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Population, waste bigger environmental factors than livestock
As the world’s population increases and the planet’s temperature rises, many are pointing to animal agriculture as a leading cause of climate change, said Dr Robin White from the Virginia State University. White said animal agriculture can and must become a significantly more sustainable industry. Much of her research focuses on sustainable beef production that…
Read MoreWater-stressed South Africa needs action
WWF welcomes the formal launch of the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan by Human Settlements, Sanitation and Water Minister Lindiwe Sisulu in Pretoria as an important step towards more urgent action in the water sector. Christine Colvin, Senior Manager: Freshwater Programmes with WWF-SA, commented: “This plan has been waiting in the wings for the…
Read MoreAfrican Environment Ministers commit to address environmental crises
At the 17th Ordinary session of the AMCEN all 54 African countries have committed to addressing the key environmental challenges of climate change, land degradation, loss of biodiversity and plastic pollution. The Ministers further committed to raise the political profile and institutionalize a circular economy, and a blue economy to support the implementation of the…
Read MoreGM crops and the developing world
The majority of genetically modified (GM) crops are now cultivated in the developing world. In 2014, around 53% of the 182m hectares (nearly two million square kilometres) of GM crops were grown in these countries. Though, the “developing world” is a catch-all for many different countries. Brazil and Argentina are way out in front, planting nearly 70m hectares…
Read MoreNAMPO Cape App: for an exceptional experience
The Overberg is bustling with activity as we are getting closer to NAMPO CAPE 2019, taking place from 4 – 6 September at Bredasdorp Park in Bredasdorp and everybody is talking about the exciting, new NAMPO Cape App As a valuable extension to the NAMPO Cape 2019 event, AgriAbout in partnership with the BVSA group…
Read MoreSoil Preparation book for grapevine industries just launched!
A brand new book was just released for the wine and table grape industries. SOIL PREPARATION for sustainable wine and table grape production, by Johan van Zyl and Eduard Hoffman, covers knowledge gleaned from research and practical experience that accumulated in South Africa over the past 100 years. The project was a joint venture between…
Read MoreNampo Cape 2019 “Winds of Prosperity”
Following the success of the first Nampo Cape in 2018, the Cape’s farming sector and partners will once again descend on Bredasdorp Park on 4-6 September 2019. This trade show allows producers to connect with others involved in the agriculture sector. Under the 2019 theme, “Winds of Prosperity” the organizers are eager to share the…
Read MoreA tiny beetle poses a huge threat to trees in South Africa
This article requires an active response after reading it. Please follow the action steps listed at the end. A minute exotic beetle that carries disease-causing fungi is threatening tree life in South Africa. This beetle bores holes into mostly the trunks of healthy, living trees where it cultivates a fungal garden to feed on. The…
Read MoreGenetic catalogue of the insect pests found on olives
A genetic catalogue of the insect pests found on wild and cultivated olive tree species in South Africa is being compiled by a small team of geneticists in the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) and their South African and overseas collaborators. The team has completed their efforts on olive flies and wasps, and…
Read MoreARC’s Cheeky® pear turns 10
The Agricultural Research Council celebrated 10 years of the Cheeky® pear this May. Cheeky®, a mid-season beautiful red blushed pear variety, is the brightest star to come out of the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij pear breeding programme in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Cheeky® acts as bridge between the season-opening blushed pears like ‘Rosemarie’, ‘Flamingo’ and ‘Celina’ and the…
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