Agribusiness

The use of trademarks, patents and plant breeders’ rights can make an agricultural business more competitive locally and internationally. Gerhard Uys spoke to David Cochrane and Madelein Kleyn about the application processes involved and the implementation.

Phirdy Motala, owner of Farmyard Honey Factory, says that innovation and creativity are crucial for the success of small-scale beekeepers. Her business approach has resulted in a flourishing operation, and she was recently nominated as the Western Cape finalist in the 2016 Agricultural Writers SA’s New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture competition.

The South African government has proposed a tax on all sugar-sweetened beverages sold in the country. Trix Trikam, executive director of the South African Sugar Association (SASA), shared the industry’s views on the subject with Lloyd Phillips.

Stanley and Heather Micallef began by growing snails in an open-air paddock. Earlier this year, they changed to a climate-controlled set-up, which has enabled them to increase production significantly. Snail farming can be a profitable enterprise for smallholders, they told Gerhard Uys.

Changes in consumers’ priorities, and the growth of South Africa’s black middle class, make it crucial for agribusinesses to re-evaluate their approach to food production, sales and marketing. Prof John Simpson spoke to Wilma den Hartigh about the importance of branding in this regard.

Imbaza Mussels in Saldanha Bay is one of the country’s largest mussel farms and a successful empowerment project. The farm’s entire production is marketed in SA.

Africa and Asia offer much allure for South African fresh produce exporters. But this country’s farmers must do their homework well before they plunge into these markets. Wilma den Hartigh reports.

The recent drought has pushed the price of pig feed sky-high, and SA pork producers are reeling as a result. Unfortunately, it will be at least six months before conditions in the industry improve, according to the SA Pork Producers’ Association.

As new entrants to South Africa’s feedlot industry, entrepreneurial husband-and-wife team, Mochele and Rosemary Noge of Emfuleni Voerkrale, soon found that the key to success in this highly competitive business is efficiency, quality of livestock, and good quality infrastructure. Siyanda Sishuba visited the Noges on their farm in the eastern Free State.

Starting literally overnight and through necessity 25 years ago, the family company Darling Creamery now produces over 300 separate high-quality product lines – and is proof that success comes from putting people first. Jay Ferreira reports.

After 80 years, the family business Engelke Blomme continues to produce outstanding flowers, despite a highly competitive market. Glenneis Kriel spoke Günther Engelke about their success.

Volatility has become the norm in agricultural markets. Nico Groenwald, head of agriculture at Standard Bank, advises how farmers can keep their heads above water in uncertain times.

In a world dominated by size and scale, Bruce and Alison Gilson have found ways to make their small Western Cape farm economically viable. Glenneis Kriel visited them.

The Association for Agritourism in South Africa unites farmers and potential tourists on its website.

The journey of Themba Trees Tree Farm near Grabouw started in her backyard, says Caroline de Villiers, the Western Cape department of agriculture’s Top Commercial Female Entrepreneur for 2016. Today, the 12ha wholesale tree farm boasts more than 50 000 indigenous and ornamental trees.

Agribusiness entrepreneur, Leeko Makoene, has a grand vision for South Africa’s young farmers, but thinks a mindshift is needed to kick-start renewal in the sector. She explained to Wilma den Hartigh why the country needs more agribusinesses and fewer farming projects.

The hefty losses suffered in the agricultural sector as a result of the drought has raised questions about the relevance of agricultural insurance in today’s farming environment. Wilma den Hartigh asked agricultural insurers how farmers should be mitigating risk in the future.

Edmund Oettle, South Africa’s only organic brandy producer, explains that his farming approach is a life choice. He speaks to Jay Ferreira about his business operation near Wellington in the Western Cape.

Cocoa may be the main ingredient in one of the world’s favourite confectioneries, but its production has, at times, been plagued by scandal. Efforts are underway in Côte d’Ivoire and elsewhere to bring about ethical cocoa production, says Lloyd Phillips.

With renewable energy becoming necessary, could wood gasification present a viable alternative?