South African News
SAPA Welcomes Court Ruling on Avian Flu Culling Compensation
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has welcomed a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling requiring fair market-value compensation for poultry and eggs destroyed under compulsory disease-control measures. The case followed an avian influenza outbreak in 2021, when authorities ordered a farmer to cull birds and eggs but awarded no compensation, arguing they had no value because they were infected or exposed. The court dismissed the government’s appeal by a three-to-two majority on 28 October 2026. SAPA says the ruling supports disease reporting, cooperation with veterinary authorities, producer confidence and South Africa’s food security.
Read full story: South African Poultry Association (SAPA)
Date Published: October 29, 2026
South Africa Proposes Land Ownership Initiative for Developing Farmers
South Africa’s Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp has announced a proposal to identify 100 qualifying black farmers per province farming productively on state-leased land, with the aim of transferring ownership to eligible farmers. The initiative was discussed at Grain SA’s 2026 Ukukhula Grain & Livestock Conference, which highlighted the need for coordinated support, access to finance, infrastructure, water and markets to strengthen agricultural transformation. Industry leaders called for development programmes to be measured by commercial outcomes, including profitability, production and job creation. The conference also recognised four outstanding developing farmers for their progress towards sustainable, commercially viable farming businesses.
Read full story: Grain SA
Date Published: October 29, 2026
African News
Zambia’s Edible Insects Could Improve Food Security
A study of 139 rural households in Zambia’s Central Province has found that eating insects contributes to household food security and nutrition, but the traditional practice is declining, particularly among younger people. Researchers say promoting the nutritional and economic benefits of edible insects through public health programmes and education could help revive consumption. Insects also offer opportunities to supplement household incomes, although researchers caution that insect farming should remain small-scale to benefit rural communities. However, experts argue that commercialisation and further research into farming methods are necessary to expand production and prevent traditional insect consumption from disappearing.
Read full story: Mongabay
Date Published: October 29, 2026
Global News
Bumper Persimmon Harvest Raises Income Prospects for Pakistani Farmers
A bumper harvest of Japanese persimmons, locally known as amlok, has boosted income prospects for farmers in Shangla, Pakistan, with fruit harvested in October and November supplying markets nationwide. The crop supports the local economy by providing employment in harvesting, sorting, packing and transportation. However, farmers are calling for government assistance to improve orchard management, control pests and diseases, introduce modern cultivation techniques and reduce post-harvest losses. Better storage, packaging and transport facilities, alongside improved access to market prices and larger buyers, could help growers secure better returns and establish Shangla’s persimmons as a recognised national product.
Read full story: The Nation
Date Published: October 30, 2026
China’s Agricultural Machinery Industry Expands Exports and Advanced Technology
China’s agricultural machinery industry is moving towards higher-value manufacturing, with growing exports and advances in powerful tractors, precision farming and autonomous technology. Agricultural machinery exports, equipment and components rose 21.95% year-on-year to $15.11 billion in the first eight months of 2026. International manufacturers, including Claas and John Deere, are expanding local production and developing machinery tailored to Chinese farms. Meanwhile, domestic manufacturer Zoomlion unveiled a 1,600-horsepower hybrid tractor designed for large-scale farming, improved field efficiency and lower fuel consumption. China’s expanding technological capabilities are creating opportunities for greater international cooperation.
Read full story: China Daily
Date Published: October 30, 2026
Indonesia Steps Up El Niño Measures to Protect Rice Production
Indonesia is strengthening measures to protect rice production against the potential impacts of El Niño, including monitoring eight to 10 major rice-producing provinces and expanding water pumps and piped irrigation infrastructure. The government estimates that the weather phenomenon could reduce food production by hundreds of thousands of tonnes in rice equivalent, although it expects to maintain sufficient national supplies through the end of 2026. Production has reached approximately 32 million tonnes, with a further 1.5 million tonnes targeted for December. Authorities are also distributing 30 kg of rice to 33.24 million households to limit price increases.
Read full story: ANTARA News
Date Published: October 30, 2026
AgriZeroNZ Invests Further In Methane-Reduction Technologies
New Zealand’s AgriZeroNZ has invested a further $22.8 million in two companies developing technologies to reduce agricultural methane emissions, taking its total investment since 2023 beyond $100 million. A further $17.7m has gone to ArkeaBio to support trials of a methane vaccine in dairy cows, which targets a 15% reduction in emissions and could launch in New Zealand in 2028. Another $5.1m has been invested in BioLumic to advance low-emissions ryegrass developed using ultraviolet light treatment. The ryegrass aims to reduce livestock methane emissions by approximately 12.5% while maintaining or improving pasture productivity.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: October 30, 2026
