Agribusiness

Effecting change in the dairy industry is not for the short-sighted or faint of heart. Simpiwe Somdyala, CEO of Amadlelo Agri, spoke to Susan Marais about the agricultural investment company’s quest to uplift rural farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and the challenges it faces in the process.

Agriculture is critical to economic growth in Africa. According to the United Nations, 65% to 70% of the continent’s workforce is employed by the sector, which accounts for about a third of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Land Bank’s Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) is an exciting new finance programme designed to help developing farmers realise their dream of going commercial.

South Africa’s avocado industry has attained the holy grail in marketing for a non-essential product: getting consumers to feel they need it rather just want it. The resulting sales growth has boosted the industry despite recent economic and supply constraints. Glynnis Branthwaite, owner of Protactic Strategic Communications, and Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop, spoke to Lindi Botha about this intensive and ongoing marketing effort.

Fresh Life Produce has developed a vertical growing system designed to meet the specific needs of African producers. Louis- Gillis Janse van Rensburg and Akhona Gxuluwe spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this system, which has garnered international recognition and awards.

As part of an empowerment project, farmworkers at Kleine Zalze wine estate have released the first wines produced from grapes grown in their own vineyards. They spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their achievement.

South Africa’s 2022/2023 deciduous fruit season delivered something special to the market this January: Rosy-Lwazi, a brand-new very early red blush pear.

Mmule Matlala and her husband, Blessing, two 37-year-old civil engineers, left steady and well-paid Transnet jobs to start a food-production and agro-processing company. Susan Marais reports on their growth.

Dr Idan Chiyanzu, Primrose Magama, Siyabonga Gasa and Erence Manyako, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council’s Natural Resources and Engineering Division, offer some advice to farmers on how they can minimise the effects of energy insecurity and the rising cost of electricity in South Africa.

How can farmers ensure that the seed they buy is from a trusted source and conforms to a set standard? Magda du Toit spoke to Kobus van Huyssteen, acting technical manager at the South African National Seed Organization, to find out more about the information on seed labels and what it means.

Stephan & Seun Farming in the Western Cape is ambitious and technologically driven. Their potato cultivation leans heavily on irrigation, and Agrico has been their trusted supplier for decades.

Marietjie Kruger of Heidelberg grows and sells fresh mushrooms and processed food in Gauteng. She spoke to Annelie Coleman about the complex growing process that is required before harvesting.

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The South African agricultural sector offers enormous potential. The vast landscapes, fertile soil and remarkable weather systems provide opportunities for growth and economic transformation. However, there are challenges that are restraining growth, including limited productivity, lack of investment and poorly maintained infrastructure.

While farmers in Sudan are facing economic hardships, the country’s groundnut production remains a significant foreign-exchange earner. Janine Ryan reports.

Kobus se Kwekery in Oudtshoorn won Klein Karoo Seed Production’s award for the best emerging agricultural business in both 2017 and 2020. Yolandi Leen, who co-owns the nursery with her husband Kobus, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their journey to success and the market they serve.

A prime cannabis farm, with conditionally approved Good Agricultural and Collection Practice certification, is for sale in Atlantis, Cape Town, with tremendous potential for those looking to enter the fast-evolving South African cannabis market.

Running a boutique dairy comes with certain benefits: a smaller herd to manage, and the opportunity to hone your craft and make high-quality products. However, with a business this size, staying viable requires hard work and careful bookkeeping. Grant Warren spoke to Lindi Botha about how he runs his artisanal dairy.

Multi-generational business families remain a powerful economic force in numerous industries worldwide. Trevor Dickinson looks at the lessons that family-run farms can learn from these success stories.

Cashew nuts, sesame seeds and cocoa beans represent more than 50% of Nigeria’s agricultural exports. However, there are many challenges to these industries that hamper future expansion. Janine Ryan explores the agriculture sector in this West Africa country.