Weak leadership, inadequate planning hamper land reform
The structural weakness of land reform in South Africa, coupled with a lack of clear goals, have left the process on shaky ground, according Danie du Plessis, TAU SA regional...
Innovation drives citrus nursery’s 450% production increase
In 2014, the Cederberg Tree Nursery produced 100 000 citrus trees a year. Two years later, after its acquisition by ANB Investments, the nursery produces more than 550 000 citrus trees annually.
Hluhluwe farmers assist community in crisis
In response to the devastating drought in their area, a group of Hluhluwe commercial farmers has exemplified the spirit of ubuntu by assisting communal farmers.
Darling’s 150 000kg/year olive processing success story
When Roleen Basson started Darling Olives about 10 years ago, she didn’t even eat olives. However, today her business produces about 30 product lines, and the Darling Olives footprint will...
A learning environment for farmworkers’ children
Lesedi Day Care was established by Katlego Sitrus to provide a safe and nurturing environment for farmworkers’ children. Wilma den Hartigh visited the farm school near Marble Hall.
Soldier, sportsman and legendary farmer
Neville Fletcher of Cathcart in the Eastern Cape is an extraordinary man. A war veteran who saw action in the fierce Italian campaign, he returned to South Africa to enjoy...
Farmers assist students with practical training
Walter Gouveia and Kobus Schoeman believe it is up to younger farmers to break the mould of conventional farming practices and stereotypes and farm sustainably for the future. They now...
Export success for Western Cape chilli exporters
Fynbos Fine Foods, owned by chilli lovers Rozelle and Julian Abramson, has grown from a small business to a prosperous product development and food production business. The operation’s chilli products...
US poultry imports – the facts
Much controversy has surrounded South Africa’s poultry imports from the US. Freelance journalist, Peter Fabricius, examines this thorny issue and attempts to clarify some misconceptions.
Macadamia partnership turns communities into business owners
Mkululi Pakade, director of East Cape Macadamia, has devised a business model that positions the Eastern Cape’s local communities firmly within the macadamia industry.
Why choose mutton and lamb?
Mutton and lamb produced in South Africa are highly nutritious, and misconceptions that these meat classes are fatty and detrimental to consumers’ health must be allayed, says Marina Bester of...
How biorefineries can add value to forestry waste
With South African forestry currently recovering an average of only 47% of its potential timber yield for economic benefit, the industry is ripe for the widespread adoption of value-adding biorefinery...
A guide to trademarks, patents and plant breeders’ rights
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...
Beekeepers success with only 100 hives
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...
Mooted sugar tax is bitter news for industry
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...
Snail farming: making good use of a small space
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...
Marketing to SA’s changing black middle-class consumers
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...
Finding a way forward for land reform in South Africa
More than two decades into South Africa’s democracy, progress in righting the wrongs of land ownership patterns established by the Natives Land Act of 1913, has been dismally slow. Moreover,...
Incentivising locals ensures livestock project’s success
Communal farmers often struggle with low birth and survival rates amongst their livestock. Determined to change this, empowerment company, Mngcunube Development, is now in its third decade of supplying animal...
Mussel farming on the West Coast
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.
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