Lindi Botha
Lindi Botha is an agricultural journalist and communications specialist based in Nelspruit, South Africa. She has spent over a decade reporting on food production and has a special interest in research, new innovations and technology that aid farmers in increasing their margins, while reducing their environmental footprint. She has garnered numerous awards during her career, including The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Star Prize in 2019, the IFAJ-Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism in 2020, and several South African awards for her writing.
Bicarbonates: the silent crop killer
Irrigation water high in bicarbonates can wreak havoc on crops, causing soil compaction, blocking plants’ nutrient uptake and eventually killing them. Identifying and treating bicarbonates isn’t easy, but there are proven strategies for farmers.
Budget Speech should focus on infrastructure to support fresh produce sector
This year’s Budget Speech comes on the heels of the finalisation of the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry, which contains a host of recommendations to improve transformation, supply and cost of fresh produce in South Africa.
Best practices for grain farmers
Maize and wheat are the two most important staple foods in South Africa. With stable consumer demand of these grains and the continuous development of production techniques, Lindi Botha reports on how producers should approach such farming ventures.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
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.
Market inquiry: retailers (mostly) cleared
The Competition Commission released its final report on the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry (FPMI). Retailers have, for the most part, been cleared of any wrongdoing regarding price gouging or keeping new or small-scale farmers out of this market.
No need to panic over supply – Potatoes SA CEO
Potatoes SA has warned against panic over potato supply amid a year of adverse weather. In 2024, potatoes reached record-high prices as black frost in Limpopo and drought in the Free State curtailed harvests towards the end of winter.
Acceptance of genetically engineered crops widens
The past year saw an increase in the number of countries allowing for the cultivation and import of crops that have been genetically engineered (GE).
Cherry production in Gauteng: challenging, but possible
Growing cherries in a suboptimal climate requires manipulating trees and temperatures. But with a considerable market advantage, it is worth the effort. Lindi Botha visited ZZ2’s Toscana farm, which for four weeks of the year takes prime position in the cherry market.
Fresh produce sales must cater to consumer trends
Fresh produce marketers need to keep up with changing trends in consumer behaviour to make the best of marketing budgets.
EU ‘toxic’ tea tree oil law could sink SA’s industry
South Africa faces job losses in excess of 20 000 should the EU proceed with legislation that bans the use of tea tree oil.
Optimal macadamia production requires an investment in soil
Macadamia farming is a long-term investment that could keep paying off for decades to come if a solid foundation has been laid. Farmer Johan Swanepoel spoke to Lindi Botha about establishing new orchards, and the benefits to be reaped from managing soil health from the start.
Data: hoard it and lose it, or share it and advance
In an increasingly digital world, data is as much an asset as physical resources are. As applications develop, the need to collect mass data to provide personalised solutions is becoming more prevalent. This leaves producers with an uneasy choice of whether or not to share data. Feroz Sheikh, chief information and digital officer at Syngenta, spoke to Lindi Botha about why farmers should share their data, and how to do so safely.
Biological crop protection: it’s tricky but possible
Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm’s uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.
Blueberry production: a steep learning curve but worth the effort
Blueberries have been identified as an ideal crop for boosting agriculture’s contribution to South Africa’s gross domestic product. Given the labour-intensive nature of this crop and its lucrative export market, investing in it was an obvious choice for Pan African Resources and Primocane Capital as a means of supporting rural communities near Barberton in Mpumalanga.
Food trends increase scope for value-adding opportunities
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.
South African farmers ahead with climate resilience – COP29
Finance talks at the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) offered up an increase in the funding for developing countries to adapt to climate change and put mitigation measures in place.
COP29 finance talks off to a shaky start
As the world gathers in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), climate change financing and mitigation seems more uncertain than ever.
Avocado market access overshadowed by high import barriers
While South Africa faces stiff competition for its avocados in export markets, it is import tariffs and non-tariff barriers that result in the biggest hindrance to our export growth.
Essential oils: the secret to a Gauteng farm’s success
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
Court says GMO regulator didn’t follow proper procedure
The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has put the brakes on the commercial release of Bayer’s drought-tolerant maize variety MON87460, citing that the Department of Agriculture and the Executive Council (EC) for Generically Modified Organisms (GMO) did not follow due diligence in their risk assessment when they approved the permit.
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