South African News
Early Harvest and China Delays Threaten SA Cherry Exports
South Africa’s cherry exports could decline by up to 30% in the 2026/27 season following an unusually early harvest, variable fruit quality and delayed access to China. Heatwaves followed by cold fronts have affected fruit set, raising concerns about shelf life. Earlier harvesting in the Western Cape and Chile has also shortened the competitive window for northern producers. Although demand remains strong, rising airfreight costs and logistical challenges are squeezing margins. Delays in finalising Chinese market access procedures mean northern growers are unlikely to benefit this season, although Western Cape producers may still have an opportunity. Longer term, China offers potential to diversify export markets.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: October 28, 2026
South African Farmers Turn to Sunflower as El Niño Threatens Harvests
South African farmers intend to plant 12.37% less maize this season, the lowest planned area in eight years, while sunflower plantings are expected to increase by almost 45%. Rising fuel and fertiliser costs, lower maize prices and the threat of an intense El Niño is driving the shift towards sunflower, which matures faster and is generally more drought-tolerant. Although maize reserves, including 4.3 million tonnes of white maize carried over from the previous harvest, offer some protection, a smaller harvest could tighten supplies and increase food prices. The first estimates of actual planted areas are expected in January.
Read full story: Getaway
Date Published: October 28, 2026
African News
AU Calls for Stronger Russia-Africa Agricultural Cooperation
The African Union (AU) has called for greater cooperation with Russia to strengthen Africa’s agricultural production and reduce its annual food import bill of approximately $100 billion. Speaking at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the need to expand irrigation, improve access to fertilisers and invest in agricultural research, technology and skills development. Only 6% of Africa’s arable land is irrigated, leaving production vulnerable to drought and changing rainfall. Youssouf said partnerships with Russian businesses should support local processing, job creation and sustainable domestic industries rather than increase external dependence.
Read full story: Channel Africa
Date Published: October 29, 2026
Global News
US Farmers Warn of Looming Crisis as Costs Rise and Bankruptcies Increase
American farmers are facing mounting financial pressure, raising fears of a crisis comparable to the agricultural downturn of the 1980s. Rising seed, fertiliser, equipment and fuel costs, weak crop prices and record farm debt are squeezing profits, while farm bankruptcies increased by 46% last year. The US had 1.865 million farms in 2025, almost 10% fewer than in 2018. The absence of an updated federal farm bill since 2018 has added to uncertainty. Farmers’ financial difficulties are also affecting rural businesses and communities, threatening domestic food security and the future of family farming.
Read full story: USA Today
Date Published: October 28, 2026
Puerto Rico’s Local Food Networks Challenge Reliance on Imported Produce
A growing network of community markets, farm shops and produce box schemes in Puerto Rico is helping connect small-scale farmers directly with consumers, improving access to fresh, affordable food. With more than 80% of the island’s food imported, these initiatives aim to strengthen local production and reduce vulnerability to extreme weather and global supply disruptions. Projects such as Súper Solidario, Tiendita Soberana, Nodo Alimentario and Finca Güakiá support local producers by providing reliable sales channels and reducing intermediaries. Despite challenges competing with supermarket prices and reaching low-income households, the initiatives are promoting agroecology, food security and stronger rural communities.
Read full story: Civil Eats
Date Published: October 29, 2026
India’s Punjab Seeks UK Dairy Investment and Market Access for Verka and Five Rivers
India’s Punjab state is seeking British investment in dairy technology, food processing and refrigerated logistics, while exploring opportunities to introduce local dairy brands Verka and Five Rivers to the UK market. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian met British trade representatives to discuss technology transfer, modern processing equipment, product development and international market access. Punjab, which reports the highest per-capita daily milk availability among Indian states at 1.28 litres, also wants investment in cooling infrastructure and facilities to add value to agricultural by-products. Discussions covered organic farming, quality certification and crop residue management, with potential benefits for farmers and food processors.
Read full story: Dairy News Today
Date Published: October 29, 2026
Japan Maintains Ban on US Fresh Potatoes Amid Pest Concerns and Grower Opposition
Japan will maintain its restrictions on fresh potato imports from the US until scientific risk assessments and bilateral negotiations are completed. The government is evaluating 21 pests and diseases, with any market opening dependent on agreed phytosanitary measures. Hokkaido, which produces approximately 80% of Japan’s potatoes, is strongly opposed to relaxing the ban, citing risks to domestic crops and prices. The continued restrictions protect Japanese growers from US competition, while limiting export opportunities for American producers. No immediate policy change is expected, and US exporters are likely to focus on processed potatoes and alternative Asian markets.
Read full story: CMB News
Date Published: October 29, 2026
