Octavia Avesca Spandiel
Octavia Avesca Spandiel is a multimedia journalism honours graduate from Stellenbosch University. She is based in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, and her passion is to focus attention on the unsung heroes in agriculture. She has a rich background in youth work and loves connecting with people, combining her skills and interests to make a meaningful impact in her field.
Premier’s Tulbagh factory closure puts canning fruit value chain at risk
Growers, processors, and industry leaders have warned that Premier Group’s closure of its Fruit Products Western Cape processing facility in Tulbagh could threaten thousands of jobs, disrupt fruit supply chains, and undermine the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry.
Eastern Cape launches R80m grain commercialisation initiative
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture recently launched its Grain Commercialisation Chapter, which includes committing R80 million to strengthen grain and oilseed production as part of its drive to transform the province’s emerging farmers into commercially viable agricultural enterprises.
Soil health defined by function, shaped by context
Soil health is more than just a definition; it’s a functional powerhouse for agriculture. Gerhard du Preez, an associate professor at North-West University, emphasises that by prioritising soil biology and carbon, farmers can enhance nutrient cycling, water retention, and resilience. Success requires an adaptive, context-specific approach, moving beyond fixed formulas to observation and biodiversity.
Mozambique’s import substitution plans present opportunities for SA
Mozambique's plans to reduce agricultural imports from South Africa could create new opportunities for investment and regional cooperation, provided domestic production expands without disrupting cross-border trade.
Post-harvest pitfalls threaten cannabis quality
Post-harvest handling remains a key challenge in South Africa’s cannabis sector, with expert Natie Ferreira warning that poor drying, storage and consistency issues drive losses.
SA on track to deliver record maize harvest despite delayed season
South Africa's maize harvest is running about 14% behind last year's pace, but industry experts say there is little reason for concern, with the country still on track to produce a record 17,3 million tons of maize this season.
Women farmers, extension officers honoured at OR Tambo District awards
On 9 July, the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture celebrated the achievements of women farmers and extension officers during the OR Tambo District leg of the Women Entrepreneur Awards and Extension and Advisory Services Awards.
New export markets boost rooibos industry confidence
As international demand for rooibos continues to grow and new export opportunities emerge, industry leaders say protecting the product's geographical origin will be critical to ensuring its long-term value and supporting South African producers.
MET training programme equips farmers for commercialisation
From 29 June to 3 July, the Mohair Empowerment Trust (MET), in partnership with the African Enterprise Network, hosted its Phase 5 Training Programme at Grootfontein College of Agriculture near Middelburg in the Eastern Cape.
Eastern Cape festival continues to build on agricultural, conservation roots
Thousands of visitors attend the Spar Kirkwood Wildsfees every year for music, food, and family entertainment, but organisers say the festival's greatest value lies beyond the main stage, creating opportunities for agriculture, conservation, tourism, and rural economic development.
Thoroughbred horse breeding success at Narrow Creek Stud in the Western Cape
At Narrow Creek Stud, success in the Thoroughbred industry is driven by specialisation and disciplined management. Owner John Everett rejects traditional diversification, focusing entirely on a high-turnover commercial model that brings elite athletes to market by age two.
From field to fibre: turning pineapple leaves into sanitary products
At Leafline Washable Sanitary Wear in Bathurst, Eastern Cape, pineapple leaf fibre is transformed into reusable sanitary and incontinence products. Founder and director Candy Androliakos spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about unlocking the value of crop residues to support sustainability, rural employment, and circular economy principles in the local agriculture sector.
Nelson Mandela Bay youth urged to seize opportunities in agriculture
At the 2026 Youth in Agriculture Summit, hosted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on 11 June, young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs were presented with opportunities including funding, equipment support, land access, and business development.
NWGA communal producers seek greater support to reach full potential
At the National Wool Growers' Association (NWGA) Congress on 3 June in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, industry stakeholders highlighted the need for greater investment in communal farming areas, improved genetics, stronger biosecurity measures, and better infrastructure to build an inclusive, sustainable wool sheep economy in South Africa.
Eastern Cape hemp industry moves into local textile processing
The Eastern Cape’s emerging hemp industry has taken a step forward following the display of locally processed hemp fabric at a stakeholder engagement session held at the Southern Sun Hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay earlier this week.
Potatoes: a key South African industry under pressure
Ahead of International Day of Potato on 30 May, attention is being given to the role potatoes play in food supply and agricultural activity in South Africa, alongside ongoing production pressures.
Cannabis sector positioned for industrial growth in South Africa
Cannabis and industrial hemp development formed part of discussions on Wednesday during day two of the Africa Agricultural Indaba, where stakeholders in agriculture, government and investment sectors gathered to assess value chain opportunities in the Eastern Cape and across South Africa.
Eastern Cape pushes agro-processing, local procurement at indaba
At the Africa Agricultural Indaba 2026 in East London, the Eastern Cape government is intensifying its push for agriculture-led economic growth, with Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe urging stronger investment in agro-processing, local procurement, and farmer commercialisation.
World Bee Day: Forage pressure weakens bee populations
Ahead of World Bee Day on 20 May, South African researchers and beekeepers warn that declining forage resources are placing sustained pressure on honeybee populations, threatening pollination services that underpin much of the country’s agricultural production.
Local wine industry shifts focus to premium growth
The South African wine industry is increasingly focusing on premiumisation, sustainability, and long-term value growth as it navigates pricing pressures and ongoing global oversupply in certain segments.
