South Africa initiates WTO dispute against EU citrus blackspot regulations
Press release The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) have announced that SA has requested consultations with the European Union in the World Trade Organisation in relation to phytosanitary trade regulations imposed on South African citrus by the European Union (EU). This […]
The Department of Agriculture introduces new directives for the importation and exportation of live animals
Press release The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) would like to alert importers and exporters of live animals about the newly introduced directive in respect to authorisation required for the purposes of importation and/or exportation of live animals. The newly introduced directive is in line with the requirement for import authorisation […]
South Africa’s table grape exports increased by 17% in 2023/24 season
“… [A] season of missed opportunities due to logistical challenges, but at the same time most producers feel it was an acceptable season overall”
The strange case of the shortage that wasn’t
The big mystery about South Africa’s rebates on chicken imports is why they were approved when they weren’t needed.
South Africa’s crucial water supplies from Lesotho: what the shutdown means for industry, farming and residents
The main water supply to South Africa’s economic hub, greater Johannesburg in the Gauteng province, and to the country’s breadbasket in the Free State, is scheduled to be cut off for six months.
Will the slow pace of structural reform in agriculture persist?
Sihlobo spells out some aspects where government focus would uplift the mood in the agricultural sector and illustrate government’s commitment to its programmes to stakeholders.
El Niño disasters: governments know what’s coming, but are unprepared – what must change
With little to no preparation for drought disasters, such as the failure of the staple maize crop, the only option after the disaster hits is delayed relief action.
Climate models indicate El Niño is near its end
There are signs of a promising shift in weather patterns that could alleviate the drought conditions gripping many regions.
Food prices will climb everywhere as temperatures rise due to climate change – new research
Climate change, and specifically rising temperatures, may cause food prices to increase by 3.2% per year, according to a new study by researchers in Germany.
Tough tractors support Western Cape heartland’s farmers
Hot dry conditions and rugged geology of the Western Cape’s Little Karoo and Bree River area produces quality grapes, citrus, stone fruit and other crops although the challenging condition of the area are tough on tractors and equipment which need to be well put together in order to endure.