South Africa’s agricultural sector is arguably one of the most vibrant on the continent.

Despite plentiful production, fans of bananas around the world may soon see an increase in prices, as the price of the popular fruit is affected by the increase in the cost of raw materials across the globe.

Researchers from Flinders University are investigating organic nitrogen fertiliser to return nitrogen to soil without the need for chemicals.

Cold spells in the spring have wreaked havoc on some European pear producing countries, with a loss of up to 90% of some Italian varieties, and lower volumes expected in the Netherlands and Germany also experiencing losses.

Macadamia farming is a sunrise industry, holding much promise for farmers, the economy and consumers alike, particularly as the market is experiencing exponential growth in demand, says Marquis Macadamias director Roelof van Rooyen.

South Africa’s sugar industry is in talks with the government over a potential subsidy that could see it convert more than a third of its annual output into biofuel, according to a group representing companies in the sector.