South African News
South Africa’s Canola Industry Becomes Net Exporter Following Major Growth
South Africa’s canola industry has become a net exporter, demonstrating how investment in processing capacity and rising domestic demand can drive agricultural growth. Since commercial production began in 1998-99, planted area has expanded from 17,000ha to an estimated 197,890ha in 2026-27, with a record harvest of 368,270 tonnes expected. Exports now reach markets including Germany and Belgium. The industry’s success provides a blueprint for expanding other agricultural sectors, particularly through productive land allocation, collaboration with agribusinesses and commodity organisations, and developing new international export markets.
Read full story: Daily Maverick
Date published: November 9, 2026
South African Avocado Growers Face Rising Costs and Intensifying Global Competition
South Africa exported a record 21 million cartons of avocados in 2026, up 16% year on year, but higher volumes have failed to improve growers’ returns. Rising freight and input costs, a stronger rand and falling export prices have squeezed profitability, while competition from Peru, Brazil and other producers has increased. Industry experts say future growth must focus on improving yields, reducing alternate bearing, increasing pack-out rates and lowering supply chain costs. Diversifying export markets is also important, but the priority must shift from producing more fruit to securing profitable sales and meeting consumer demand.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date published: November 9, 2026
African News
Cover Crops Offer Tanzanian Coffee Farmers a Practical Way to Improve Climate Resilience
Tanzanian agricultural experts are encouraging coffee farmers to grow cover crops between tree rows to reduce soil erosion, conserve moisture and improve soil fertility amid increasingly unpredictable weather. Research in Mbozi District found that intercropping coffee with the legume Canavalia ensiformis increased soil nitrogen from 0.10% to 0.19% and organic carbon from 1.2% to 1.65% in the assessed field. Cover crops can also suppress weeds, reduce reliance on herbicides and improve soil structure. However, careful management is essential to prevent competition with coffee trees for water and nutrients.
Read full story: All Africa
Date published: November 9, 2026
Global News
Canada’s Growing Organic Market Highlights Opportunities for Domestic Farmers and Processors
Canada’s organic market has grown by 24% since 2024, reaching C$11.88 billion, with around two-thirds of Canadians buying organic products weekly. However, much of this demand is being met through imports, while domestic certified organic acreage has fallen by 16.1% to 2.2 million acres. Industry leaders are calling for greater government support to help farmers transition to organic production, alongside investment in research, processing infrastructure and supply chains. They also want stronger export promotion to improve Canada’s competitiveness and enable domestic producers to capture a greater share of the expanding global organic market.
Read full story: Farms.com
Date published: November 9, 2026
Mexico’s Food Industry Faces Rising Grain Imports Amid Expanding Foreign Investment
Mexico’s agrifood sector is experiencing a growing divide between expanding industrial investment and declining domestic agricultural production. While multinational companies such as Nestlé plan to invest billions in manufacturing and processing facilities, domestic corn production is forecast to fall to 23.5 million tonnes in 2026, with imports reaching a record 24.8 million tonnes. Drought, high input costs and limited financing are placing pressure on farmers and food processors. Meanwhile, Mexico is pursuing new trade partnerships with South Korea and the EU to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on the US.
Read full story: Mexico Business News
Date published: November 9, 2026
Chinese AI Innovations Drive Agricultural and Industrial Advances Across Southeast Asia
Chinese technology companies are expanding AI partnerships across Southeast Asia, adapting solutions to local agricultural and industrial needs. In Malaysia, AI-powered sensors, drones and robots are being developed to predict durian harvesting times, detect crop diseases and improve fruit collection, while robotic rubber tapping could reduce labour costs by 30–40%. One Chinese company has secured orders for 20,000 agricultural robots for use in Malaysian plantations. Similar collaborations are improving healthcare access in Laos and port logistics in Thailand. Partnerships are also focusing on technology transfer, workforce development and locally relevant solutions.
Read full story: China Daily https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202611/10/WS6af26ec2e4b03ebf8519b6e2.html
Date published: November 10, 2026
Rising Inflation and Input Costs Top Australian Farmers’ Concerns as Business Confidence Falls
Rising inflation and input costs are the biggest challenges facing Australian farmers, with 48% citing them as a major concern, an 18-percentage-point increase on 2025. Fuel costs have also risen sharply as a concern, from 2% to 18%, while fertiliser costs increased from 2% to 8%. Weather, economic uncertainty and government policy were other key challenges. Financial pressures are reflected in business performance, with 59% of farmers reporting that their businesses are worse off financially than a year ago. Agricultural business confidence remains below neutral for a fourth consecutive year.
Read full story: Roy Morgan
Date published: November 10, 2026
