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Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture Promotes Commercial Farming on Beqa Island

Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture Promotes Commercial Farming on Beqa Island

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry in Fiji has launched a new strategy to transition farmers on Beqa Island from subsistence to commercial agriculture. This initiative aims to enhance food security, increase incomes, and open new market opportunities. The plan includes expanding off-season tomato production and addressing yaqona dieback disease with improved planting materials. Additionally, commercial dalo cultivation will be supported through training in land preparation and pest control. The Ministry hopes to create employment opportunities for young people and strengthen the agricultural economy.
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Maui County Agriculture Department Offers Workshops for Grant Application Preparation

Maui County Agriculture Department Offers Workshops for Grant Application Preparation

The County of Maui Department of Agriculture is organizing workshops to assist nonprofits and for-profit businesses in preparing for the Fiscal Year 2027 grant application period. The applications will be accepted from June 22 to July 22, 2026. The department's priority funding areas include agricultural infrastructure, operations, education, recovery, livestock, non-food agriculture, and feral animal control, with a focus on supporting operations on Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. Four workshops will be held across Maui County, including in-person sessions in Maui, Lāna‘i, and Moloka‘i, as well as an online session. These workshops aim to cover eligibility, grant requirements, and the application process, providing valuable guidance to potential applicants.
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Kentucky Joint Agriculture Committee Addresses Industry Challenges and Opportunities

Kentucky Joint Agriculture Committee Addresses Industry Challenges and Opportunities

The Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture in Kentucky convened to discuss the current state and future challenges of the agriculture industry. Key speakers included agricultural economists Kenny Burdine and Jonathan Shepherd from the University of Kentucky, and Mark Barker, a senior vice president at Farm Credit Mid-America. They highlighted the strengths of Kentucky's agriculture, such as strong land values, high cattle prices, and agritourism. However, they also pointed out challenges like declining working capital, fluctuating fuel and fertilizer costs, and barriers for young farmers. Risks such as geopolitical issues and asset devaluation were also discussed. The committee emphasized the importance of agriculture to both rural and urban economies in Kentucky.
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Karan Beef Resumes Exports After FMD Disruptions, Signaling Recovery for South Africa's Beef Industry

Karan Beef Resumes Exports After FMD Disruptions, Signaling Recovery for South Africa's Beef Industry

Karan Beef has resumed its beef exports after more than a year of disruptions caused by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks. The first export container was loaded in Balfour and is destined for Jordan, marking a significant milestone in the recovery of South Africa's beef industry. The resumption of exports was made possible by a national vaccination program, which has been crucial in restoring market access and rebuilding confidence among international trading partners. Prior to the FMD-related restrictions, Karan Beef exported to over 14 markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company emphasized the importance of vaccination in maintaining animal health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.
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FAO Projects 2% Decline in Global Cereal Production, Impacting U.S. Wheat Supply

FAO Projects 2% Decline in Global Cereal Production, Impacting U.S. Wheat Supply

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has forecasted a 2% decline in global cereal production for the 2026/27 season, primarily due to expected lower wheat harvests in major producing countries. This follows a record-breaking 2025/26 season. The decline is attributed to adverse weather conditions affecting crop prospects, particularly in the United States, where winter wheat crop conditions are among the least favorable in decades. Rising fuel and fertilizer costs are also adding pressure on cereal markets. Despite the production decline, global cereal utilization is expected to increase by 0.6%, with world cereal stocks contracting slightly by 0.3%.
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Kentucky Lawmakers Address Agricultural Challenges Amid Climate and Economic Pressures

Kentucky Lawmakers Address Agricultural Challenges Amid Climate and Economic Pressures

During a recent meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture, Kentucky lawmakers discussed the current strengths, challenges, and risks facing the state's agriculture industry. Agricultural economists from the University of Kentucky, along with a senior vice president from Farm Credit Mid-America, provided insights into the sector's conditions. They highlighted strengths such as strong land values and high cattle prices, while noting challenges like declining working capital and rising fuel and fertilizer costs. Risks include geopolitical issues and climate change, which is expected to increase natural disasters and affect crop yields. The committee emphasized the importance of diversification and collaboration among lawmakers to support the agriculture industry.
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Puerto Rico Enacts Law to Control Wild Hog Population Threatening Agriculture

Puerto Rico Enacts Law to Control Wild Hog Population Threatening Agriculture

Puerto Rico has enacted House Bill 641, now known as Law 102-2026, to address the growing threat posed by wild hogs to agriculture, food security, and public health. Authored by Representative Axel 'Chino' Roque Gracia, the law empowers the secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) to issue special non-sport hunting permits to farmers. These permits are intended to help control the wild hog population, which has been damaging crops and agricultural infrastructure across the island. The law also amends Regulation 6765 to include wild hogs in Appendix 2, a list of invasive and harmful species, under the population-control provisions of Article 16(a) of Puerto Rico’s Wildlife Act (Law 241-1999). The DNER secretary is authorized to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture and other agencies to manage and dispose of captured or hunted wild hogs.
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South Africa and Italy Forge New Agricultural Partnerships to Boost Trade and Innovation

South Africa and Italy Forge New Agricultural Partnerships to Boost Trade and Innovation

South Africa and Italy are set to enhance their agricultural collaboration through the inaugural South Africa-Italy Agriculture Business Forum. Scheduled for June 9-10 in Cape Town, the forum aims to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation within the agricultural sector. The event will be co-hosted by South Africa's Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida. The forum will focus on building resilient, value-added agri-business partnerships, covering a wide range of sectors including agri-food production, food processing, and digital farming solutions. A key highlight will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation in agriculture and market access.
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Tom Cole Supports Agriculture Appropriations Act for Farmers and Ranchers

Tom Cole Supports Agriculture Appropriations Act for Farmers and Ranchers

Congressman Tom Cole has voted in favor of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027. The legislation aims to enhance funding for agricultural research, food safety, and rural community support. It includes significant allocations for watershed protections, food distribution on Indian reservations, and rural energy programs. Cole emphasized the importance of a strong agricultural sector for national stability and rural community support.
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Food Industry Criticized for Failing to Support Farmers Amid Climate Crisis

Food Industry Criticized for Failing to Support Farmers Amid Climate Crisis

Food Industry Criticized for Failing to Support Farmers Amid Climate Crisis
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Haleakala's Potential Eruption: Implications for Maui Residents and Infrastructure

Haleakala's Potential Eruption: Implications for Maui Residents and Infrastructure

Haleakala, the largest volcano on Maui, is considered an active volcano despite its last eruption occurring between 1480 and 1600. Unlike Kilauea and Mauna Loa, Haleakala does not have a magma chamber close to the surface, making it difficult to monitor for potential eruptions. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have indicated that while Haleakala is not as active as other Hawaiian volcanoes, it remains a potential threat. The volcano's eruptions are typically non-explosive, characterized by slow-moving lava flows. The most recent significant lava flow from Haleakala covered parts of the coast between Kanaio and Keoneoio, forming La Perouse Bay. Despite the low probability of an imminent eruption, the Maui Emergency Management Agency has plans in place to respond to any volcanic activity.
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Japan Suspends Indian Mango Imports Over Protocol Violations, Impacting Trade Relations

Japan Suspends Indian Mango Imports Over Protocol Violations, Impacting Trade Relations

Japan has suspended imports of fresh mangoes from India due to violations of export protocols, as identified by Japanese plant quarantine officials. The suspension affects several popular mango varieties and highlights issues with disinfection treatments and other export-related procedures. Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has requested India to investigate the deficiencies and implement corrective actions. The suspension will remain until Japan verifies that the necessary improvements have been made. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to phytosanitary standards in international fruit trade.