At the World Union of Wholesale Markets conference in Johannesburg, the focus was on South Africa's economic stability amidst global crises. Khaya Sithole, a chartered accountant, emphasized the need for Africa to reassess its production and trade strategies. He highlighted the reset in Africa's... read more

The first mango harvests are starting in Senegal, specifically in the country's central region. Aminata Dominique Diouf, from Domaine Agricole de Nema, reports a smooth harvest and hopes to recover from a difficult period for the industry. Diouf shares, "We started our first harvest yesterday, and..." read more

A delegation of Dutch producers and government representatives recently visited New Covent Garden Market in London to explore opportunities for expanding sales of Dutch organic produce in the UK. The visit is part of the Netherlands' Action Plan for Growth in Organic Production. read more

Established in 2007 with commercial production starting in 2008, African Blue Morocco has become a key player in the blueberry sector of the country. The company currently oversees approximately 345 hectares of blueberry cultivation in both northern and southern Morocco and functions as part of the read more

Within six months, the 29th expoSE – Europe's premier trade fair for asparagus and berry production – and the 14th expoDirekt – Germany's biggest trade fair for direct marketing in agriculture – will be held at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Center. The event will take place from November 19 to 20, 2025, with 440 exhibitors. read more

In 2024, Guatemala established itself as the world's top melon exporter by volume, surpassing Spain, which had held the top position until 2023. According to a report by Hortoinfo, based on data from the UN Statistics Division COMTRADE using TARIC code 080719 (Fresh melons), Spain still leads in. read more

After the construction of a cutting-edge research center involving universities and research institutions, Kilometro Verde, "the largest vertical farm in Europe" with over 27 thousand square meters of cultivated land, is ready to take further steps with a second facility, following the first one. read more

The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, is determined to prevent Chiquita from closing its operations in Bocas del Toro at all costs. The departure of the company would have a significant impact on over 7,300 workers in the banana sector. According to Mulino, "The current situation in Bocas del Toro is more than just a shutdown." read more

Sri Lanka exports 85% of its mangoes to West Asia, with shipments rising over the past five years. Mango cultivation expanded by 11% from 2015 to 2022, reaching 31,000 hectares, and production increased by 30% to 193,000 metric tons. Australia's Market Development Facility (MDF) recently hosted read more

The fruit canning factory in Ashton, Western Cape, accounts for about half of South Africa's canning industry, according to Jacques Jordaan, CEO of the Canning Fruit Producers' Association. He warns that if the factory closes down, the entire industry is at risk. read more

Tajikistan is currently experiencing the beginning of its early cherry harvest, with farmers reporting a bountiful crop of large fruits. The current prices at local markets are around US$1.10 to US$1.80 per kilogram, which is a decrease of about US$0.30 to US$0.45 compared to last year. Harvesting activities are in full swing. read more

Inhouse team develops SA's first recyclable 7kg potato bags for Shoprite Group

The Shoprite Group has announced that it is the first South African retailer to introduce a fully recyclable 7kg potato bag, solving a longstanding packaging issue that has been a challenge for the industry. read more

The French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish peach and nectarine contact group met in Fundao, Portugal, on the 14th and 15th of May. The group, consisting of the leaders of the sectoral associations from the four countries and government officials, will request the European Commission to make modifications. read more

Bruno Gioffre of Dole, Gianpaolo Renino of Del Monte, Luca Battaglio of Battaglio, Greenyard’s Jen Gabriel, Kantar’s Tom Hole, Cindy van Rijswick of Rabobank, Thieirry Athimon of Frutas Montosa, ICA Sweden’s Maria Wieloch, and Westfalia’s Wim Destoop are just some of the speakers who will... read more

During the main harvesting season - from mid-May to mid-June - the Swiss Fruit Association expects 900 to 1,100 tons per week. Overall, as reported by the Agricultural Information Service (LID), a total harvest of around 7,500 tons is anticipated. read more

BIO AUSTRIA welcomes the intention of the European Commission to strengthen organic farming by recognizing its environmental benefits and simplifying processes. However, these measures are coming very late for the current period to provide significant relief to organic farms. read more

A new group of 16 international students from six different African countries has arrived at Harper Adams University for a comprehensive 10-week course on sustainable agriculture. read more

The BDP chairwoman Stephanie Franck emphasized: "Sustainable agriculture requires plant breeding. At the same time, the further development of agricultural and food systems urgently requires economic viability. Yield strength and environmental compatibility are the foundation of this." read more

Corbana, the National Banana Corporation of Costa Rica, has sought to reassure the country's producers that exports will not be substantially impacted by Trump's new tariff, as reported last week by researchers from the National University (Una). read more

This was the clear message from a recent meeting of the National Avocado Cluster, where the government, producers, and academic institutions were called upon to develop a national plan to promote the sustainable growth of the industry. read more