
Notes from my conversation with South Africa’s Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development
Like many South Africans, I spent time this past week clarifying a few aspects of land reform and agriculture in our country following some misinformation about the sector in the White House. The land discussion in South Africa is generally polarising and has been that way for some time. However, the claims that property rights are being undermined are incorrect.

South Africa has temporarily suspended poultry imports from Brazil
Ordinarily, people wouldn’t pay close attention when a country temporarily suspends poultry imports from another country. But at this time of heightened trade friction, such things get more attention and thus require some clarification.

South African farms are not under siege – some clarification after Trump-Ramaphosa briefing
One of the themes that dominated the White House Press session this evening was agriculture – the idea that the farming sector in South Africa is under siege and people are running away. But this could be no further than reality.

Soybean harvest is gaining momentum in South Africa
The warm and dry weather conditions we have been enjoying since the first week of this month are finally paying off for the summer grains and oilseed regions. The fields have dried up in some areas, and the harvest is gaining momentum.

Notes on South Africa’s food inflation
Food prices have been in the headlines for some time in South Africa and indeed globally. The South African situation is clear; we are food secure at the national level, but struggle with food insecurity at the household level.

The outlook for the South African poultry industry is improving
The South African poultry industry typically dominates headlines for various matters such as food security, tariffs, and disease outbreaks. However, they may face a slightly better operating environment in the coming months than in the past. We are emerging from higher feed costs and the spreading avian influenza, amongst other issues.