South African News
South Africa cuts fuel levies as El Niño threatens agriculture
South Africa will temporarily reduce fuel levies from 4 November to ease agricultural operating costs ahead of the summer planting and fruit harvest seasons. Diesel levies will fall by R3/l and petrol by R1.50/l initially, with smaller reductions continuing until 5 January 2027. The government has also increased its contingency reserve to R10 billion to address potential risks, including El Niño-related drought. Agricultural organisations have welcomed the measures but warned that reduced rainfall could lower yields and increase irrigation and input costs. They also stressed that lasting relief requires improvements to infrastructure, logistics and operating efficiency.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date published: October 26, 2026
Groundnut industry eyes growth after strong 2026 season
South Africa’s groundnut production increased by 3.6% to 65,620t in 2026, despite a decline in planted area, as favourable rainfall boosted average yields. Stable prices and strong returns have encouraged expectations that planting area could expand by more than 10% next season. However, a developing El Niño threatens rainfall during the critical January growing period. The industry is also pursuing growth through improved cultivars, agronomic research and increased processing capacity. Higher import duties on peanut butter are expected to support local manufacturers, while farmers continue to face challenges including limited crop protection options and the cost of specialised equipment.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: October 23, 2026
African News
Ethiopia Inaugurates Major Irrigation Dam to Boost Agriculture
Ethiopia has inaugurated the Megech Irrigation Dam in Gondar, a major infrastructure project designed to strengthen agricultural production and improve water access. With a storage capacity of 185 million cubic metres, the dam is expected to provide irrigation for more than 17,000ha of farmland, benefiting tens of thousands of farmers. It will also improve drinking water supplies to nearby communities and create opportunities in fisheries, urban agriculture and tourism. The project aims to boost food production, diversify rural incomes and attract investment, although its long-term benefits will depend on effective water management and productive use of irrigated land.
Read full story: African Trade Chamber
Date published: October 26, 2026
Global News
Record 2026 aphid numbers put UK salad crops at risk
UK leafy salad growers faced record aphid infestations for the second consecutive year in 2026, as warm, dry summer weather encouraged pest populations to surge across major production regions. In August and September, growers reported between 300,000 and 400,000 aphids per hectare. An estimated 30 million lettuce heads went unharvested in September alone, with losses exceeding £10 million and some businesses reporting up to 85% of production unmarketable. The British Leafy Salads Association has coordinated £200,000 of industry investment in monitoring, research and field trials to improve pest control, develop more resilient cultivars and protect domestic production.
Read full story: Farmer’s guardian
Date published: October 27, 2026
China and Japan Expand Automation Investment, Potentially Reshaping Asian Manufacturing
Labour shortages and ageing workforces are accelerating investment in robotics across China and Japan, with agriculture, manufacturing and construction increasingly adopting automation. Chinese company XAG is developing agricultural drones that can recharge, refill pesticides and clean themselves automatically, helping farmers overcome shortages of skilled operators. China is also expanding access to agricultural robots through specialised dealerships and government-backed initiatives. In Japan, Toyota plans to invest up to ¥1 trillion annually in factory modernisation from 2028, potentially requiring 400,000 robots. Construction firms are also developing humanoid robots to undertake labour-intensive tasks, shifting manufacturing competitiveness towards advanced technology and highly skilled workers.
Read full story: The Economy
Date published: October 27, 2026
Argentina Raises Wheat and Corn Production Forecasts Amid Strong Export Demand
Argentina’s wheat production forecast for the 2026/27 marketing year has increased to 23 million tonnes, while corn output is projected to reach 62 million tonnes, supported by favourable moisture conditions and improved yields. Strong international demand is expected to drive wheat exports to 17 million tonnes and corn shipments to 43 million tonnes, potentially the second-highest volumes on record for both crops. Wheat prices have also risen to US$230/t, up from US$185/t a year earlier. However, excessive rainfall linked to a potentially strong El Niño, alongside disease risks, higher fertiliser costs and concerns over grain quality, could affect production and profitability.
Read full story: Investing.com
Date published: October 27, 2026
Changes to Foreign Worker Rules Leave P.E.I. Farms Short-Staffed
Changes to Canada’s temporary foreign worker requirements have left some farms on Prince Edward Island short-staffed during the 2026 harvest. At Bunny Burrow Vegetable Co., two seasonal workers who normally arrive in April did not start until July after applications were delayed by stricter job advertising requirements. Some farms reportedly had to resubmit applications four or five times, with each process taking three to four weeks. The P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture says the changes have not reduced the industry’s need for migrant labour. Farmers are calling for better application support, more flexible work permits and an expanded seasonal worker programme.
Read full story: CBC News
Date published: October 27, 2026
