The cotton industry in South Africa has been revived thanks to a R200 million government-funded programme that has unlocked private sector investments and buying power worth hundreds of millions.

South Africa has a slim window to benefit from the European market before litchis from Madagascar arrive. The first litchis from Malelane are flown to Europe where France, in particular, through its long association with Indian Ocean islands, loves the fruit.

‘US soya farmers eye new markets’ – that’s the headline of an article in today’s Business Day and also in The Wall Street Journal. It notes that ‘With trade tension cutting deeply into exports, US soybean farmers, industry groups and US government officials are looking for a stronger foothold in the global markets beyond China, including Europe and Southeast Asia.’

The world’s first crop of soil-less grown bananas is set to be harvested this week as part of an association between the Wageningen University in the Netherlands and Chiquita Brands International.

It started by adding Rooibos wood chips to wine and a unique range of red wines was born. Audacia is now well established and known for their Rooibos Wooded ‘No Sulphur Added’ wines worldwide. They have a strong global following and in China the wines are even sold in pharmacies and promoted for their health qualities.

The South African fresh produce industry will introduce a special 'desk' to assist and advise it on policy development, keep track of trade issues, and represent it at forums where the industry bodies cannot adequately cover events.