The shift of power in Australia’s Federal Parliament, which is now largely in the hands of a few independents representing rural and regional constituencies, combined with the increasingly vocal calls for scrutiny of foreign investment has sent signals of a more protectionist stance for Australian agriculture.

In Kilombero District, Tanzania large swathes of land are being earmarked for large-scale rice production.

A controversial new farms policy has led to a number of arrests and the killings of 10 local farmers, say local activists.

More South African farmers expect to receive land offers in Mozambique as they seek to expand across Africa amid uncertainty over land reform at home, an official from a mostly white farmers group said

If former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke has his way, Saudi Arabia will produce its food in Australia.

"Indian law does not allow foreign companies to buy land and therefore Omani companies can enter into a contract farming relationship," says senior Indian government official.

A wikileaks cable discusses the transfer of the Lamu port deal from Qatar to China. Little word about the fate of the 40,0000 ha of farmland promised to Qatar, however.

"Foreign companies and powerful Argentine corporations are coming to the region. Their intention is to buy and buy."

Some Danish farmland investors are quitting the UK after seeing land prices rise here and tumble at home over the past few years.

The Internal Market and Services Directorate General (DG MARKT) has made a written proposal to the European Commission to approve a request by Hungary to extend its moratorium on purchases of farmland by foreigners for another three years until 2014.

Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade told ministers yesterday to create an Agency for Afro-Arab Affairs to attract more Arab investment into the country’s agrarian economy.

Indian businessman also has major stakes in farmland investors Ruchi Soya, KS Oils and Equitorial Palm Oil.