Business

Palm oil has been heavily criticised due to the unsustainable practices used in its cultivation. But this is beginning to change, says Jannie Myburgh, senior manager of trading oils procurement at SD Guthrie International SA. He spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee.

South Africa's agriculture sector, vital to the economy, faces significant energy challenges. Rising electricity costs, supply issues, and the need for sustainable practices have driven demand for reliable and efficient energy solutions.

Keerom Farming, led by Vilhelm Erichsen, has transformed its practices through no-till farming with Bontera products. This innovative approach enhances soil health, crop yields, and sustainability.

South Africa faces increasing water scarcity, severely impacting agriculture. Efficient irrigation systems, like Agrico's centre-pivot technology, are crucial for optimising water use.

As the name suggests, Blitz is a fertiliser that speedily boosts the germination, emergence and early growth phase of plants.

Matebogo Victoria leads the VoiceOut Deaf Cooperative, creating job opportunities in agriculture for the deaf community while championing empowerment and inclusion.

Neither 29-year-old Juan Rabe nor 30-year-old Rowan Delport grew up on a farm, yet they’ve achieved great success with their fresh produce business through hydroponic production. They spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how they did it.

Meet Mpho Mohaswa, an inspiring entrepreneur who transitioned from a successful corporate career in the oil and gas industry to the world of agro-processing. She has turned a cherished South African tradition into a thriving business with her innovative ginger beer brand, Ghemere.

Humans are dependent on the soil to produce food and fibre for themselves, feed for livestock, and, of late, contributing to the energy supply with crops grown primarily for biofuels.

Mac Mabidilala is proof that you don’t need to own land to start in agriculture. He shares how he turned his dreams into reality by producing premium wines and olive oil.

The production of medical cannabis calls for extreme attention to detail and precision, as well as compliance with intricate legislative requirements and official demands. It also calls for perseverance, as Annelie Coleman found out on a visit to medical cannabis producers Coenie and Ilse Venter near Viljoenskroon in the Free State.

The Almería region in Spain is proof of what can be achieved when the whole agriculture sector stands united to work towards a mutually beneficial goal. Returning from a recent visit to the region, Lindi Botha reports on how farmers, researchers and banks have joined forces to become a major player in fresh produce production.