Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
south africa agriculturelatest news & developments
Children living in South Africa’s farming regions may be experiencing reduced cognitive performance because of routine exposure to agricultural pesticides. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
CHILD BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Western Cape children show impaired brain function from pesticide exposure, new study finds

Scientists warn that widespread pesticide exposure in South African agricultural communities may impair children’s brain development, with links to poorer attention, memory and…

  • Sheree Bega
5 min read
South Africa needs to maintain and secure other markets, in addition to negotiating lower tariffs with the US. Photo: Supplied
AFRICAN EXPORT MARKETS

Higher US tariffs to affect SA agriculture at a regional level

Within the industry, citrus and table grapes will bear the brunt of the punitive measure

  • Aarti Bhana
4 min read
Tractor sales increased for the second consecutive month, up 21% year-on-year in February 2025 (File photo)
AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT SALES

Dip in tractor sales reflects past challenges, but SA’s agricultural outlook remains optimistic

Tractor sales dropped 24% in November 2024, reflecting financial pressures and past drought impacts, but analysts remain optimistic about the 2024-25 farming season

  • Wandile Sihlobo
3 min read
The SCA sided with the African Centre for Biodiversity’s claims of insufficient environmental assessment, disregarding that MON87460 has already passed rigorous safety evaluations in multiple countries. (Photo by Pia Bayer/picture alliance via Getty Images)
AFRICAN CENTRE FOR BIODIVERSITY

How judicial overreach blocks progress in South African agriculture

By rejecting Bayer’s drought-tolerant maize, the SCA has denied farmers access to a proven technology

  • Eustace Davie
4 min read
BEE PROTECTION

Cape honey bees the guardians of South Africa’s food security

Honey bees are invaluable to the environment and the economy, and their protection is essential

  • Lesego Chepape
4 min read
When viewed annually, the white maize harvest is down 26%, with yellow maize down 10% from the 2022-23 season. File photo
2023 24 SUMMER GRAINS

Agricultural outlook: What to expect for South Africa’s maize and oilseed market

White maize prices are likely to be 30% higher, with yellow maize up by 20%

  • Wandile Sihlobo
4 min read