Agribusiness

Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.

South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities.

Dairy farming contributes significantly to the agriculture waste load because of the high volumes of wastewater generated. Phycoremediation has come to the fore as a promising alternative treatment for dairy farm and dairy processing wastewater, say Mzamo Mnikathi, technical intern, and Jon McCosh, chief scientist at the Institute of Natural Resources.

The former rugby star knows all about the importance of teamwork and reliability. So partnering with Agrico irrigation systems was the best decision for his farming needs.

Charl Saunderson’s farming is based on four important aspects, and each team member on his farm enjoys their role in maintaining these principles.

Van Loveren has taken a significant step in expanding its influence in the wine industry with the acquisition of the majority share in Neil Ellis Wines, a brand that is synonymous with terroir-driven craftsmanship.

LED lighting is transforming South Africa’s agriculture, offering local farmers an effective way to increase crop yields while reducing energy expenses. With precise control over lighting conditions, LED technology can enhance plant growth and overall productivity.

South African agriculture faces relentless challenges, from extreme weather events to escalating production costs, and to thrive in this environment, the next generation of farmers must embrace technology and innovation. Recognising this, Lindsay Africa and the University of the Free State (UFS) have joined forces, harnessing Zimmatic’s irrigation technology to grow not only crops but also expertise.

From veganism to upcycling, new food trends present avenues for value adding and exploring new markets. After a recent visit to Switzerland, Lindi Botha reports on two companies making headway in that country.

Nestlé is transforming dairy farming through a pioneering zero-carbon partnership with Skimmelkrans Dairy Farm and 119 additional farms across South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. This initiative started with Skimmelkrans in 2020.

The recent International Federation of Agricultural Journalists world congress, held in Interlaken in Switzerland, offered a unique platform to explore the diverse landscape of Swiss agriculture. Magda du Toit reports on how some farms are distinguishing themselves from others to remain competitive.

Janine Ryan spoke to Warren Winchester, general manager of impact investing at Fedgroup, about why the company became involved in agriculture, and what it offers farmers and their immediate communities.

Young farmer Resego Njoro, head of Oarabile 21 Holdings in Vereenging, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about this diverse farming operation where he produces crops and raises livestock.

Valeska van Schoor, co-founder and director of Gro4Africa, overcame financial and experiential challenges to build a successful farming business with her husband from scratch. She spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about how they transformed a vacant plot into a thriving, sustainable vegetable farm.

Farms that embrace solar energy and battery energy storage system solutions will ensure their energy security and remain competitive in the future, operating more independently from the grid.

Groot Phesantekraal Boerdery, located near Durbanville along the Diepe River, has a rich history spanning generations. Their Vissershok farm is one of the oldest in South Africa and the country’s first wheat farm, which is why it is officially recognised today as a heritage site.

Jan Strydom, operations manager at ONE54 South Africa, spoke to Marinda Louw-Coetzee about the launch of A1 Fruit Water, a natural sparkling fruit water.

Octavia Avesca Spandiel visited Crossways Farm Village, South Africa’s first contemporary new rural town and smart village near Gqeberha, showcasing its focus on community, conservation, and agriculture.

Agrico is a well-known name in the farming community across Southern Africa. It’s a family business with a passion for agriculture and farmers and the aspiration to make our beautiful region a better place for everyone.

De Rustica Olive Estate Collection Coratina was crowned the best olive oil in the world at the EVOOLEUM Awards in Spain last year. Glenneis Kriel visited the estate to learn more about their recipe for success.