Business

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.

Family-run Glendower Farm in Pedie, Eastern Cape, spans 200ha of fertile land that carries the weight of generations. At its helm is Sdelo Mikhail Ceza, who spoke to Fidelis Zvomuya about his passion for farming.

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.