South African News
Land Bank Keeps New Blended Finance Applications on Hold Despite R500 Million Pledge
South Africa’s Land Bank will not reopen applications for its Blended Finance Scheme (BFS), despite an additional R500 million government funding pledge, as the allocation is insufficient to meet demand. Funding will prioritise qualifying existing applications, including transactions awaiting disbursement and those undergoing credit assessments, with time-sensitive seasonal production needs considered. However, approval and funding are not guaranteed, and no reopening date or payment timetable has been announced. The scheme supports historically disadvantaged farmers through grants combined with loans. Conventional agricultural finance remains available to eligible farmers, subject to standard credit checks and approval.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: October 20, 2026
South African Dairy Farm Closures Could Drive Up Milk Prices
South African dairy farmers are facing rising production costs and falling milk prices, increasing the risk of farm closures and potential long-term price rises for consumers. André van Heerden, chief executive of dairy co-operative Samilco, said Lactalis had reduced the price paid to farmers by 70 cents a litre, or about 10%. The number of dairy parlours nationwide has fallen from more than 200 to around 144 over the past decade. Lost export markets, including Saudi Arabia, have also contributed to a perceived milk surplus, adding further pressure to an already struggling industry.
Read full story: IOL
Date published: October 20, 2026
African News
Kano South Irrigation Project Restores Water Access and Boosts Farming
Nigeria’s Kano River Irrigation Project is rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure at the Tiga, Challawa Gorge and Kafin Chiri dams to improve food security and rural livelihoods across 16 local government areas. The initiative is opening new farmland, constructing canals and providing water infrastructure for dry-season cultivation. Supporting measures include 5,380 tube wells and pumping machines serving approximately 16,140 households, agricultural equipment, climate-smart farming training and more than 30 erosion, flood-control, bridge and road improvement projects. Farmers report improved access to water, greater opportunities to grow crops such as rice and wheat, and reduced pressure to leave their communities in search of work.
Read full story: Leadership
Date published: October 20, 2026
Global News
India’s Record Food Production Highlights Need For Greater Processing Capacity
India’s foodgrain production is estimated to reach a record 376.56 million tonnes in 2025–26, but only a small proportion of its fruit and vegetables is processed, highlighting opportunities to reduce food waste. Agrizy, a technology-led food processing company, says stronger infrastructure and quality assurance could help more produce reach consumers safely. India currently processes just 4.5% of fruit and 2.7% of vegetables, with an ambition to raise overall food processing to around 25% by 2030. Agrizy reports that technology-led quality controls have reduced its product rejection rates by 50%, while investment in processing and cold chains could improve resilience to climate variability.
Read full story: Asia Food Journal
Date published: October 20, 2026
Bangladesh President Calls for Cold-Storage Expansion to Reduce Potato Waste
Bangladesh’s President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged investment in cold storage and modern food-processing facilities after potato surpluses forced farmers to dump produce on roads, despite rising prices later in the season. The country produced approximately 11.5 million tonnes of potatoes in 2024–25, exceeding annual demand of around nine million tonnes. Post-harvest losses account for an estimated 21.8% of potato production, while high storage fees pressure smallholders to sell immediately at low prices. The president called for greater private-sector involvement, improved preservation technology and better incentives to make agriculture more profitable.
Read full story: Potatoes.News
Date published: October 20, 2026
Mexico Suspends Brazilian Poultry Imports Following Newcastle Disease Outbreak
Mexico has suspended imports of chicken meat, live birds and hatching eggs from Brazil following the detection of Newcastle disease at a commercial poultry farm in southern Brazil. The outbreak was reported on Sunday, prompting the facility’s closure. Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development said the restrictions aim to protect domestic poultry production and prevent the disease from spreading. Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause neurological disorders, reduced egg production and increased mortality in poultry. Although it affects birds, the disease poses no threat to human health.
Read full story: Sharjah24-AFP
Date published: October 20, 2026
Economist Urges Canada to Assess Costs of Planned B.C. Salmon Farming Ban
Canadian food economist Sylvain Charlebois has urged the federal government to assess the impact on food prices, domestic seafood production and food security before banning conventional ocean salmon farming in British Columbia by 30 June 2029. Atlantic salmon prices rose 25.8% in one month, while Canada imported more than $1 billion worth of salmon in 2025. Industry estimates suggest the ban could threaten 4,560 full-time jobs, affect suppliers and First Nations financially, and increase reliance on foreign imports. Concerns also remain over the commercial viability and environmental impact of replacing marine farms with land-based production.
Read full story: SeaWestNews
Date published: October 19, 2026
