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Renewed strikes in the Middle East present risks to farming input costs
On Monday, July 6, 2026, we sent out a note flagging that we are beginning to see the benefits of the likely memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S. aimed at ending the war on agricultural input prices. Fertiliser and fuel prices have declined notably from the levels we saw as recently as May 2026. That said, uncertainty remains, and it increasingly appears that the talks may end or be paused without a deal given the renewed strikes in the region.[1] This once again presents the immense risk and uncertainty surrounding ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz.
Published: 08/07/2026
MoreAppeal court declares SANRAL increase in service stations levies unlawful
The Appeal Court recently pronounced on levies charged to fuel retailers and other businesses that operate adjacent to the roads they operate.
Published: 16/01/2026
MoreAgbiz Media Day Shines Spotlight on Fruit Sector and Agricultural Innovation in the Western Cape
Agbiz recently hosted its latest Media Information Day in the Western Cape, highlighting the fruit sector, food security, rules of engagement, and agricultural remedies. The event, held at Elsenburg Agricultural College on 23 October 2025, brought together over 90 delegates, including students, media representatives, and industry stakeholders, for a day of insight, discussion, and knowledge-sharing.
Published: 04/11/2025
MoreGauteng High Court delivers judgement on sale of immovable property that may hold serious implications for certainty of property rights
On the 2nd of October 2025, Judge Nyati delivered a judgement in the Gauteng High Court in the matter of Dhlomo v De Klerk and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition regarding the requirement in the Alienation of Land Act, no 68 of 1981 that any sale of land must be in writing and signed by the parties. The Act requires that: a written sale agreement must include all “material terms”, incorporating both –
Published: 28/10/2025
MoreSouth Africa and the China-Africa Economic Partnerships for Shared Development
Published: 17/07/2025
MoreExpropriation Act – separating fact from fiction
In January 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act into law. The president’s signature followed an intensive consultation process spanning 12 years, numerous written inputs, two Nedlac processes, and two parliamentary processes. The final act in the legislative process triggered fierce responses from civil society groups, political parties, and various interest groups. Some hailed it as a landmark change in land reform policy whilst others condemned it as the end of private property rights as we know them. We don’t have insight into the cabinet processes that should or should not be followed, but the content of the Act doesn’t support either camp’s conclusions. To place the Act’s actual impact into context, some common misconceptions must be clarified.
Published: 29/01/2025
MoreAgbiz presents its concerns at Petroleum Products Draft Bill public hearings
In the December newsletter, we shared some of Agbiz’s concerns regarding the Petroleum Products Draft Bill. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy conducted online public hearings into the bill on 17 January. A number of organisations, including Agbiz, participated in the public hearings.
Published: 20/01/2025
MoreBreaking the inertia in SA agriculture and land policy implementation in 2025
The South African agriculture and land policy discourse risks entering a space of inertia like much of the country's developmental agenda. More than three years ago, we knew that the South African government over the years acquired about 2,5 million hectares of land through its Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy. Much of this land was previously utilized for various farming activities. Currently, some of the land is underutilized, and some is under short-term leases to farmers who struggle to access the necessary capital to unlock the land potential.
Published: 20/01/2025
MoreSouth Africa's fresh produce markets and competition issues
Today, the Competition Commission of South Africa released its final Report on the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry (FPMI). The authors came to the same views we held for years, clearly highlighted in the NAMC's Report on the National Fresh Produce Markets some years ago. So, in essence, the Commission's Report is a valuable resource about the industry's structure and price developments and primarily provides sensible and correct findings. The Report reaffirmed the importance of fresh produce markets in price discovery and food security.
Published: 14/01/2025
MoreSouth Africa must focus on China and the Middle East for agricultural trade and investments
Now that South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a state visit to China, a country with much promise for deepening agricultural trade, the next stop should be the Middle East.
Published: 18/09/2024
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