Lockdown regulations were the worst possible news for the local wine industry and will likely have a severe impact beyond the next few weeks, says wine producers body Vinpro.

In the US, potatoes are a hot item across the nation. Unfortunately, in other news, the US & Europe already seem to be in recession. On a lighter note, UK farming leaders have stated that surplus food supplies caused by the closure of major restaurant chains like McDonald’s will now be redirected the consumers. There is also a general directive about what New Zealand growers need to know in the current environment, as well as news on markets and initiatives in India.

Die grootte van die verwagte kommersiële mielie-oes is op 14,809 milj. ton gestel, wat 1,71% of 249 190 ton meer is as die vorige skatting van 14,560 milj. ton.

South Africa has followed suit: the country's president has announced a total lockdown of 21 days, starting from midnight Thursday night during which citizens will only be allowed to leave home for emergencies and food, and international arrivals will be turned away.

Capital investment by processors into cutting edge technology and the ever increasing range of macadamia products on shelves are clear indicators that South Africa’s industry remains on an upward trend in line with growing export demand.

Despite falling commodity prices and challenges surrounding farm profitability, the growing use of cover crops is maintaining, if not gaining, momentum.