South African News
South Africa Targets China to Diversify Agricultural Exports
South Africa is seeking to expand agricultural exports to China following new market-access agreements and zero-tariff arrangements, providing opportunities to diversify trade and reduce reliance on traditional markets. The move comes amid uncertainty over the country’s future access to the US market under AGOA, which Washington intends to terminate from January 2027. Newly secured access for fresh cherries, alongside potential growth in exports of citrus, apples, avocados, wine and macadamias, offers significant opportunities. However, exporters face challenges including regulatory delays, strict phytosanitary requirements, competition and logistical constraints.
Read full story: China Daily
Date published: November 4, 2026
South Africa Urged to Use Data to Anticipate Biosecurity Threats
South Africa needs to adopt a proactive, data-driven approach to biosecurity to detect emerging pests and diseases before they become costly outbreaks, according to Stellenbosch University professor and former USDA expert David Schimmelpfennig. He said inspection records, statistical models and geographic data could help authorities identify high-risk commodities, trade routes and importers, allowing resources to be targeted more effectively. Risk-based inspections could also reduce unnecessary delays for businesses with good compliance records. Schimmelpfennig warned that delayed intervention allows pest populations to grow, making eradication more difficult and expensive.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: November 4, 2026
African News
Conservation Agriculture Offers Sustainable Farming Opportunities for African Smallholders
Research by 2026 NOMIS and Science Young Explorer Award winner Willy Mulimbi highlights the potential of conservation agriculture to improve sustainability and food security among African smallholder farmers. Field trials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo found that practices focused on soil preservation and crop diversity improved soil health and cowpea yields without fertilisers or herbicides, while reducing pressure on forests. However, wider adoption faces barriers including limited access to credit and training, established farming traditions and socioeconomic challenges. With consumers showing little willingness to pay premium prices for sustainably produced crops, government support and farmer education will be essential to encouraging uptake.
Read full story: EurekAlert!
Date published: November 5, 2026
Global News
EU Backs Ukraine’s Agricultural Integration to Strengthen Global Trade
The European Commission has pledged to support Ukraine’s integration into the EU agricultural market, with negotiations under accession Cluster 5 potentially beginning before the end of 2026. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said the discussions would clarify member states’ concerns and the conditions for integration. Ukraine’s membership could strengthen the EU’s position in global food markets, making it a major exporter of wheat, barley and sunflower oil. It could also reduce reliance on Russian food supplies, strengthen the EU’s presence in the Black Sea region and improve trade links with Central Asia.
Read full story: UBN News
Date published: November 6, 2026
Mexico’s Record Corn Purchase Could Signal a Market Bottom and Price Recovery
Mexico’s purchase of 1.73 million tonnes of US corn, followed by a further 315,000 tonnes, could signal that prices have reached a low and are poised to recover. US corn futures fell sharply in October following a bearish USDA report forecasting higher yields, making supplies attractive to international buyers. However, potential El Niño conditions could bring hot, dry weather to Brazil and Argentina, threatening their corn production and tightening global supplies. Traders will be watching export demand closely for signs of further purchases and a possible price rally.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date published: November 6, 2026
Vietnam Expands Sustainable Rice Production Through One-Million-Hectare Programme
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is supporting Vietnam’s ambition to develop one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice by 2030. By September 2026, sustainable practices had been introduced across approximately 421,000 hectares, although adoption of the full recommended technology package remained limited. Trials combining mechanised direct seeding with deep fertiliser placement achieved 50% lower seed use, 30% less nitrogen fertiliser and 20% less pesticide, while increasing yields by 5% and profits by 10%. Greenhouse gas emissions also fell by more than 20%. Further expansion will require farmer training, stronger cooperatives and improved market access.
Read full story: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Date published: November 6, 2026
Uzbekistan Records Highest Cotton Harvest Since Independence Despite Reduced Planting Area
Uzbekistan has harvested more than 5 million tonnes of raw cotton in 2026, its highest production since gaining independence in 1991 and exceeding its 4.5 million-tonne target. The record was achieved despite a 38% reduction in cotton-growing area, with cultivation now covering approximately 890,000 hectares. Average yields have increased from 2.1 to 5.6 tonnes per hectare, supported by improved farming methods, new varieties and irrigation investment. Mechanisation has also expanded, with more than 3,000 cotton-picking machines harvesting 85% of the crop, reducing reliance on seasonal labour.
Read full story: The Times of Central Asia
Date published: November 5, 2026
