Firstly, the higher farm input costs, such as fertilizers, fuel, and agrochemicals, and increasing interest rates could weigh heavily on farmers' finances in the coming months. Secondly, strong agricultural machinery sales in 2020 and 2021 could lead to a lower replacement rate this year. Lastly, Agbiz's Wandile Sihlobo says the 2021/22 summer crop harvests are down from the 2020/21 season, which will likely have negative financial implications for farmers.

South Africa continues to engage with the European Commission on new regulations that could lead to tons of citrus export products being destroyed. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries described the EU's decision earlier this month as not only trade-restrictive but also technically unjustified. Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi, says the implementation of the regulations just three days after the notification, also went against the spirit of transparency and restricts South Africa's time to comply with the new rules. He says while South Africa recognizes the sovereignty of the European Commission to take phytosanitary measures to protect its plant health and the environment, the cost of compliance will be high.

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Agri SA welcomes the announcement that Tiger Brands will extend operations at its canning factory in Ashton, Western Cape. The organization says in a statement that the decision is a vital reprieve for the agricultural sector and for the communities that rely on the facility for their livelihoods. It will also provide time for potential buyers to secure the necessary funding to save the factory. Agri SA further adds that in addition to the 4 550 workers at the factory, this decision will secure the livelihoods of the farmers, more than 2 000 permanent workers, and countless seasonal workers that also depend on the facility. Tiger Brands sustains the Ashton community and if it were to close, approximately 300 farmers would have no alternative market for their produce.

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