Major global food demand-and-supply trends, identified and monitored by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, were already visible before the onset of COVID-19. The pandemic, and governments’...
The profits from imitation food products are higher than from the real thing, encouraging processors to increase their offerings of these items. The agriculture sector, especially the dairy industry, needs...
The effect of the COVID-19 lockdown has differed from one country to another. In South Africa, disposable income available for basic food has increased due to money not being spent...
The unscientific idea that processed, plant-based, ‘imitation’ foods are healthier for humans and better for the environment needs to be debunked.
Media reports have created the impression that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommends a reduction in meat and dairy consumption to mitigate climate change. This is simply not true.
The trend in rich countries towards vegetarian and vegan diets will not result in higher demand for fresh fruit and vegetables.
It’s high-time to bring some perspective to the debate about the merits of ‘grass-fed’ beef (extensive production) versus ‘grain-fed’ beef (intensive).
The future, especially in the long term, is always uncertain. Farmers would do well to focus their attention on the present and on those factors they can control.
Farming is not for the faint-hearted. In addition to adverse climatic conditions, farmers have to cope with rising costs and stagnant product prices.
The spectacular growth and subsequent drop in game prices demonstrate all the properties of an economic ‘bubble’.
Never mind dwindling terms of trade. Our farmers also have to deal with a steady flow of disrupters. But good management can lead to better profits.
The facts and figures are clear. If you want to stay in business as a farmer, it is essential to steadily expand your operation.
