South African News
Government to Strengthen Drought Planning Ahead of Potentially Severe El Niño
South Africa’s government will use recommendations from an agricultural roundtable to strengthen drought preparedness ahead of a potentially strong El Niño during the 2026/27 summer season. The Free State, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo are considered particularly vulnerable to hotter, drier conditions. Although favourable dam levels, soil moisture, grain stocks and improved farming technology provide some resilience, rain-fed producers remain at risk. Farmers also face high input costs, while livestock producers could experience reduced grazing and heat stress. Recommendations include improved early warning systems, soil moisture conservation, better water management, crop diversification and greater access to finance, insurance and climate-smart technology for vulnerable farmers.
Read full story: IOL
Date published: October 14, 2026
Biofuels Offer Growth Opportunities for South African Farmers and Energy Sector
Biofuels could help South Africa reduce its reliance on imported fuel while creating new markets for agricultural producers. Around 75% of the country’s fuel is imported, highlighting opportunities to develop domestic production using sugarcane, soya beans, canola, sunflower and camelina, as well as used cooking oil and agricultural waste. Biotechnology can help convert these resources into fuel, adding value to existing farming operations. However, industry growth will depend on government support, investment and processing infrastructure. With sufficient production capacity, biofuels could strengthen energy security, support rural economies, attract foreign investment and potentially create new export opportunities.
Read full story: ProAgri Media
Date published: October 13, 2026
African News
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Disrupts Namibia’s Livestock Industry and Meat Exports
Namibia is battling a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak confirmed in the //Kharas and Zambezi regions, prompting livestock movement restrictions, emergency vaccination and intensified surveillance. The European Union has temporarily suspended imports of specified fresh and processed meat products from Namibia’s previously authorised export zone, threatening an important market for livestock producers. Domestic meat supplies have also been disrupted, pushing up prices and affecting vendors’ incomes. Meatco has placed around 400 production workers on three weeks of special leave with full pay. Farmers and industry representatives warn that financial pressures could persist even after domestic trade resumes, making disease containment and the restoration of export market access critical priorities.
Read full story: Al Jazeera
Date published: October 14, 2026
Global News
European Organic Sector Calls for Reliable CAP Funding and Investment
More than 260 participants at the European Organic Congress in Cork, Ireland, called for predictable agricultural policies and sustained investment to support organic farming. Organisers and industry representatives urged the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to provide dedicated funding for conversion, maintenance and environmental measures. Discussions also highlighted the need for processing facilities, logistics and stronger links between farmers and markets to meet recovering consumer demand. Access to land, finance and training was identified as essential for attracting younger farmers. Participants also called for simpler regulations and stable trading conditions, with forthcoming CAP negotiations expected to determine the sector’s future investment opportunities.
Read full story: Bio Eco Actual
Date published: October 13, 2026
Bolivian Farmer Converts Waste into Tractor Fuel as Diesel Prices Soar
Bolivian farmer Etson Machaca has built a small-scale plant that converts plastic bags, discarded tyres and used oil into fuel for his agricultural machinery. Using pyrolysis, which heats waste in the absence of oxygen, the plant produces between 80 and 150 litres of fuel daily at a cost of 7–10 bolivianos per litre, roughly half the open-market diesel price. The initiative is helping Machaca manage rising costs following the government’s removal of diesel subsidies. His efforts highlight the challenges facing farmers in Bolivia, which imports 95% of its diesel and 60% of its petrol.
Read full story: Reuters
Date published: October 13, 2026
Harmful Algal Bloom Kills Nearly 650 Tonnes of Salmon at Chilean Farms
Chile’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service is monitoring the response to a harmful algal bloom that has killed nearly 650 tonnes of salmon at two Multi X farming centres. The bloom, identified as Leptocylindrus minimus, exceeded harmful concentration thresholds and triggered emergency mortality management measures on 8 October. Barges equipped with mobile silage systems and vessels were deployed to remove dead fish, while one centre began an early harvest to limit further losses. Authorities are overseeing collection, transport and disposal to protect biosecurity and the marine environment, amid wider concerns about El Niño-related algal blooms.
Read full story: Seafood Source
Date published: October 13, 2026
CSIRO Identifies Investment Priorities to Reduce Agricultural Emissions
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has assessed more than 80 technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across six agricultural sectors, including livestock, cropping, horticulture, pigs and poultry. Its report identifies investment priorities through to 2035 and beyond, highlighting options such as feed supplements, precision agriculture, biomass digesters and methane-reducing vaccines. However, technical effectiveness alone will not guarantee adoption. Farmers also need affordable, practical solutions that deliver commercial benefits. The report recommends stronger emissions monitoring, reliable data, incentives and industry coordination to help producers implement suitable combinations of technologies while maintaining productivity and profitability.
Read full story: CSIRO
Date published: October 14, 2026
