Rooibos fields weather storms, production on track
The Cederberg has been hit by a series of storms in recent weeks, causing extensive damage to roads and infrastructure. However, rooibos fields in the area have largely escaped damage.…
Africa needs grain imports, key states say ahead of Putin talks
BY: CARIEN DU PLESSIS, CHRIS MFULA AND ELIAS BIRYABAREMA Key African states stressed the need for grain imports to tackle food insecurity as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to discuss…
Agribusiness confidence remains subdued in Q2
BY: WANDILE SIHLOBO After a 5-point decline to 44 in Q1 2023, the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) was unchanged in Q2. The ACI level in the first two quarters…
South Africa’s reliance on rice imports
South Africa relies heavily on imports for its rice requirements. Estimates indicate that South Africa imports 90% of its rice requirements. This exposes consumers to high prices in the event…
Agritech startup’s deal with Shoprite bears fruit
AgriKool, a small agricultural business that connects producers and buyers of agricultural products, is beginning to reap the rewards of its deal with the Shoprite Group, having delivered fresh produce…
SA citrus growers say EU pest rules putting squeeze on exports
BY: NELSON BANYA New European Union pest control rules will cut South Africa’s orange exports to Europe by 20% this year, threatening thousands of jobs, the Citrus Growers Association (CGA)…
South Africa’s finest dairy products awarded at SA Dairy Championships 2023
South Africa’s top-rated dairy products were recognised at the 190th edition of the SA Dairy Championships, the biggest and oldest dairy competition in Africa. An Ayrshire Mozzarella, made especially for…
Have your say on revised water use licence regulations
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has published the revised Regulations regarding the Procedural Requirements for Water Use Licence applications for public comment. The amendments aim to effect reforms…
Your omelette is not yet under threat despite the recent Western Cape bird flu outbreak
BY: PAUL MAKUBE The biosecurity challenge continues as more cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) are reported across the globe. The HPAI virus is highly contagious among birds…
Farming in South Africa is being hobbled by power cuts and poor roads. Rural towns are being hit hardest
BY: WANDILE SIHLOBO South Africa’s agriculture has had great consecutive seasons since 2019/20. The sector’s gross value added grew by 14.9% in 2020, 8.8% in 2021 and modestly by 0.3% in 2022 . This…