16 July '26 - Today in Farming

South African News 

Early El Niño raises concerns over South Africa’s 2026/27 summer

An unusually early-developing El Niño has increased concerns that South Africa could experience a hotter and drier-than-normal 2026/27 summer, although experts say it is too soon to predict its full impact. Meteorologists warn the event could strengthen into a Super El Niño, raising the risk of extreme heat, drought and pressure on agriculture, particularly maize production. However, healthy soil moisture, high dam levels and improved grazing following recent La Niña years may help reduce some of the effects. Experts stress that rainfall patterns remain uncertain and local conditions will play a significant role in determining the season’s outcome.

Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly 

Date published: July 14, 2026

Agriculture remains key to South Africa’s growth despite mounting risks

Agriculture continues to be one of South Africa’s strongest contributors to economic growth, food security and employment, despite growing economic and climate-related pressures. Rising input costs, the threat of El Niño, biosecurity risks and infrastructure shortcomings present significant challenges for farmers. However, improved production prospects, healthy food supplies and planned infrastructure investment could help support the sector’s recovery. The opinion piece argues that long-term success will depend on stronger business continuity planning, disciplined financial management, diversified export markets, improved risk management and greater adoption of technology. With effective policy support and careful planning, agriculture can remain a major driver of inclusive economic growth.

Read full story: SABC News 

Date published: July 15, 2026

African News 

Strong coffee prices drive revival of farming in Kenya’s Nandi County

Higher coffee prices and strong auction results are encouraging more farmers in Kenya’s Nandi County to return to coffee production, expand their plantations and adopt modern farming methods. The county has become Kenya’s sixth-largest coffee producer after selling more than 2.22 million kilograms of clean coffee worth around Sh1.9 billion this season. County leaders are supporting the sector through improved seedlings, farmer training, cooperative reforms and processing facilities. Farmers report higher incomes and increased investment in their businesses, while officials believe further expansion, value addition and greater involvement of women and young people could strengthen rural livelihoods and long-term economic growth.

Read full story: Kenya News Agency 

Date published: July 14, 2026

Global News 

Protected agriculture gains momentum across Central America

Protected growing systems are becoming increasingly accessible to farms across Central America as growers seek practical solutions to cope with challenging tropical conditions and meet higher quality standards. Sagam Agro has developed adaptable greenhouses, growing tables and ventilation systems designed specifically for the region, offering both complete installations and customised upgrades. The company has completed more than 50 projects, including work for Walmart, and is seeing growing demand for raised growing tables that improve efficiency, crop health and labour management. Sagam also plans to introduce sensor technology to help growers make data-driven production decisions and further modernise protected agriculture.

Read full story: HortiDaily

Date published: July 14, 2026

Farms for sale in England reach highest level in nearly 20 years

The number of farms being put up for sale in England has reached its highest level in almost two decades, driven by rising production costs, falling farm incomes, reduced subsidies and changes to inheritance tax rules. Smaller farms have been particularly affected, with many owners questioning the long-term viability of their businesses. Arable farmers have faced additional pressure from high fertiliser costs and weak wheat prices, contributing to declining land values. The trend is accelerating consolidation within the sector, as larger farms absorb smaller operations. Meanwhile, fewer lifestyle buyers are purchasing farmland, with farmers making up an increasing share of buyers.

Read full story: Financial Times 

Date published: July 14, 2026

Japan strengthens protection for fruit breeding rights

Japan is establishing a new organisation to protect plant variety rights and tackle the unauthorised cultivation of Japanese-developed crop varieties overseas. Expected to begin operating by August, the body will monitor suspected infringements, support legal action and encourage overseas growers to obtain licences, with fees helping to fund future breeding programmes. The government is also considering tighter oversight of domestic seed and seedling businesses and plans to amend the Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act. The move follows reports of around 50 Japanese varieties, including Shine Muscat grapes and Beni Princess citrus, being propagated without permission, resulting in significant lost licensing revenue.

Read full story: Fresh Plaza https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9857000/japan-steps-up-protection-of-fruit-breeding-rights/

Date published: July 14, 2026

Punjab farmers rally against proposed India-US trade deal

Thousands of farmers in India’s Punjab state staged a large vehicle rally to oppose the proposed India-US free trade agreement, arguing it would expose domestic agriculture to heavily subsidised US imports and threaten the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers. Organised across all 23 districts, the protest also highlighted concerns over land policies, natural resources and deteriorating groundwater quality. Farmer leaders warned the agreement could severely affect sectors including dairy and poultry, while accusing politicians of neglecting agricultural issues. Protesters submitted memorandums to both the Prime Minister and Punjab’s Chief Minister, calling for immediate action on national and state-level concerns.

Read full story: Daily Sun 

Date published: July 14, 2026