The local maize, soya bean, winter cereals, sunflower seed prices increased last week. The local peanut production for the season does not look good as the plantings could not take place optimally.

When the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its preliminary estimates for the 2019/20 global grains and oilseeds production, the sentiment in the agricultural market was that there will be large food supplies.

The start of the stone fruit season is around the corner in the Mediterranean. Spain continues to increase its stone fruit volumes and thus dominates the market in Europe. A good harvest is also expected in Greece, with rising export volumes to Europe and the Middle East.

The serious problems suffered by the Spanish citrus sector are not only due to circumstantial causes arising from competition from third countries, but they also have revealed structural challenges that Spain must address.

The International Nut Council Congress (INC), recently hosted in Florida in the United States, once more highlighted confidence in the macadamia sector.

With South Africa’s avocado season now well underway, the current forecast for exports is up from the initial estimate.