The History and Cultural Significance of American Corn

The History and Cultural Significance of American Corn

But there was a time, unfathomable as it may seem today, when this grain was absent from the world’s plate. Corn has an enthralling history that meanders through time and geography. From being a key to survival in ancient civilizations to becoming the ‘yellow gold’ of the modern world, corn’s journey is a testament to […]

South Africa: Load shedding and the Economic Strain on the Food Supply Chain

gain reports 2023

The energy crisis, which has resulted in the declaration of a National State of Disaster, is causing disruptions and rising costs for the advanced and diverse agriculture and food sector in South Africa, which is heavily reliant upon electrification. While farmers of field crops and fruits are concerned about a drop in yields and quality […]

South Africa: Proposed Amendments to Food Labeling and Advertising Regulations

gain reports 2023

On January 31, 2023, the South African Ministry of Health issued a Government Notice (R 2986) inviting comments on the draft regulation relating to the labeling and advertising of foods. Draft regulations specify mandatory warning labels, guidelines, requirements and restrictions on food packaging, ingredients, allergens and health claims among others. The deadline for the submission […]

South Africa: Food Processing Ingredients

gain reports 2023

This report provides more information on the South African food processing sector, including strategies for U.S. exporters interested in entering the market. South Africa is a middle-income emerging market with a well-developed agribusiness and food sector that plays a significant role in job creation and economic growth. Although largely self-sufficient in agricultural production, South Africa […]

South Africa: Grain and Feed Annual

gain reports 2023

South Africa is on course to produce a fourth consecutive bumper corn crop in MY 2022/23, which creates a bearish outlook on local corn prices and will limit growth in the area to be planted with corn in MY2023/24. However, South Africa should maintain its status as a net exporter of corn. Local wheat prices […]

South Africa: Oilseeds and Products Annual

gain reports 2023

South Africa has experienced an upsurge in oilseed plantings over the past 20 years with a near nine-fold expansion in soybean area. Post foresees that the positive trend in soybean plantings will continue in marketing year 2023/24 with area and oilseed production reaching historically high level of 1.8 million hectares and 3.6 million metric tons, […]

South Africa: Competition Commission Report Examines Poultry

gain reports 2023

The March 2023 Essential Food Price Monitoring Report published by South Africa’s Competition Commission provided a deep dive into the poultry value chain. The report highlights the role of poultry as a staple in the South African diet and notes that the poorest 10% of households spend up to 7% of their income on chicken. […]

Eswatini: Sugar Annual

gain reports 2023

Post forecasts sugar cane production in Eswatini will increase by 1.5 percent to 5.6 million MT in MY 2023/24, based on increased available irrigation water, expanded planted area, and a return to trend yields. Post forecasts sugar production will increase by 4 percent, to 652,057 MT in MY 2023/24, based on an expected rebound in […]

South Africa: Sugar Annual

gain reports 2023

Post forecasts South Africa’s sugar cane crop will increase by 3 percent to 18.5 million metric tons (MT) in market year (MY) 2023/24 assuming a return to normal weather conditions, an improvement in yields, and industry efforts to increase production, especially for small-scale farmers. Post forecasts that raw sugar production will increase by 9 percent […]