Business

While food and agricultural stocks are often overlooked as investments, many companies offering these products represent excellent value for money. Glenneis Kriel asked a number of investment officers about the opportunities available, and what advice they had for would-be investors.

You Reap What You Sow is a successful agricultural co-operative located in the Mohlakeng township, west of Johannesburg. Launched in 2011, the initiative is 90% black-women owned and employs 12 people and creates a further 36 job opportunities through learnerships as well as seasonal and casual employment.

The multi-stakeholder Bokamoso Barona Initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable economic activity through the development of a large-scale agri-industrial and bio-energy hub, in areas on the greater West Rand District, where local economies are currently predominantly dependent on mining.

In 2009, the managing director of Nerpo, Aggrey Mahanjana, took charge of the 5 000ha Carnarvon Estates land reform farm in the Eastern Cape. Today he can look back on a successful journey, but one that has had its share of bumps and potholes.

After playing a significant role in corporate South Africa, Dr Reuel Khoza, former chairperson of Nedbank and Eskom, decided to turn his focus back to his roots in the farming sector. He spoke to Lindi Botha about practical transformation and taking hands with commercial farmers.

After venturing into the organic fresh market, the owners of Sandveld Organics on the West Coast created a niche for themselves in the organic seed market. Susi Engelbrecht spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their journey.

Gelukwaarts School near Van Stadensrus in the Free State was launched by commercial farmers in the late 1990s to serve their workers’ children. Sunet Wessels spoke to Mike Burgess about the vibrant school that today educates 292 pupils on the farm Longlead.

Government’s move to establish agri parks as a way to transform rural communities has sparked much debate. amaVeg in Komatipoort has successfully broken into the local and export markets and is proof that the agri parks concept can work.

Craft gin has quickly become one of the most popular drinks in South Africa, and producers are struggling to keep up with local demand. Keri Harvey spoke to craft gin pioneer, Roger Jorgensen, about the gin revolution.

It’s been four years since the Department of Trade and Industry launched an initiative to increase capacity and competitiveness in South Africa’s textile and apparel industries. CEO of Cotton SA Hennie Bruwer spoke to Robyn Joubert about the programme’s achievements so far.

Zambia’s rural economy is dependent on thousands of resource-poor smallholder farmers. Mukumbuta Mukumbuta, a local entrepreneur, spoke to Lloyd Phillips about how his maize milling venture provides a market for them.

Gugulethu Zondi, the Agricultural Research Council’s 2016 National Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year, says that farming should be treated like any other business, and that beef farmers should choose their breeds based on performance rather than preference.

It is pointless running any business if there is no commitment to achieving profits in a sustainable manner. Dr Michael Bradfield, CEO of both AgriBSA and Wagyu South Africa, highlighted the main profit drivers for livestock farmers to Lloyd Phillips.

While many land reform projects across the country have failed, Siyazama Klipland Boerdery, a BEE company in De Doorns, is testimony to how projects can succeed with the right attitude. Shareholder and managing director, Alec Abrahams, spoke to Jeandré van der Walt.

While rabbit farming can be fairly lucrative, it is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Karoline Steenekamp about the do’s and don’ts when starting a rabbit enterprise.

With arable land under increasing pressure, there is a strong push to use urban space in new ways to help meet the demand for food and fibre. Lloyd Phillips visited one such initiative in Germany’s capital, and came away impressed with its innovation, flexibility and success.

Six years ago, Michelle Adelman, named Africa’s Most Influential Woman in the category for Business and Professional Services by CEO Global in 2017, started the boutique project development and impact investment firm, Accite, which focuses on technology-led, sustainable commercial agriculture projects that spur economic diversification.

As a member and former president of Milk SA, Tsitsikamma dairy farmer Nigel Lok explains that 25% of the statutory levy commercial dairy farmers pay to Milk SA goes to transformation.

Tsitsikamma dairy farmer, Nigel Lok, has 920 Holsteins producing 25 000ℓ of milk per day, and a total herd of 1 800 cows.

Consumers worldwide are increasingly demanding varied flavours and health benefits from tea. Meeting this demand is what German-based Teehaus Shila excels at. Lloyd Phillips spoke to deputy manager Arpan Chatterjee at the International Green Week 2018 in Berlin.