agriculturelatest news & developments
The proposal aims to increase South Africa’s vaccine supply, but implementation will require licensing, regulatory approval and suitable manufacturing capacity.
FMD

Private companies may manufacture ARC foot-and-mouth disease vaccine

The move is intended to increase local vaccine supply, but private production will require licensing, regulatory approval and suitable high-containment manufacturing capacity.

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
South Africa’s agricultural sector entered the 2026/27 production season with strong soil moisture and dam levels, but experts warned that early planning would be essential if El Niño brought drier conditions.
AGRICULTURE

Agriculture shows resilience as farmers plan for impact of El Niño

South Africa’s agricultural sector has entered the 2026/27 production season with strong soil moisture and dam levels, but experts warn that early planning will be essential if…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp said that they are working to give farmers the assistance they need in the Eastern Cape following heavy rain causing damage to crops.
AGRICULTURE

Aucamp urges urgent support for Eastern Cape farmers after heavy rain

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp says damage assessments must be reconciled and disaster funding secured urgently to support farmers in Humansdorp and Patensie after heavy rain.

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
South Africa’s agricultural value added increased by 0.3% quarter on quarter in the second quarter of 2026, while the broader economy contracted by 0.2%.
AGRICULTURE

South Africa’s agriculture sector shows resilience despite 0.2% GDP decline

South Africa’s agricultural value added increased by 0.3% quarter on quarter in the second quarter of 2026, while the broader economy contracted by 0.2%.

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
South Africa’s poultry industry says removing tariffs on chicken imports would undermine its recovery, threaten jobs and weaken food security. Importers argue the duties are no longer necessary.
POULTRY

Removing chicken tariffs could threaten South African producers, industry warns

South Africa’s poultry industry says removing tariffs on chicken imports would undermine its recovery, threaten jobs and weaken food security. Importers argue the duties are no…

  • Francois Baird
5 min read
South Africa’s agribusiness confidence index rose eight points to 53 in the third quarter, although respondents remained concerned about drought, input costs, export access and logistics.
AGRICULTURE

Agbiz/IDC index rises eight points to 53 in Q3 2026

South Africa’s agribusiness confidence index rose eight points to 53 in the third quarter, although respondents remained concerned about drought, input costs, export access and…

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
South Africa and Egypt have concluded negotiations on a veterinary health certificate for red-meat exports, but shipments will only proceed once the agreement has been formally signed.
FMD

South Africa and Egypt conclude red-meat export negotiations

South Africa and Egypt have concluded negotiations on a veterinary health certificate for red-meat exports, but shipments will only proceed once the agreement is formally signed.

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
South African farmers are being urged to conserve water, avoid overstocking and prepare for fire and heat risks as El Niño conditions are expected to continue through the 2026/27 summer season.
DROUGHT

El Niño threatens South Africa’s 2026/27 farming season as drought risks mount

South African farmers are being urged to conserve water, avoid overstocking and prepare for fire and heat risks as El Niño conditions are expected to continue through the 2026/27…

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
South Africa is stepping up its fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), with more than 23 million vaccine doses imported as the government and the agricultural sector work to protect livestock, stabilise supply chains and safeguard export markets.
MINISTER

23 million FMD vaccine doses imported

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp says government and industry cooperation has accelerated FMD vaccination, protected red-meat exports and expanded farmers’ role in vaccinating…

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
With exports surpassing 10 000 tonnes in 2025, the Rooibos industry is looking beyond the traditional cup to unlock opportunities in food, beverages, cosmetics, tourism and manufacturing.
ROOIBOS

Rooibos exports top 10 000 tonnes as South Africa looks to unlock greater economic value

With exports surpassing 10 000 tonnes in 2025, the Rooibos industry is looking beyond the traditional cup to unlock opportunities in food, beverages, cosmetics, tourism and…

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) increased the Dollar Based Reference Price (DBRP) for sugar imports from $680 (R(R10 964) to $785 (R 12 660) per tonne.
SUGARIMPORTS

Sugar industry gets tariff relief, but warns SA imports crisis is far from over

ITAC has raised South Africa’s dollar based reference price for imported sugar from US$680 to US$785 per tonne. While SASA and SA Canegrowers welcome the move, they say the new…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
Despite recent challenges with heavy rain, the latest Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) report indicates a strong harvest, with the maize crop still expected to be the largest on record.
MAIZE

South Africa’s record maize harvest, but El Niño looms

SA's commercial maize crop is forecast to reach 17.4 million tonnes in 2026, but an expected El Niño event remains a risk.

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
R99 for a bag of onions? As prices jump 21%, behavioural economists explain why hikes on everyday staples trigger far more outrage than luxury splurges.
INFLATION

Onion prices surge 21%: Inside the mental squeeze on SA budgets

From winter harvest delays to consumer psychology: why price spikes on kitchen staples hit household budgets far harder than discretionary luxuries.

  • Lutho Pasiya
3 min read
Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has reduced their citrus exports estimation even further.
CITRUS EXPORTS

Citrus Growers' Association reduces export forecasts amid challenging conditions

The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa has announced a significant reduction in citrus export forecasts for the 2026 season, citing geopolitical tensions and market…

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
The South African government hosted the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum recently where Zimbabwe was highlighted as a key export destination for South African agriculture with over $1 billion (approximately R16 billion) in exports recorded in 2025.
ZIMBABWE

Exploring Zimbabwe's role as a key export market for South African agriculture

At the recent South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum, agricultural experts discussed the vital role Zimbabwe plays as a key export market for South Africa's…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
For community gardens that produce more vegetables than households can consume, selling the surplus provides another benefit.
FOOD AFFORDABILITY

The backyard revolution: How Joburg is growing its own food

Explore how community gardens in Johannesburg are transforming food security by providing fresh produce, practical skills, and income opportunities for local households.

  • Willem van de Putte
6 min read