South African News
Grain SA urges new wheat strategy after South Africa retains tariff framework
South Africa’s wheat industry is calling for a shift in production strategy after the government decided to keep the existing wheat tariff framework unchanged. Grain SA argues the decision increases pressure on local farmers while failing to tackle the main drivers of food prices, as wheat accounts for less than 20% of bread production costs. The organisation says long-term food security depends on strong rural economies, jobs and profitable farming rather than lower import costs alone. It is urging producers to focus on higher yields, disease resistance and lower production costs, while calling for better alignment between breeding, grading, trade policy and market incentives.
Read full story: Milling MEA
Date published: July 7, 2026
Global food price fears ease, but weather and input costs remain key risks
Concerns that the Iran–US conflict would trigger a sharp rise in global food prices have proved largely overstated, according to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo. He argues that strong global grain supplies and the Middle East’s role as a grain importer reduced the likelihood of a major price shock, unlike the disruption caused by the Russia–Ukraine war. While easing fuel and fertiliser prices offer relief for farmers, risks remain from a potential El Niño-driven drought and uncertainty over the 2026–27 growing season. In South Africa, favourable soil moisture, improved dam levels and a record grain harvest are expected to support domestic food supplies.
Read full story: The Common Sense
Date published: July 7, 2026
African News
Morocco’s fresh strawberry exports hit record low amid industry shift
Morocco’s fresh strawberry exports have fallen to a record low following a fourth consecutive season of decline, with shipments between October 2025 and April 2026 halving compared with the previous year. The downturn has been driven by stronger competition from Egypt, prolonged drought, water shortages, rising production costs, labour shortages and severe weather that damaged crops and delayed harvests. Exports declined sharply across key European markets, including the UK, Spain and France. As profitability weakens, growers and investors are increasingly switching to blueberries, blackberries and avocados, while Morocco’s strawberry sector is becoming more focused on frozen exports.
Read full story: East Fruit
Date published: July 7, 2026
Global News
Farmers to gain direct access to Higher Tier environmental funding
Farmers and land managers in England will soon be able to apply directly for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) funding, ending the invitation-only system introduced when the scheme launched. From later this summer, applicants can submit an Expression of Interest for woodland, agroforestry and new single-focus agreements, with up to 1,200 agreements initially available for restoring species-rich grassland. The government says the changes will make environmental support easier to access while helping deliver its Farming Roadmap. Farming groups have welcomed the move, saying greater investment in nature-friendly farming will strengthen environmental outcomes, climate resilience and long-term food security.
Read full story: Farmer’s Guide
Date published: July 7, 2026
Survey finds South Australian grain farmers sceptical of net zero target
A survey of more than 1,000 South Australian grain producers has found strong opposition to the state government’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, with 79% saying they do not support the target. Conducted during and after a severe drought, the survey highlighted financial strain, reduced yields and growing mental health concerns across the sector. Farmers said they were worried that emissions policies could increase costs and regulatory burdens at a time when many were struggling to remain viable. Despite these challenges, growers remain cautiously optimistic about the future, although rising input costs continue to threaten farm profitability.
Read full story: In Daily
Date published: July 7, 2026
AI offers major opportunities for smarter farming and supply chains in India
Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform India’s agricultural sector by helping agribusinesses move beyond simple record-keeping to data-driven decision-making. As more farm data is collected, AI can improve crop traceability, predict quality, optimise procurement and strengthen supply chains, benefiting both businesses and farmers through better planning and fewer losses. While India is investing heavily in digital agriculture, much of the valuable information generated remains underused. The article argues that agribusinesses are best placed to unlock AI’s full potential, with early adopters likely to gain a competitive advantage by using predictive insights to improve efficiency, resilience and profitability.
Read full story: Your Story
Date published: July 7, 2026
Japan’s full-time farming workforce falls below one million
Japan’s number of people primarily employed in agriculture has dropped below one million for the first time since comparable records began in 1985, highlighting the country’s ageing farming population. The agricultural workforce stood at 986,600 in February 2026, down 4.8% from a year earlier and more than 50% lower than in 2010. Farmers aged 75 and over now make up the largest share of the workforce, underscoring concerns about succession. While the number of incorporated agricultural businesses has risen slightly, government officials expect the decline in individual farmers to continue and plan to promote larger-scale farming and greater efficiency to sustain production.
Read full story: NHK World
Date published: July 7, 2026
