, allowing market forces to determine prices, while farmers receive direct payments based on land area. He also advocates allowing companies to own farmland and making it easier to consolidate holdings into larger, more efficient operations. However, he warns that farmland could be abandoned as farmers retire.
Read full story: Japan Forward
Date Published: October 8, 2026
Modern Farming Enables Chinese Farmers to Join Holiday Travel Boom
Modern farming methods are giving Chinese farmers more time and money to travel during national holidays. Land consolidation, improved irrigation and soil management have increased yields by an average of 20%, while mechanised harvesting has reduced the time needed to bring in crops. Some farmers report that their incomes have more than doubled, enabling them to explore destinations previously beyond their reach. A China Tourism Academy survey found that 81% of rural residents intended to travel in 2025. Tourism experts are encouraging operators to develop affordable packages tailored to rural travellers and the agricultural calendar.
Read full story: Xinhua
Date Published: October 9, 2026
