Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Apples, South Africa: Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced that the country had regained access for fresh apples to Thailand, a market which had been closed for 16 years, adding that the agreement would create significant employment in the agriculture sector. South African apple exports had surged by 40% over the past decade, largely driven by exports to the Far East and Asia, which currently account for about 35% of all exports. (PANA 13/2) Avocados, Kenya: Avocado production is expected to rebound by 4% in 2025, after an 11% downturn in 2024, reaching 585,000 metric tons. The growth was the result of an increase in the land under avocado and an increase in yield as a result of quality control improvements. Bolstered by government incentives such as the provision of high-quality seedlings, farmer training programmes, access to subsidised inputs, planted area is projected to increase by 6% in 2025 to reach 34,000 hectares, according to a new report on the Global Agricultural Information Network. The report said the value of exports in 2024 was estimated to have surged by 11% to reach $159m. The increase in value was driven by increase in demand for Kenyan avocado and that boosted its competitiveness in international markets. Domestic consumption accounts for 47% of production, with 2025 projections at 280,000 metric tons. Industry observers estimate 2024 export volumes increased by 5% to 128,000 metric tons. Kenya is Africa's leading avocado producer and ranks second in avocado export value after South Africa. In 2023, production reached 633,000 metric tons, making Kenya the sixth-largest global producer. (PANA 15/2) Vegetables, South Africa: Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomed the lifting of a ban on vegetable exports to Botswana. The ban, now lifted by current President Duma Boko, was imposed under the previous administration of Botswana, led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, in order to support domestic farmers and reduce reliance on imports. Meyer said the move would encourage increased trade among Southern African Customs Union (SACU) members, who view the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical tool for developing regional value chains and enhancing exports. The lifting of the ban is expected to be completed by April 1st. (SAnews.gov.za 4/3)
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4409211373