South African News
Agri Bodies Welcome Diesel Levy Relief and Climate Funding, but Warn of Long-Term Challenges
South African agricultural organisations have welcomed R10-billion in temporary fuel levy relief, alongside funding for climate-related risks, disease control and infrastructure rehabilitation in the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. Diesel levy reductions will provide timely support ahead of the summer planting and fruit production seasons, while a R10-billion contingency reserve will help address potential El Niño impacts. However, Agri SA, Agbiz and TLU SA warn that lasting progress depends on effective implementation, sustained investment in infrastructure, livestock biosecurity and agricultural development finance. They also stress the need for greater accountability and measurable results from government spending, particularly on roads, municipal services and farming community protection.
Read full story: Engineering News
Date published: October 22, 2026
North West Opens Third Packhouse to Boost Smallholder Farmers’ Market Access
Farmers in Mogogelo Village, South Africa’s North West province, have received the Cassper Agri-Life Vegetable Packhouse to improve production, reduce post-harvest losses and expand market access. The facility, the province’s third newly launched agricultural packhouse, includes mobile cold rooms, production tunnels, a borehole and a backup generator. Funded by the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the project aims to improve produce quality, create jobs and stimulate rural economic growth. Officials also highlighted the importance of agricultural extension services, encouraging young and emerging farmers to embrace hard work and take advantage of available support.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: October 22, 2026
African News
AgriData Launches AI-Powered Farm Management Platform for Fruit and Vegetable Growers
Moroccan agtech company AgriData Consulting has launched BeeOne Nova, an updated farm management platform, at Fruit Attraction 2026. The system is used by more than 900 commercial farms across over 80,000 hectares worldwide, an 8.4% increase in farm users year on year. It integrates field operations, labour, irrigation, harvesting, sales, inventory and financial reporting to help growers track production costs and identify unprofitable plots. Its integrated artificial intelligence tool, BeeOne Brain, answers operational queries using real-time farm data. Offline-capable mobile apps, guided onboarding and expanded language support aim to improve accessibility and efficiency.
Read full story: HortiDaily
Date published: October 22, 2026
Global News
Record Diesel Prices Prompt NFU Calls for Urgent Farm Budget Support
British farmers are facing mounting financial pressure as road diesel prices reach a record average of £2 a litre, compounded by summer drought losses and rising production costs. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is urging the government to introduce a temporary, interest-free Keep Britain Growing Loan to help vulnerable agricultural businesses sustain food production into 2027. Ahead of the autumn Budget, it is also calling for improved capital allowances, changes to agricultural inheritance tax reforms and a delay to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The NFU warns that without targeted support, investment, farm viability and domestic food security could suffer.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date published: October 22, 2026
Brazil’s Farm Debt Crisis Puts Pressure on Presidential Candidates Amid Tightening Credit
Brazil’s agricultural sector faces mounting debt, with rural loan delinquencies reaching 9.7% among individual borrowers and more than R$205-billion in troubled bank loans. Access to farm credit has fallen by nearly 30% at the start of the 2026/27 growing season, despite forecasts of a record grain harvest. Presidential candidates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro have yet to present clear solutions. Proposed measures include debt securitisation and refinancing, but face fiscal and legislative hurdles. Industry groups are urging structural reform, warning that simple repayment extensions will not resolve farmers’ cash-flow pressures.
Read full story: Valor International
Date published: October 22, 2026
Malaysia Seeks Overland Routes to Boost Durian Exports to China
Malaysia is negotiating with Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to establish overland transit routes for fresh durian exports to China, potentially cutting delivery times to three or four days and reducing transport costs. Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabu said discussions had been under way since July, although negotiations may be complicated by competition between the countries for market share. China imported around 1.07 million tonnes of durians in the first half of 2026, with Thailand and Vietnam dominating supply. Malaysia’s exports reached US$30.26 million, up 342% year on year, as demand grows for its premium varieties.
Read full story: VnExpress International
Date published: October 22, 2026
Heavy Rain Boosts Australian Cattle Prices but Threatens Winter Crop Quality
Heavy rainfall across northern New South Wales and Queensland has improved pasture prospects, lifting young cattle prices by 3.3% in a week, while strong US beef demand continues to support Australian exports. However, continued wet weather could disrupt harvesting and downgrade winter crop quality. International wheat prices fell amid Ukraine-Russia peace talks and favourable US growing conditions, with US prices declining 4.6% and European prices 2.7%, while Australian wheat prices rose 0.7%. Australian chickpea prices eased 1.6% over the week but remain 35% higher than in early July, with approaching harvests expected to limit further gains.
Read full story: CommBank Newsroom
Date published: October 22, 2026
