Business

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A rose by any other name may smell as sweet but Brian Berkman learns there is a lot more to cut-flower farming than initially thought and the variety planted makes all the difference.

South Africa’s wine industry is dwindling. Yet, Van Loveren Vineyards go from strength to strength each year, excelling both in their business offering and their ability to keep generations of family involved, conflict-free. Lindi Botha speaks to the Retief family about their achievements over the years.

Brian Berkman reports that a chain of upmarket hotels is talent-scouting in the agriculture sector, looking for school leavers with the potential to train for exciting positions in the hospitality industry and tourism.

The race to Net Zero has increased the burden of compliance for farmers, as in addition to administrative tasks, carbon footprints need to be tracked and reported. There is however a silver lining for those who can prove due diligence. Lindi Botha spoke to Marlene Louw, senior economist at Absa AgriBusiness.

Winemaker Chris Groenewald led the South African blind-tasting team in the international championships for the second time last year. He shared some blind-tasting tips with Glenneis Kriel.

In this first part of a series on successful women farmers in agriculture, Cobus du Plessis speaks to Elizabeth Lamond, a beekeeper in the Marquard region, about her rise in the apiculture industry.

Aquagel claims that the use of its micronised volcanic rock and organic biochar combination, called Regenr8, will significantly improve the carbon content of soil and reduce fertiliser requirements.

Faced with a tight deadline, Sampada-Agri and Agrico collaborated to install an irrigation system for sugar beans in just two weeks. This project showcased innovative problem-solving and effective teamwork, ensuring timely planting for Sampada-Agri's expansion into sugar beans.

Vivian Jakobs of Crispy Farming recently won the Western Cape Agri Prestige Awards Competition of 2023. Glenneis Kriel went to find out more about this inspiring farm manager.

In 2019, Paul Siguqa became one of the first black owners of a wine farm in the Franschhoek Valley and established himself as a producer of premium wine. He talked to Glenneis Kriel about his journey to success.

Pannar’s journey with you doesn’t end at planting: they want to see you achieve the full profitability and performance potential benefits of their products.

Chief Financial Officer of the Year finalist Eddie Fivaz has taken TWK Agri from the brink of collapse to expansion and success. He speaks to Lindi Botha about leadership charting a course in challenging times.

While tourism plays an important role in the Namibian economy, agritourism adds considerable value on a farm level in this arid country. Annelie Coleman visited the Mount D’Urban camping site near Helmeringhausen to find out more about tourism’s contribution to the business.

JJ de Nysschen, the 2023 Agri Limpopo and Toyota Young Farmer of the Year’s passion for agriculture shines through. JJ discusses how he combines innovation and sustainability to drive success in Limpopo's farming landscape.

In 2023, mandarin brand ClemenGold celebrated its 20th anniversary, quashing sceptics and proving that fruit branding does provide good returns. Lindi Botha spoke to Nico van Schalkwyk, marketing executive at Fruitalyst, the company behind the marketing of ClemenGold, about why this brand continues to be successful in a crowded citrus market.

Green Arch Innovations founder Luvo Gugwana is a social entrepreneur whose goal is to spread affordable aquaponic solutions across rural areas in South Africa through his franchise model, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Stay ahead in South Africa's competitive agriculture sector with SIZA's Digital Recordkeeping Programme, ensuring compliance, transparency, and efficiency. Register now for free access!

In this article, WH Properties speaks to Janine Ryan about the trends currently being seen on the property market.

Wine connoisseur Cobus du Plessis finds a case study for sustainable agriculture at Terre Paisible, an estate producing fine wines, olive oil and lemons in the fertile Franschhoek Valley.