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food security south africalatest news & developments
Unprecedented challenges: Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen acknowledged the severe impact of the disease on South Africa’s livestock sector since the country lost its FMD-free status in 2019. Photo: Supplied
AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY

New 10-year plan to combat foot-and-mouth disease

However, commercial farmers say that vaccine shortages and slow implementation are worsening a devastating crisis

  • Sheree Bega
9 min read
Within the SACU region, there is supposed to be free movement of agricultural goods, with a few exceptions, including national security and when there are crop and animal diseases. (Madelene Cronje)
ASTRAL POULTRY

Poultry sector recovering, prices not expected to increase

The health of the sector depends on how well it contains future avian influenza outbreaks, experts say

  • Aarti Bhana
3 min read
Decisions about the risk and spread of HPAI into South Africa must be taken by the South African authorities — not ceded to the United States, or any other exporting country.(Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
AMIE BIRD FLU BAN

SA poultry industry slams US bird flu import concessions as risk to food security

The decision allowing America to lift or impose export bans during outbreaks ‘will be devastating’

  • Lyse Comins
6 min read
The ban on the importation and use of Terbufos signals a shift toward safer, people-centred agriculture
AGROCHEMICAL REGULATION

Petition seeks ban on Terbufos, highly hazardous pesticides within three months

Stop scapegoating spaza shops when regulation failure is to blame for poisoning deaths, groups say

  • Sheree Bega
5 min read
Agriculture Ministure John Steenhuisen. Photo: Dwayne Senior/Getty Images
ANIMAL HEALTH CRISIS

Steenhuisen to discuss vet shortages with officials

Veterinarians are leaving South Africa for better opportunities and those staying behind are struggling to plug the gap This content is restricted to registered users and…

  • Aarti Bhana
1 min read