Business

Thanks to a financial boost from various public and private entities, the Majeje Citrus company will be able to fully participate in one of South Africa’s most important agricultural industries within the next five years.

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.

Community-owned Springfontein Dairy has grown from a small concern with 150 cows to a commercial enterprise with more than four times as many animals and a higher milk yield than the regional average. On a media trip hosted by Nestlé, Glenneis Kriel spoke to the people who have played a role in the farm’s success.

Afrika Tikkun Foundation’s Agriprenuership Programme is offering youth a head-start in agriculture and related skills to boost South Africa’s food production potential, make the country more food secure and create much-needed employment.

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.

Interest in mushroom is on the rise, particularly among consumers wanting to cultivate their own supply. Capitalising on this market, MushRush in KwaZulu-Natal supplies mushroom spawn to clients across South Africa. Owner Sandra van Rij explained the multi-stage process of producing spawn to Lindi Botha.

Jean Minnaar, managing director at Old Mutual Wealth Private Client Securities, explains the various benefits offered by offshore investment.