An organic farming enthusiast in Kenya has been looking at the humble banana to make wine from it. The fermentation process was quite lengthy to achieve the desired result, lasting northwards of two and a half months. She described the drink as sweet: "Sweet ripe banana aroma too and just in
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Holders of Zimbabwean exemption permits have been urged to get their visas in order if they want to stay in South Africa after December. This comes after the Department of Home Affairs extended the validity of exemption permits from the end of June until 31 December 2023, due an influx of up to
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In week 24, growers, traders, retailers, and other chain partners gathered at Enza Zaden's House Fair in the Netherlands. Last year, this breeding company permanently opened its demo high-tech crops location at Duijvestijn Tomaten in Pijnacker. In addition to the 3,000 m2 lit and 6,000 m2 unlit
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Waterman Onions loaded the last 'air' onions this week. The rest will come from cooled crates. "And, thus, the scenario imagined in February - onions would run out in April - didn't materialize after all. Apparently, the market goes into some kind of survival mode, and the onions never actually
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A delegation of the Mediterranean Organic Agriculture Alliance visited Lebanon last week to hold its plenary session and visit Lebanese producers of fresh organic produce. Said Gedeon, Deputy Director General of Chamber of Commerce, industry and agriculture of Zahle and Bekaa reports on the event. read more

In a joint effort between the Malta Food Agency and the Central Cooperative of Farmers, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo inaugurated an investment of €600,000 in a machine and facility for the grading and packaging of various vegetables. read more

California is in the season of peak availability on avocados. “Last year California avocado harvesting started somewhat earlier than usual, with more volume in the spring than this year,” says Terry Splane, Vice President Marketing for the California Avocado Commission, noting that June is
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Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) was officially reported in Zambia for the first time in 2018. It is a viral disease that causes hard rots in cassava roots and can result in substantial yield losses. It gets its name from the brown streaks that form on the stem. CBSD affects cassava
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According to EastFruit analysts, in 2023 Kyrgyzstan sharply increased walnut imports from China. During the first four months of the current calendar year, China shipped 25.5 thousand tons of walnuts to the Kyrgyz market. Of this volume, 14.4 thousand tons were inshell walnuts, and 10.9 thousand
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Agri SA is pleased to announce the appointment of Johann Kotzé as their new Chief Executive Officer. Jaco Minnaar, Agri SA President, congratulated Kotzé and expressed his excitement over the new phase ahead. read more

In the last week of September, a new edition of Interfresh Eurasia will be held in Turkey. According to Murat Ozer, general manager at Antexpo, he expects more participating countries than last year. read more

Peru’s blueberry industry might start future seasons one month earlier during May, after Grupo Verfrut Chile & Peru was the sole company to start exports with 376 tons during last month. They had this very early head start to the 2023-24 season in Piura, compared to the rest of the
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Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebbouneis currently on a state visit to Russia, which is expected to culminate in the signing of an “Expanded Strategic Partnership” between the two countries. Algiers has been showing an interest in working more closely with Moscow and other leading
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The latest Drewry WCI composite index of $1,592 per 40-foot container is now 85% below the peak of $10,377 reached in September 2021. It is 41% lower than the 10-year average of $2,688, indicating a return to more normal prices, but remains 12% higher than average 2019 (pre-pandemic) rates of
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South Africa's citrus industry is rebounding after a difficult 2022 crop season. Despite heavy rainfall in the Western Cape, the country is experiencing a strong orange harvest and robust demand from EU and UK markets. South African oranges are now playing a crucial role in filling a supply gap
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It’s getting harder to obtain certain varieties in Poland. However, Jakub Krawczyk, export manager for Polish apple exporter Appolonia, states that there are still volumes of Red Jonaprince in the company’s stock. read more

A recent BerriesZA symposium demonstrated the levels of optimism and commitment within South Africa’s blueberry industry, remarks the organisation's new chairperson. read more

The marketing of potatoes from the previous harvest is currently in its absolutely final phase. "Our warehouses are largely cleared, about three to four weeks earlier than usual. We will not be able to offer early potatoes in relevant quantities until mid-July. Accordingly, we are currently
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The potato market is very uncertain. "The big question is whether there will be enough French fries and export potatoes in the coming weeks to close the gap between the old and new harvests. Mother Nature will answer that. This weather holding for the next six to eight weeks or it becoming
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $650,000 to a University of Maine project investigating the impacts of climate change on wild blueberry ecosystems and economics. read more