General conditions and nutrient management

Improving the general conditions of cultivation and precise nutrient management principles can combine to boost almond yields.

Temperature requirements

The almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is a fruit tree native to warm climates and thrives in Mediterranean regions. It requires mild winters and long, hot, dry summers with low humidity. Excessive rainfall or high humidity can negatively impact flowering, fruit setting, and overall yield.

Dormancy

As a deciduous tree, the almond enters dormancy in autumn, shedding its leaves in preparation for winter. Dormancy may be triggered earlier due to aphid infestations, water stress, or low temperatures. However, it is preferable for dormancy to begin naturally as temperatures decline, ensuring the tree benefits from an extended carbohydrate accumulation period within its branches.

When an Almond orchard is being developed, it is crucial to ensure optimal growth in the first 6 years. This will lead to a bigger dry matter and in return bigger yields. To optimise young tree growth the emphasis must be on nitrate nutrition. Promoting nitrates as a source of nitrogen will always lead to a bigger dry matter accumulation when comparing with ammonium or urea based products.

Nutrient management

Nitrogen plays a crucial role in the growth and productivity of almond trees. It is required to renew and invigorate fruiting wood and is essential for fruit development, foliage formation, and nutrient storage within the roots and branches.

Key application guidelines

The demand for nitrogen increases as trees enter the production phase. Most of the nitrogen applied is absorbed into the kernel, hull, and shell.

Avoiding over-fertilization

Excess nitrogen application can lead to excessive vegetative growth, shading fruit-bearing wood, increased production costs, and potential water contamination.

Maximizing efficiency

Apply nitrogen only when leaves are present, and the tree roots are active. Ensure uniform irrigation to carry nitrogen into, but not beyond, the root zone. Mature trees require most of their nitrogen in early spring. A late summer application before irrigation ensures the tree has nitrogen available for early spring growth. Fertigation is a highly efficient method for nitrogen application. Conduct leaf analyses to fine-tune nitrogen levels and maintain adequate nutrient balance. The total nitrogen application should reach 200-250 kg N/ha, with an additional post-harvest application of 50 kg N/ha recommended. Maintain 2.5-3.0% nitrogen out of dry matter (D.M.) in tissue analysis.

Potassium is another essential nutrient for almond production. Almond kernels contain approximately 0.75% potassium, while almond hulls contain over 2% potassium in dry weight. Among soil-derived nutrients, potassium and nitrogen are removed in the largest quantities during harvest.

Application guidelines

Leaf analysis is crucial for monitoring potassium levels since nutrient concentration is relatively stable at certain growth stages. However, late-season analysis may not allow enough time for growers to correct deficiencies in the same growing cycle.

Using Ultrasol K Plus* as the source of fertilization on almonds would be ideal. It would ensure more growth and optimum yields. Ultrasol K Plus* is a crystalline potassium nitrate that can be applied through the fertigation system and through foliar application when needed. The analysis is 13% -N in the form of nitrate and 38%-K, this is plant available and can be easily incorporated into a fertilization program. By applying nutrients strategically, almond growers can optimize yield, tree health, and long-term orchard sustainability.

* Reg No K5020Act 36/1947. Registration holder Sociedad Quimica y Minera Africa)(Pty)Ltd

Local consumption and exports both
need to grow, writes John Hudson

Agriculture is an exciting and complex sector and, while it is volatile, it also offers immense opportunity. The past 2 years, for example, have been challenging, with 2023 having recorded a contraction of just under 5% and 2024 expected to deliver a similar contraction, although final numbers for the full year are still to be released.

Yet, on average the sector has outperformed South Africa’s total gross domestic product (GDP) growth over the past 20 years. And, while having experienced a tough 2 years, agriculture has delivered record exports. This is an interesting contradiction and it’s worth exploring the dynamics behind it.

In a nutshell, we generate a substantial share of agricultural revenue from exports, with more than 50% of our agricultural produce by value exported. A key driver of export earnings over the past few years has been horticulture products which have performed exceptionally well, hence the boost in export values. However, for many sectors – meat, for example – the bulk of production is sold domestically. An environment where consumers are under pressure – as we have seen in South Africa for several years – negatively influences prices and therefore revenue. Also, exports simply take US dollar revenue into account, while sector performance is impacted by both revenue and costs. For instance, port inefficiencies cost the pome fruit industry R1 billion through additional cost in the value chain and quality claims, and electricity and labour costs rose, as did feed costs with the smaller summer crop due to drought. All these factors negatively influenced the GDP contribution from agriculture, but not revenue from exports.

To grow the sector, we need both local consumption and exports to grow. Local consumption is still subdued, but the prospects for economic growth are encouraging. The importance of export markets to the South African agriculture sector cannot be denied and, with the extreme volatility being experienced on the global stage, it brings into sharp focus the need to grow and diversify market access.

One such example of global volatility is the controversy around whether the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits will be renewed or not. While the US market is relatively small for the agriculture sector (accounting for just 6% of our agricultural exports), losing these benefits will impact certain sectors more severely. One of these is the citrus industry in the Western Cape, which exports 9% of its produce to the US, with the value having almost doubled since 2017. The sector risks losing over R1 billion in export revenue, together with the 35 000 local jobs and 20 000 jobs in the US that depend on these exports.

It’s clear that South Africa must prioritise looking beyond AGOA and embrace bilateral and multilateral trade diversification. Diversifying export markets through sub-Saharan African opportunities like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and agreements such as the EU–South African Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement can help maintain trade momentum while reducing overreliance on US markets.

However, deepening economic integration and trade among BRICS+ countries presents one of the greatest opportunities. The original BRICS countries import, on average close to US$300 billion worth of agricultural products per year, with China and India accounting for the lion’s share of these imports. Many of these products – such as beef, pork, maize, wheat, cotton, berries, apricots and peaches – are produced at scale by other BRICS countries. However, imports to other BRICS countries typically originate from suppliers outside the grouping.

Higher tariffs as well as ambiguous and prohibitive phytosanitary regulations have proven to be a barrier to agricultural trade within BRICS. In fact, various BRICS countries have more favourable trading terms with countries outside of BRICS, resulting in lower intra-BRICS trade. But, as BRICS+ matures beyond a political member collective, expanding economic integration and trade, particularly in agriculture, is the most logical step. Another vital benefit of advancing agricultural trade is ensuring food security within BRICS.

Developing a comprehensive free-trade agreement between the BRICS+ member states would be a protracted process, but for the near term some form of preferential trade area (PTA) that establishes preferential market access to agricultural products, lowering import tariffs, and reforming phytosanitary regulations should be a priority. Brazil, South Africa and Russia usually produce surplus products that India and China, among others, import from the world market. Negotiating reduced import tariffs and various non-tariff barriers on a reciprocal trade basis would benefit all BRICS countries, as China and India would, in turn, receive preferential market access for various products they produce, which South Africa, Brazil, and Russia, among other members, import in large volumes.

Of course, developing new markets alone is not enough to boost the global competitiveness of South Africa’s excellent agricultural produce. Infrastructure constraints continue to present a significant challenge, and we need to invest urgently in creating more efficient port and rail systems and logistics networks to support increasing trading volumes and boost economic growth. Biosecurity also remains a hindrance, and intense focus on addressing and curtailing both animal and plant health is critical.

The hurdles that must be overcome to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector are complex – it will take a strategic approach and substantial investment to overcome them. But our primary producers, secondary agribusinesses and sector organisations have shown time and again that they are absolutely committed to the task. Now it’s time for policymakers to follow suit.

John Hudson, Head of Agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking

Let partnering with Nedbank Agribusiness be your next big move. For more information, email agriculture@nedbank.co.za or visit nedbank.co.za/agriculture.

Think bigger for your business. Think Nedbank Commercial Banking.

Charting a steady course

Export estimates of citrus varieties
show stability and balanced growth

Ahead of the official start of the 2025 citrus export season in April, the variety focus groups of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) presented their predicted volumes available for export in the upcoming season. “All available data project exports that are in line with the five-year average, which means there will be sufficient fruit for our global markets. The outlook suggests no oversupply or undersupply,” said Gerrit van der Merwe, Chairman of the CGA.

Overall, the quality of the fruit for 2025 looks to be excellent. The breakdown of various variety estimates indicates a balanced season ahead.

The current prediction is that 32.9 million 15kg cartons of Lemons will be exported to key markets, which represents a 5% decrease from last year. Estimates for citrus-producing regions the Sundays River Valley, Senwes (Marble Hall and Groblersdal), Boland and Patensie are all down, but Hoedspruit is estimated to increase its lemon production. Early lemons have already started to be sent to overseas markets, especially to the Middle East, Russia and Canada.

Figures for Navel and Valencia oranges are expected to be up this year.

Predictions show a 5% increase in export volume for Navel oranges, at 26.1 million 15kg cartons available for packing. The Orange focus group has, for the first time, split estimates into Early/Mid Navels (11.34 million cartons) and Late Navels (14.75 million cartons) to improve tracking. Last year unusual weather events such as floods in the Western Cape and frost in Limpopo affected Navel exports, but, weather-permitting, volumes are expected to improve in 2025.

After four years of slight declines in Valencia orange figures, exports are likely to improve in 2025. An increase on 2024 figures of 6% to 52 million 15kg cartons is projected. The possible impact of juicing prices on this figure is not yet quantifiable. Last year unusually high local processing prices supressed exports of Valencia oranges.

Grapefruit exports are also predicted to increase. The 6% growth figure translates into 13.5 million 17kg cartons. The peak period for Grapefruit exports is expected to be between middle April and middle May. The Grapefruit focus group is also embarking on a new marketing project this season, aiming to drive an increase in Grapefruit consumption amongst a younger target audience in the European market.

Two early mandarin varieties show stability in supply. The Satsuma season is likely to again, as in 2024, close around the 1.8 million 15kg cartons mark. The Nova season shows a slight 2% decrease to 4.5 million 15kg cartons. The third early mandarin variety, Clementines, presents a solid increase of 10%, with exports expected to increase to 5.4 million 15kg cartons.

The estimates for late mandarin varieties will only be made next month when more accurate production data is available. Meetings of all the variety focus groups are also held on a regular basis during the season to track and update estimates if needed.

Long-term projections still show that, if all role-players work together to address challenges, the industry can reach its target of exporting 260 million cartons by 2032, and in the process create 100 000 new jobs. Two of the largest challenges to achieve this target remain deficient rail and port logistics and the European Union’s unnecessary phytosanitary (plant health) measures regarding Citrus Black Spot (CBS) and False Coddling Moth (FCM).

“The CGA is grateful for progress made by Transnet in terms of equipment acquisitions at ports, but the only long-term way to achieve the needed efficiency is through the structural change that only Public Sector Participation can bring,” said Mitchell Brooke, the CGA’s Logistics Development Manager. A recent study by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) that found the total cost of inefficient logistics to the citrus industry amounted to R5.27 billion per year.

The EU’s trade restrictive and unscientific measures on CBS and FCM are the focus of two historic cases at the World Trade Organisation’s trade dispute body. “We hope for swift progress on the cases, but disputes like these take time. We remain optimistic for the issue to be finalised before the 2026 season. Every season the measures cost SA’s growers no less than R3.7 billion, keeping especially emerging growers out of the EU market,” said Justin Chadwick, outgoing CEO of the CGA.

Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA)

Adjuvants are not the problem

Understanding crop protection products is key to success

Adjuvants often get blamed for problems that occur with the application of crop protection products (CPPs). These problems range from crop damage to incompatibility. The truth is that adjuvants are rarely the primary source of the problem. Tank mixtures, spraying techniques, water volume, and environmental conditions play a more important role. Despite this, adjuvants still often get the blame. The reasons for these misconceptions are numerous, but the main issue is a lack of understanding about these products. Although adjuvants get blamed for many issues, only crop damage and incompatibility will be discussed in this edition.

Crop damage

We often hear that the adjuvant in the tank mixture caused crop damage. Nothing could be further from the truth because adjuvants have no pesticidal properties. When a CPP or tank mixture that is already on the verge of causing crop damage is applied, then the adjuvant may contribute by increasing the spreading or absorption. However, the adjuvant cannot be blamed for the crop damage, but rather the high-risk tank mixture. Even without an adjuvant, this type of mixture will cause crop damage under certain conditions and with some application techniques. First look at the CPP, the tank mixture and water volume, before blaming the adjuvant for phytotoxicity. In rare situations, adjuvants can increase crop damage by excessive droplet spreading, but they are normally not the primary cause of phytotoxicity.

Incompatibility

Spraying techniques and equipment have developed exponentially over the last decade. While this technology has contributed tremendously to the industry, it has also facilitated the application of extremely low water volume. Low water volume per se is not an issue if it is within the label parameters. However, keep in mind that the lower the water volume, the more difficult it is to solubilise, emulsify, or to suspend CPP tank mixtures. On top of this, growers want to mix more and more products in the spray solution, to increase productivity. This creates an environment that is conducive to incompatibility issues like flocculation, precipitation, separation, and spray mixture thickening. Under rare circumstances adjuvants may contribute to incompatibility, by reducing the pH or by adding additional components to the already risky tank mixture. However, adjuvants shouldn’t be blamed for this. First look at the primary aspects that contribute to incompatibility, like water volume and the number of components in tank mixtures.

Villa’s stance

Adjuvants are products that help CPPs realise more of their potential, and they are rarely involved in crop damage or incompatibility. In rare instances, they can contribute indirectly to these two issues, but other factors like water volume, tank mixtures and the environment, play a predominant role. If adjuvants are used correctly, they can increase and stabilise efficacy, without contributing to these issues. Contact your Villa representative for more information about adjuvants and water quality.

Villa at the CGA Summit

Villa was a proud sponsor at the 2025 CGA Summit. We thoroughly enjoyed the insights shared and the interactions we had with our citrus producers. Thank you to the CGA for hosting a wonderful event!

WETCIT® DUO–A TRULY VERSATILE CONCEPT

The Rovensa Next patented formulation of WETCIT® DUO unlocks the potential of orange oil as an effective, flexible multi-purpose product. Differentiated uses as an adjuvant or pesticide are attained in an elegant way by varying dose rates (“horses for courses”), spray volumes, combination with different registered products, spray intervals and accurate timing.

No need for another surfactant

WETCIT® DUO has established itself over two decades as the market leader in its adjuvant role, used with pesticides and foliar nutrients. WETCIT® DUO is a powerful surfactant that reduces the surface tension of water, ensuring even spreading of the spray mixture on the plant surface. Treated surfaces will dry faster, and the product will cause re-wetting and re-distribution, optimising availability of a partner product. The orange oil component assists with the wetting of hydrophobic surfaces of insects, mites and fungi and with wetting of hairy and waxy plant surfaces, such as onions, Brassica crops and certain weeds.

A safe, flexible bio-pesticide

WETCIT® DUO presents minimal risk to users, consumers, and the environment. The active ingredient, orange oil, is a naturally derived substance with minimal impact on beneficial insect populations. It is not persistent due to a high volatilisation potential and is readily biodegraded. As WETCIT® DUO is not restricted by a pre-harvest interval or maximum residue level, the product can be used as a late corrective application up to harvest.

At certain concentrations, WETCIT® DUO acts as a contact pesticide with no residual activity. Orange oil breaks down protective layers on insects, mites, and external mycelia of fungi. Physical disruption and breakdown of the protective layers occur upon direct contact while the spray residue remains wet, which results in the eventual desiccation of the organism. It is therefore imperative that the spray solution makes direct contact with the target organism.

WETCIT® DUO also improves the knockdown action of accompanying pesticides by improving contact with waxy layers of insects and external hydrophobic structures of fungi.

A stand-alone contact insecticide and miticide

WETCIT® DUO displays direct insecticidal and miticidal action by breaking down the cuticles of insects and mites. It controls certain hard-to-control pests that are typically protected by water-repellent waxy secretions. It carries registrations for the control of the following pests in associated crops: Whitefly in cucurbits and tomatoes; Citrus Thrips, Red Scale and Citrus Red Mite in citrus; Grapevine Mealybug in grapes; and Felted Coccid in Macadamia nuts. It also causes desiccation of honeydew secreted by aphids and mealybugs, thereby preventing the growth of Sooty Black Mould on leaves and fruit. In ornamentals and roses WETCIT® DUO is registered for the control of Thrips, Aphids, Red Spider Mite, Whitefly and Leaf Hoppers.

An adaptable fungicide

WETCIT® DUO displays direct fungicidal action against Powdery Mildew in cucurbits and lettuce, ornamentals and roses as well as grapes. In grapes, if Mealybug and Powdery Mildew occur simultaneously, the product will control both.

Citrus Black Spot in citrus is controlled by combinations of WETCIT® DUO with a registered mancozeb product (contact action) and a registered systemic product. The choice of combination strategy will depend on the citrus growth stage and export market residue restrictions.

Getting the best out of WETCIT® DUO

As dose rates, timing, spray intervals and spray volumes are critical for optimal performance and crop safety, label instructions should be followed meticulously. For best results, spray volume should be sufficient to ensure coverage of the target, be it stems, leaves or fruit. For pests and weeds that are difficult to control, higher rates will increase the control.

Contact your crop protection advisor or Rovensa Next on +27 21 850 0667 for further information.

WETCIT® DUO (Reg. No L10448 (Act No. 36 of 1947) contains 50 g/ℓ orange oil and 68 g/ℓ non-ionic surfactant and is a registered trademark of
Oro Agri SA (Pty) Ltd (Reg. No 2001 / 027414 / 07)

Partnering for progress

Structural and institutional impediments should be addressed to enable land reform communities to meaningfully participate in the economy, writes Peter Setou

South Africa’s land reform programme holds immense potential for economic transformation – if implemented in partnership with all relevant stakeholders, including government, land reform beneficiaries, private sector stakeholders and investors. Many beneficiary communities continue to struggle to leverage their land as a productive asset due to structural and institutional challenges. Challenges range from inadequate resourcing and governance weaknesses to limited access to capital – which continue to undermine the ability of land reform beneficiaries to fully integrate into the economy.

The lack of financial and technical resources remains a huge challenge among land reform beneficiary communities. While some progress has been made on land ownership, with land successfully transferred to communities, the absence of the necessary support needed post settlement continues to prevent many beneficiaries from unlocking the economic value of their land. Institutional inefficiencies, particularly within Community Property Associations (CPAs), further constrain land reform outcomes. Weak governance structures, limited capacity-building initiatives, and inadequate financial management practices have all led to the failure of many land reform projects. Several reports have further identified the obstacles facing the country’s land reform programme. Both the High-Level Panel Report, often referred to as the Motlanthe Report, and the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture also highlight that inadequate government capacity, poor coordination, corruption, and elite bias as challenges that continue to hinder the success of land reform.

It should be acknowledged that the state has done well to lay the legislative foundations to implement the land reform programme. The most challenging work, however, lies in implementing solutions that will strike a balance between social and economic development, while addressing social justice issues.

The enactment of the Expropriation Act is a significant development as it replaces the old Expropriation Act which had been on our statutes since apartheid and was deemed to be unconstitutional. However, it is by no means a solution to the deep-rooted structural challenges and bottlenecks that continue to impede effective land reform. For land reform to drive meaningful change, it must safeguard the productive use of land, attract investment, and empower communities to build sustainable livelihoods. These remain fundamental to addressing South Africa’s pressing socioeconomic challenges.

The reality is that land and agrarian reform alone will not alleviate poverty. A revitalised and well-targeted land reform programme, combined with investments in new infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, can significantly contribute to job creation.

Therefore, it remains crucial to recognise that the government cannot address all these challenges alone. An enabling environment for private-sector involvement must be established, along with active support for partnerships. Closer collaboration with entities promoting these partnerships is crucial for success. Given the high demand for public resources and the limited funding available, innovative approaches to financing land reform are urgently required. Removing barriers to affordable finance for land reform beneficiaries is equally important. In this regard, closer collaboration with the financial sector is crucial.

Additional work needs to be done in replicating the land reform projects that have been implemented successfully by various non-government organisations. Projects implemented using the Community Private Partnership (CPP) model under Vumelana Advisory Fund’s facilitation, among others, have produced results. They should, therefore, be scaled up.

Leveraging the CPP model, Vumelana has facilitated 26 partnerships between land reform communities and private sector investors, mobilising in excess of R1bn in investment on restituted land, in turn. enabling beneficiary communities to put approximately 70 000 hectares of land to productive use.

Another area of focus should be government fast-tracking the establishment of the Land Reform and Development Agency, as announced by the President several years ago. This agency must be adequately resourced and staffed with skilled professionals to enhance implementation and reduce bureaucratic red tape. In addition, the signing of the Land Court Act into law in April 2024 is another significant positive development. Priority must now be given to adequately resourcing the Land Court to ensure the swift adjudication of land-related disputes. Furthermore, implementing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms is urgently required to provide a faster, more cost-effective way to resolve cases and enhance the overall efficiency of land reform efforts.

Peter Setou is the Chief Executive of the Vumelana Advisory Fund, a non-profit organisation that works with land reform beneficiaries to make their land productive by facilitating partnerships between communities and investors who have among others, access to capital and markets.

The agriculture sector is integral to the South African economy, contributing around R400 billion to GDP each year, supporting approximately 870 000 jobs, and weighing in with USD13 billion in export revenue. Additionally, it plays a critical role in supporting South Africa’s food security – a growing risk globally. But unfortunately, the sector is more prone to the systemic risk of climate change, and specifically water related losses, than any other sector.

The impact of climate change on farming is already evident, with unpredictable weather patterns such as drought, flooding, and hail causing substantial damage to both crops and infrastructure. The majority of these weather-related catastrophe claims on crops were for hail.

Although climate change risk is top-of-mind among global insurers and reinsurers, farmers have long battled the severe effects of weather patterns such as El Niño and La Niña. El Niño is a weather phenomenon that results in less rainfall and higher temperatures across much of Sub-Saharan Africa, while La Niña contributes to periods of above-average annual rainfall in the region. Some of the biggest drought years were 2007, 2012, 2016. This current season rains came very late; outside of the optimal planting windows in most areas, but luckily the season turned out well from a production point of view.

In addition to shifting climate factors, the current landscape means that farmers are already contending with higher input costs like diesel, fertilizer, and pesticides among others. This increases the cost of production for farmers which makes it even more important to mitigate production risks. To ensure there is a return on capital invested, and thereby the sustainability of the operation secured, the impact of production risks must be managed sufficiently.

Production risks, such as the ones listed above, can negatively impact a commercial farm’s profitability, its liquidity, and even the sustainability of its operations. But farming businesses cannot produce any return without taking on risk. Producers must evaluate the cost of risk transfer versus the impact of risk exposure on capital.

There are three key strategies that modern farmers typically evaluate during the decision-making process: reduce the probability of the occurrence of a possible contingency, transfer the risk utilising insurance, or mitigate the impact of production risks, if they do occur. Most producers make use of risk transfer, using crop insurance to hedge against production risks.

Crop insurance is an ideal instrument for farmers to mitigate production risks – including weather-related losses.

Furthermore, local farmers unfortunately face unique on-the-ground risks which exacerbate water-related losses, most notably those linked to deteriorating infrastructure and unreliable electricity and water supply. Agricultural insurance therefore plays a crucial role in helping farmers manage the financial risks associated with a loss event like drought, flood or hail which can have devastating effects on crop yields, livestock, and overall farm productivity.

With the combined effect of climate shifts and a decline in national and municipal infrastructure, agricultural insurance needs to offer more targeted, flexible product options.

Crop products protect against loss or damage due to hail, frost, locust, in transit and fire, while multi-peril crop insurance (MPCI) policies protect against loss or damage due to drought, excess rainfall and flood.

To understand the type of cover required for a particular farm, the impact of the risk on the producer’s income and ability to tolerate risk must be assessed. For MPCI cover we evaluate each client’s production history, soil analysis and location to provide tailored cover for farmers to meet their needs and to align with their risk mitigation strategies. The cost of the insurance will therefore be influenced by these factors.

While affordability of cover continues to be an important factor when buying insurance, it must be noted that the price of crop insurance is driven by, among other factors, historical loss experiences, type of crop and the location of the operation.

The only way for an insurer to rein in costs would be to reduce cover through higher policy excesses or excluding cover for specific perils. But failing to match premium to risk has dire consequences. Farmers should carefully study their policy wordings to ensure they are getting the most comprehensive cover.

Additionally, steps can be taken to reduce the financial and insurable risk exposures of farms by diversifying geographic exposures and income streams.

Hanjo Fourie, Business Head: Agri Underwriting at Santam

World-class cold storage. No capex. No compromise.

For South Africa’s commercial farmers, success hinges on more than just yield. It’s about precision, consistency and protecting product quality every step of the way. With outsourced cooling, agribusinesses can now unlock world-class refrigeration–with zero capital investment–cutting waste, securing export standards, and boosting operational efficiency.

BODYCOPY: Stringent quality standards for both domestic retail and export markets mean temperature control is non-negotiable. Yet, investing in advanced cooling infrastructure requires significant capital, tying up funds that could be used for expanding production, improving mechanisation, or strengthening logistics.

This is where Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) transforms the sector. By eliminating the need for upfront capital investment in refrigeration, commercial farmers can access world-class cooling infrastructure while only paying for the cooling they use–without the financial strain of ownership.

Through the CaaS model, Energy Partners:

• • Designs
  
• • Installs
  
• • Owns, and
  
• • Maintains cooling infrastructure, while farmers simply pay for the cooling they use.
  

Take Letaba Packers, a major avocado producer. By adopting CaaS through Energy Partners, they secured state-of-the-art cooling without a large capital outlay–ensuring consistent product quality, reducing waste, and improving market competitiveness. Their produce now arrives at retailers and international buyers in peak condition, helping them command premium pricing and protect their margins.

Cut waste, cut costs, increase output

Without precise cooling, up to 30% of fresh produce can be lost before reaching the market, a staggering figure for large-scale operations. CaaS mitigates this loss while also eliminating the burden of:

• • Equipment maintenance
  
• • Upgrades, and
  
• • Energy efficiency management
  

By ensuring reliable temperature control, commercial farmers reduce spoilage, enhance storage reliability, and improve overall yield efficiency.

Clients like Letaba Packers, Sovereign, Dr. Oetker, and Clover SA are already benefitting from CaaS, enjoying cutting-edge cooling infrastructure without the risk of downtime, costly repairs, or outdated technology.

Moreover, CaaS offers scalability, allowing agribusinesses to adjust cooling capacity as demand fluctuates, making it a smart investment for operations with seasonal or export-driven surges.

A strategic tool for agribusiness growth

CaaS is not just refrigeration–it’s a strategic tool for agribusiness growth. By reducing operational risk, ensuring export-grade quality and keeping farms lean and adaptable, this model allows large-scale producers to focus on optimising output while staying financially agile.

As more commercial farmers embrace outsourced cooling, the industry is shifting towards a more resilient, efficient, and profitable future–one where top-tier cooling is no longer a barrier to growth, but a catalyst for success.

Book a CaaS consultation with Samuel Jacobs (031) 702 3111, samuelj@energypartners.co.za, or find out more at energypartners.co.za

Harvest Success in Every Season

CHEP collaborates with partners to orchestrate connected pooling equipment, advancing the smart and sustainable movement of goods worldwide.

Logistics lies at the heart of addressing food insecurity on a large scale. Every hour is critical in the delivery of fresh produce. While much focus is rightly placed on farming practices, a sustainable food system depends on the often-overlooked function of logistics and packaging. Perishable goods such as fruit, vegetables, meat and poultry require extra care as they travel. This is where CHEP comes in.

The CHEP Solution

CHEP Bulk Bins are the answer for meeting peak harvesting requirements and for onward transportation of fruit or produce to cold storage and packing plants. They are specifically designed to meet the needs of Southern Africa’s agricultural producers and are especially availability at peak harvest times to ensure farmers’ produce are quickly transported to pack houses, retailers and export markets. They also eradicate empty miles and improve sustainability scores. The bins reduce product damage, cut food waste, and support the delivery of higher-quality products to your customers.

Equally essential in the fresh produce supply chain are CHEP Foldable Crates. Designed for maximum efficiency, these versatile crates streamline the handling of perishable goods, from farm to retailer.

Their robust yet lightweight structure ensures optimal ventilation, protecting the freshness and integrity of fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry. CHEP Crates offer a sustainable alternative to disposable packaging, reducing waste while enhancing operational efficiency.

Whether used in field harvesting, distribution, or retail merchandising, these foldable crates provide a practical and eco-friendly solution for your supply chain.

CHEP Delivers Value:

Streamlined operations: CHEP has a reliable pooling system that ensures a consistent supply of high-quality pallets, crates and containers, eliminating the need for in-house management or repair. This frees up your team’s time and resources to focus on what matters most—your business.

Reduced costs: The improved handling reduces product spoilage and damage, leading to overall cost savings.

• • Sustainable choice: Allows you to align your brand with eco-conscious values by eliminating the need for constant purchases of disposable cardboard packaging.
  
• • Space saving: CHEP foldable crates and containers are versatile workhorses that eliminate the need for expensive, space-hungry equipment, making them the perfect pick for any season.
  
• • Value for your business: CHEP equipment helps improve your business’s efficiency and profitability. Its pooling system can help you streamline your operations and free up valuable resources—such as cash flow.
  

Built for Freshness:

Unmatched hygiene: CHEP bins are easy to clean and impervious to moisture. This minimises the risk of contamination, keeping your food products hygienically fresh.

Superior strength: CHEP bulk bins and crates are built to withstand the rigours of transportation. The robust design protects your food from damage during stacking, loading and unloading, reducing spoilage and waste.

Temperature control: CHEP bulk bins and crates allow optimal airflow around your products, facilitating proper temperature control throughout the supply chain. This is especially crucial for maintaining the freshness of delicate food items.

CHEP’s smart movement ensures that at harvest time, you have the right platform where you need it and when you need it. Contact CHEP to advise on the handling and distribution of your harvest.

Opening of a new export market for fresh table grapes from South Africa to the Philippines

As the agriculture sector once again lifts its head as a notable driver of economic growth in South Africa (SA), we are pleased to announce that South Africa has gained market access for the exportation of fresh table grapes from the Republic of South Africa to the Philippines, says Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. The market was opened on 26 February 2025, which means that producers can start exporting table grapes to the Philippines (an announcement will be made as and when the first consignment is ready for loading). The negotiations for this market started on 20 January 2015 and took about 10 years to get market access.

South Africa is considered one of the top global exporters of table grapes, ranking among the top five exporters worldwide. The table grape industry plays a major role in the SA economy by generating substantial foreign exchange earnings, creating employment opportunities, and contributing significantly to the growth of the agricultural sector. According to the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), SA exports about 55% of table grapes to the European Union (EU) and 20% to the United Kingdom (UK). The 2022/23 table grape season concluded with a total of 63 million cartons exported, and the industry employed about 86,870 seasonal workers and 14,843 permanent workers during the 2022/23 table grape season. The opening of this new market will assist in advancing the empowerment plan of the department as it relates to the participation of Black farmers in the export markets.

“Expanding agricultural markets can lead to increased production and exports, boosting the sector’s contribution to our country’s Gross Domestic Product,” says Minister Steenhuisen. Just yesterday, Data released by Statistics South Africa shows that our economy expanded by 0.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 with agriculture being one of the sectors that primarily drove this growth with better performance in livestock, some field crops, and fruits. Fresh table grapes exported from SA to the Philippines must meet all applicable phytosanitary and food safety requirements as listed in the final phytosanitary import conditions for export of fresh table grapes from SA to the Philippines. Exporters, production units and packhouses interested in this lucrative market must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to obtain a DALRRD allocated production unit code (PUC) and packhouse code (PHC). Growers of registered production units must implement good agricultural practices (GAP), which must include orchard sanitation, use of integrated pest management (IPM) or adequate control measures to ensure that the Philippines’ identified quarantine pests of fresh table grapes are eliminated during the production period.

It is pivotal that producers comply with the phytosanitary import conditions for the export of fresh table grapes from SA to the Philippines in order to safeguard this market as it took a very long time (10 years) to negotiate and obtain market access.

The final phytosanitary import conditions for the export of fresh table grapes from SA to the Philippines are obtainable from the DALRRD website: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/images/Branches/AgricProducHealthFoodSafety/PlantProductionHealth/PlantHealth/export-from-sa/specialexportprotocols-prog-dir/phillipines/final-workplan-south-africa-table-grapes.pdf

For further information on the logistics for this market, please contact:

Mr Jeff Mailula, Directorate: Plant Health, Division: Import Export Protocols

Tel.: 012 319 6022

Email: Jeff M@Dalrrd.gov.za

Back to the future: reviving sorghum in South Africa

As summer grain farmers start preparing to plant, a national initiative involving government and industry organisations is working to ensure that more hectares will be set aside for grain sorghum this year, writes Christin Hunter from Pannar

Sorghum is an ancient grain. Originally domesticated in Africa, it has been a staple in diets across Asia, Africa, and India for thousands of years. Market dynamics relative to maize and wheat, however, have pushed sorghum into the back fields, so to speak.

Why sorghum?

If maize, wheat and rice are serving the population, why should sorghum get special attention? One of the main reasons is food security, which is a burning topic in many parts of the world. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 282 million people in Africa remain undernourished and over a billion lack access to healthy diets. South Africa is regarded as food secure at a national level, but food insecurity persists on a household level.

Food security is not only about having a full stomach, however; it is also about ingesting sufficient nutrients to flourish physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively . Local statistics are tragic: 58.1% of households survive on nutrient-poor food, due to fresh food often being too expensive or inaccessible, and 27% of children under the age of five are stunted, according to the 2016 SA Demographic and Health Survey. Stunting is a condition that prevents children from ever achieving their full potential.

Optimal nutrition is partly a function of dietary variety and many households around the world follow a fairly limited diet. Financial constraints contribute to it, but so do habit, familiarity and availability of new and different ingredients. The latter is to a large extent a function of today’s commercial agriculture system in which economies of scale drive production, largely due to the imperative to keep a growing global population fed within the context of dwindling resources and, increasingly, climate uncertainty and unpredictability.

Sorghum ticks many of the nutrient-related boxes: It is a highly nutritious grain that contains a wealth of proteins, minerals and vitamins, and it is naturally gluten free. But it offers much more. A hardy crop well adapted to withstand drought and heatwave conditions, sorghum deserves attention purely from a climate change perspective. It can furthermore be grown in marginal soils and requires fewer inputs, such as fertiliser, to do well. Sorghum also offers producers several income streams. These include human consumption in the form of food and beverages (traditional beer is brewed with sorghum), animal feed and biofuel production.

This doesn’t mean that sorghum sells itself, however. In seasons with good rainfall, maize yields outcompete sorghum. Maize also benefits from well-established R&D programmes that have resulted in cultivars suited to a wide variety of conditions. Far fewer resources have been devoted to sorghum on a global scale.

Farmers are also deterred by market volatility, the impact of pests (birds especially) on yield, and, importantly, the fact that sorghum is the only grain subjected to VAT in South Africa—which seriously affects its competitiveness.

Sorghum has not disappeared completely, but it has become a marginalised crop in South Africa.

The revival strategy

In 2022, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) commissioned the sorghum value chain upgrade feasibility study to determine the state and potential of the local sorghum industry, given that sorghum is the second most important grain in Africa after maize, and the fifth most important globally (after maize, rice, wheat and barley).

In assessing the industry, the study found that local sorghum demand had slumped over the past decade as consumption of traditional African beer declined. In addition, exports to Botswana have stopped as that country became not only self-sufficient but now exports to South Africa. Over the same period, a precipitous decline in local production saw South Africa moving from being a net exporter to a net importer of sorghum, primarily from the US.

The study noted lessons to be learned from the US and Australia where sorghum is less costly than maize and benefits from quality research conducted by institutions such as the Queensland Sorghum Alliance and Texas A&M University. Furthermore, promotion and advertising by the United Sorghum Check-off Program in the US have contributed to Americans consuming 250% more sorghum now than five years ago. All this was achieved in a country with no historical ties to sorghum, unlike South Africa, which is on the continent where sorghum was first domesticated. Imagine the results we can achieve by tapping into this rich legacy.

The DSI’s feasibility study set the objective to improve the competitiveness of sorghum and increase local production to 500 000 tons per annum, local consumption by 15% per year, and the export market by 250 000 tons per annum.

To achieve this, 100 000 hectares of new sorghum must be planted and a rural hub for sorghum food processing established – the Eastern Cape has been earmarked for this – to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. The National Treasury will also be engaged to achieve VAT-exempt status for sorghum.

Driving these outcomes is the Sorghum Cluster Initiative (SCI) that was established to coordinate efforts to improve the complete sorghum value chain – from genetics and seed, to processing and marketing. Joining forces under the SCI umbrella are the departments of agriculture and science and innovation, as well as the Sorghum Forum, whose members include Grain SA, the National Agricultural Marketing Council, Southern African Grain Laboratories (SAGL) and the South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR).

Pannar’s involvement

Pannar runs one of the oldest sorghum breeding programmes in the country. Established in 1978, we have been working for almost 50 years already to supply farmers with ever-improving cultivars. In the recent review of our product portfolio, we opted to retain sorghum as one of our four focus crops (the others are maize, sunflower and soybeans), signalling our belief in sorghum’s role in agriculture and food security in South Africa.

Pannar’s involvement in the sorghum revival is focused on one of the SCI’s propriety areas, which aims to establish a sustainable pipeline of high-performing sorghum hybrids uniquely suited to local conditions and available to all producers. To this end, we participate in trials that showcase different locally available cultivars and share production-related information with farmers. As members of SANSOR we actively help to address the sorghum industry’s challenges, and we support Grain SA’s project to promote sorghum production among small-scale farmers with financial contributions and seed donations.

The benefits and uses of sorghum are many and varied and the time has come for our country to leverage them to the full. The sorghum revival strategy can help to address many of South Africa’s challenges: coping with climate change, ensuring food security and a healthier population, and, through expanding agriculture, creating employment. We stand to gain much from positioning this ancient grain to take its place in modern society.

Chicken meat and eggs are undoubtedly the most common and affordable sources of protein for millions of people in South Africa. However, like other livestock, their production is affected by seasonal changes and adverse weather conditions. The country will soon be entering the winter season with days that can reach temperatures below 00C. Even though chickens are hardy birds and can tolerate cold temperatures, extremely low temperatures can be detrimental to their health and production.

It is important to monitor the temperature and humidity of chicken houses daily. Day old chicks may die or perform sub-optimally at temperatures lower than 340C. This is because they lack feathers for retaining heat and struggle to maintain life supporting body temperature ranges. Their house temperature is gradually reduced by 0.30C until the end of the fourth week, when ideal temperatures of 200C to 240C are reached. Hens lay less numbers of eggs or stop laying completely at temperatures below 180C to 200C. Birds exposed to the cold consume more feed to keep themselves warm instead of using the energy for growth and production. Excessively cold weather conditions are also stressful to the birds and their immune systems (the body’s defence against infections) get weak. With the winter season being conducive to propagation and spread of infectious disease causing organisms, birds with weak immune systems usually contract diseases such as avian influenza virus and succumb to the diseases, causing severe economic losses.

One can tell that a chicken is cold if it puffs up its feathers to keep warm air against its skin, and lifts up one leg to its breast and alternates the standing feet regularly to try and protect itself against the low temperature on the ground. The bird would be weak, have an unsteady gait, and is unable to rest on branches or other perching objects. Cold chickens are often found on the ground or floor huddling together to keep warm.

Below are some of the interventions farmers can make to protect their birds from cold weather:

Reduce influx of breeze

Apart from air vents, ensure that all the holes and structural gaps in the chicken house are sealed with non-toxic insulating materials such as straw, pine shavings, wood fiberboard, cellulose and styrofoam to prevent the cold breeze from entering the house, and the temperature from dropping too quickly.

Keep your chicken house well ventilated

There should be an adequate ventilation system to provide sufficient airflow in the entire chicken house even in winter. Maintaining the house completely closed to keep the birds warm result in increased ammonium levels, and rise in temperatures, coupled with increased humidity, result in wet litter. Elevated ammonia levels damage the respiratory system of the birds and make them susceptible to viral infections such as infectious bronchitis (IB), infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) or Newcastle disease (ND), affecting many birds and causing high numbers of deaths. Wet litter provides a good environment for overgrowth of bacteria, fungi and other organisms that cause gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases such as coccidiosis, Escherichia coli infection, fowl cholera and brooder pneumonia.

Place air outlets just below the roof to prevent direct flow of cold air on the chickens. These will vent out warm, moisture-laden air and replace it with cooler, drier air and reduce ammonium build up and humidity levels.

Trap the heat from the sunlight

Allow maximum sunlight to enter the chicken house during the day through well insulated windows or see–through roofs. Dark cement or concrete floors, absorb solar energy and release it as heat at night.

Use the litter composting method

Litter composting helps with managing the litter in the house and insulating it during cold days. Put layers of pine shavings or other non-toxic organic matter on the floor as bedding approximately 10cm deep. Do not remove the soiled bedding but mix it thoroughly with the chicken excrement and spread it evenly on the floor with a rake. Top up with fresh organic bedding and allow the chickens to trample on it through their normal activities. The resulting compost will absorb heat during the day, and release it during the darker and colder hours, and assist with bacteria, lice and mite control.

Make sure your chickens can roost

Chickens roost naturally. Roosts offer elevated spaces for them to rest overnight and keep their feet off the cold floor. Generally, roosts should start at least 30cm above the floor and provide approximately 25cm2 of room per chicken to allow them enough space to fluff their feathers and lay together for warmth without overcrowding.

Protect against frostbite

During the coldest months with sub-zero temperatures, breeds with large combs and wattles may be more susceptible to frostbite. Petroleum jelly can be applied on their combs and wattles to protect them. However, this will not be practical with large numbers of birds.

Provide supplementary heat

Artificial heating devices can be bought and placed at the height of the nest boxes. These can be radiant heat sources which heat the birds but not the surrounding air space, including brooder plates, panels, and hanging heaters. The use of thermostats can help with reducing associated electricity costs. Heat lamps with heat bulb can be used. All safety precautions must be taken when using electrical equipment. Placing thermometers on walls at the same height as the heat sources will assist with monitoring the temperatures in their vicinity.

Provide supplementary feed

When it is colder, chickens rely on burning protein, fat and carbohydrates to stay warm. It is therefore imperative that the chickens be provided with a high-quality complete feed that is high in protein. This will make sure all their nutritional and metabolic needs are covered, and productivity is maintained.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper chicken house environmental conditions, providing them with good quality nutrition and clean fresh water, and carefully administering relevant viral, bacterial & mycoplasma vaccines according to the prevalent disease conditions in the area, are crucial for preventing the negative effects of cold weather in chicken houses. Local state veterinary services should be consulted for advice on disease management. Diagnostic laboratories such as those at the ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research can assist veterinary officials with disease confirmation.

Dr. Baratang Alison Lubisi (BVMCh, MSc, PhD)Veterinarian and Research Team Manager: Diagnostic ServicesARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research

Pioneering Sustainability with SD Guthrie

SD Guthrie Bhd (SDG) has long been at the forefront of sustainable palm oil production, shaping the industry’s best practices through its commitment to climate action, conservation, human rights and responsible sourcing.

As one of the world’s largest sustainable palm oil plantation companies, SDG oversees the entire palm oil value chain – from cultivating oil palm on responsibly managed plantations to refining, processing and distributing high-quality palm oil products worldwide. This end-to-end control ensures superior traceability, sustainability and quality assurance at every stage, from seed to finished product.

At the heart of SDG’s sustainability strategy is the Beyond Zero framework – a bold commitment to not only achieving a fully traceable, deforestation-free supply chain but also driving meaningful positive change. The three pillars of the framework – Zero, Restore and Transform – focus on driving credible positive impacts and creating long-term value for stakeholders. Beyond Zero reflects SDG’s holistic approach to sustainability, eliminating negative impacts (Zero) while actively restoring and transforming (Restore and Transform) ecosystems and the lives of communities. Anchored in industry-leading certifications and compliance with global regulations, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Beyond Zero serves as SDG’s blueprint for a regenerative and ethical palm oil industry.

The Beyond Zero framework goes beyond a collection of corporate sustainability commitments – it is a transformational shift in the way palm oil is cultivated and processed. Its key focus areas include:

• • Science-based climate action: SDG is the first palm oil company globally to have its emissions reduction targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
  
• • Regenerative agriculture: The company is piloting a regenerative agriculture framework to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration efforts while reducing dependence on chemicals.
  
• • Biodiversity and conservation: With 45,000ha already set aside for conservation and over 2.7 million trees planted since 2009, SDG is leading large-scale reforestation efforts.
  
• • Empowering smallholders: By 2035, SDG aims to support 50,000 smallholders with training, certification and market access, including access to the EU. SDG delivered its first fully EUDR-compliant shipment, which included oil from 17,357 smallholders in its supply chain from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
  

SDGI’s Unique Market Proposition

Through its Innovation Centres in South Africa, the Netherlands and Malaysia, SDGI is at the cutting edge of product innovation–developing tailored formulations that cater to both regulatory and consumer demands. By collaborating with leading food brands, SDGI helps its clients create superior, sustainable food products that comply with stringent EU and halal certifications.

Moreover, SDG’s control over its fully integrated palm oil value chain guarantees consistent product quality. Therefore, businesses sourcing from SDGI, which is the group’s downstream arm, gain access to:

• • Deforestation-free, responsibly produced palm oil: Ensuring both regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility.
  
• • Bespoke product formulations: Developed through research and innovation to meet client
  
• • specifications.
  
• • Advanced supply chain traceability: Every shipment meets regulatory and ethical standards, offering peace of mind to global buyers.
  

Today’s consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainability, and SDGI’s certified sustainable palm oil allows businesses to align with these expectations while securing a reliable, high-quality product for their supply chain.

Key advantages for businesses sourcing from SDGI include:

• • Regulatory compliance: Fully traceable and EUDR-compliant palm oil mitigates legal and reputational risks.
  
• • Supply chain transparency: Advanced digital traceability systems allow buyers to verify sourcing origins with confidence.
  
• • Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation: SDGI’s net-zero targets position as a future-proof partner in ESG-compliant sourcing.
  

For businesses seeking ethically sourced palm oil, SDGI offers a market-leading solution that ensures compliance without compromising quality, food safety, or operational efficiency.

With Beyond Zero as the sustainability backbone and its many marketing and innovation initiatives, SDG and SDGI are not just selling palm oil – they are shaping the future of sustainable sourcing.

Businesses that choose SDGI are not merely aligning with best practices; they are investing in a greener, more responsible future.

Finding a balance between the public interest and
the interests of those affected by the expropriation

On January 24, 2025, the country, and then some, was swept into a mix of emotions as the Expropriation Bill of 2020 was signed into law by the President as the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 (“the Act”). The commencement date has not been announced, meaning the Act is not yet in force. There has been no indication of exactly when the President plans to make this announcement. Turning now to why this piece of legislation carries with it some controversy.

The Act is intended to replace the 1975 Expropriation Act and adopts the language of Section 25 of the Constitution, which addresses the right to property and the conditions under which property may be expropriated. The Constitution highlights that property – whether movable or immovable – cannot be expropriated arbitrarily. The Act confirms this position, confirming that there has to a legitimate public purpose or public interest underpinning the intended expropriation, and sets out the factors which must be considered to determine suitable compensation for the expropriation.

The Act prescribes the powers of the “expropriating authority”, which is defined as an organ of state or person empowered by the Act or any other legislation to expropriate property. An example of such an organ of state is the Minister responsible for Public Works and Infrastructure.

The nub of the controversy the Act brings with it is the extensively debated express power given to the expropriating authority to offer nil compensation for the expropriation of “land” – i.e. immovable property – for public interest purposes, after considering all relevant circumstances, including the ones specifically listed in section 12(3) in the Act.

There has been much discussion around the constitutionality of this provision, given that our Constitution speaks not only the impermissibility of arbitrary deprivation of land but also to the fact that the expropriated party must be provided with compensation for the expropriation.

There was an attempt to amend the Constitution to unambiguously align with the possibility of offering no compensation, but the proposed amendment was rejected by the National Assembly and never came into force. Whether the wording of “nil compensation” versus, for example, “no compensation” is sufficient to succeed against a constitutional challenge can only ultimately be determined by our court, if and when the matter comes before it.

Below we look more carefully at the compensation and certain procedural provisions under the Act.

Section 12(1) of the Act empowers the expropriating authority to determine and award just and equitable compensation for expropriation. These factors mirror the factors listed in Section 25 of the Constitution. It is highlighted that the compensation must find a balance between the public interest, and the interests of those affected by the expropriation. Possible affected parties, besides the owners of the property, could, for example be mortgagees and tenants of the property in question. The factors listed under section 12(1) are as follows:

• • the current use of the property;
  
• • the history of the acquisition and use of the property;
  
• • the market value of the property;
  
• • the extent of direct state investment and subsidy in the acquisition and beneficial capital improvement of the property; and
  
• • the purpose of the expropriation.
  

The specific factors listed under section 12(3) – the nil compensation provision – are:

• • where the land is not being used and the owner of the land’s main purpose is not to develop the land or use it to generate income, but to benefit from appreciation of its market value;
  
• • where an organ of state holds land that it is not using for its core functions and is not reasonably likely to require the land for its future activities in that regard, and the organ of state acquired the land for no consideration;
  
• • notwithstanding registration of ownership in terms of the Deeds Registries Act 47 of 1937, where an owner has abandoned its land by failing to exercise control over it despite being reasonably capable of doing so; and
  
• • where the market value of the land is equivalent to, or less than, the present value of direct state investment or subsidy in the acquisition and beneficial capital improvement of the land.
  

When it comes to nil compensation, it is important to note that:

• • the above factors are not exhaustive;
  
• • it has to be just and equitable;
  
• • it has to be in the public interest; and
  
• • it only relates to immovable property (“land”).
  

It must also be noted that there are certain factors which may not be taken into consideration, unless there are special circumstances where it is just and equitable to do so, when considering compensation. These factors include the following:

• • the fact that the property has been taken without the consent of the owner or holder of a right;
  
• • the special suitability or usefulness of the property for the purpose for which it is required by the expropriating authority, if it is unlikely that the property would have been purchased for that purpose in the open market;
  
• • any enhancement in the value of the property, if such enhancement is a consequence of the use of the property in a manner which is unlawful;
  
• • improvements made to the property in question after the date on which the notice of expropriation was served upon the expropriated owner or expropriated holder, as the case may be, except where the improvements were agreed to in advance by the expropriating authority or where they were undertaken in pursuance of obligations entered into before the date of expropriation;
  
• • anything done with the object of obtaining compensation therefor; and
  
• • any enhancement or depreciation, before or after the date of service of the notice of expropriation, in the value of the property in question, which can be directly attributed to the purpose in connection with which the property was expropriated.
  

The Act furthermore prescribes the procedure to be followed by the expropriating authority before any property may be expropriated. This includes, amongst other things:

• • obtaining the consent of the owner or occupier of the land for a valuator and/or other third parties to enter the premises for inspection, surveillance and valuation purposes. Failing receipt of this consent, the expropriating authority must approach the court to grant access;
  
• • publishing a notice of intention to expropriate, which contains details as to the expropriation, the intended purpose of the property and how compensation was determined, which must also be served on the owner of the property;
  
• • considering any objections received to the notice of intention to expropriate; and
  
• • publishing a notice of expropriation where the expropriating authority has decided in favour of expropriation, setting out details as to the property and compensation offered, which must similarly be served on the owner of the property.
  

Should it be the case that the expropriating authority and a disputing party do not agree on the amount, time and manner of payment of compensation, section 19(1) of the Act provides that the parties may refer the matter to mediation. This is a notable addition to the Act, as mediation did not feature in the 1975 Expropriation Act, which provided for either referral to arbitration or referral to court. The Act therefore emphasises mediation as the first port of call as opposed to court proceedings and thereby motivates for the resolution of disputes by way of amicable negotiations and discussions between the parties. However, if mediation fails, or if the parties do not wish to mediate, then court proceedings can be initiated within 180 days of the date of the notice of expropriation.

A further significant change to the Act is the introduction of certain time frames to be adhered to by affected parties during the course of the expropriation process, including by a the property owner and mortgagee in the event of there being a bond registered over the immovable property, as well as detailing the process to be followed where there is a mortgage bond registered over the property.

In addressing mortgage bonds, the 1975 Expropriation Act specifically details how debt in relation to a mortgage bond is to be discharged, most importantly always contemplating that there would be some sort of compensation payable to a landowner. The legislation specifically provided that the Minister may “…not pay out any portion of the compensation money in question, except to such person and on such terms as may have been agreed upon between the owner of such property and the mortgagee…”. This position was taken further as follows:

“If the owner and the mortgagee, buyer or builder, as the case may be, fails to conclude an agreement contemplated in subsection (1), any of the said persons may apply to the court referred to in section 14 (1) for an order whereby the Minister is directed to pay out the compensation money as they court may determine, and the court may, on such application issue such order, including an order as to costs, as the court may deem fit.”

The previous legislation provided that in the event of a dispute between landowner and mortgagee, that the compensation funds may be paid to the Master of the High Court, subject to the provisions of section 19(3).

The Act, while containing many of the same provisions as the previous legislation in relation to mortgage bond holders, including still making provision for payment of compensation to a mortgagee in the instance of the land having a mortgage bond registered against it at the time of expropriation, differs in that it introduces a time frame in which notice of agreement between landowner and mortgagee should be given to the expropriating authority. The Act contemplates that agreement should be reached and notice thereof given to the expropriating authority within 30 days of possession being taken of the expropriated land, failing which the expropriating authority is authorised to deposit the compensation with the Master of the High Court.

While the Act does provide for the investment of these funds for the benefit of the persons who may become entitled thereto (as did the previous legislation), the short time frame in which notice is to be given for an agreement to be reached between landowner and mortgagee before such compensation would then be paid to the Master of the High Court, may be a cause of concern and uncertainty for mortgagees and landowners from an administrative point of view. It should, however, be noted that section 23 of the Act does provide for the extension of any period applicable to certain affected persons (including holders of rights), on good cause shown and as may be reasonable in the circumstances.

The Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 marks a transformative development, whether welcomed or not, in South Africa’s expropriation framework, providing a structured and comprehensive process for expropriation in the public interest and/or for public purpose. Ultimately, the implementation of this Act will require careful navigation by all stakeholders, with courts playing a critical role in response to emerging issues and disputes.

Belinda Scriba, Director in Dispute Resolution practice; Claudia Grobler, Associate in our Dispute Resolution practice and Bridget Witts-Hewinson, Senior Associate in Real Estate Law practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Growing more than trees

Forestry’s role in food security and livelihoods

International Day of Forests on 21 March 2025 highlighted the vital role that both indigenous and planted forests play in sowing the seeds of change. This year’s theme focused on forests and food, emphasising their importance in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. Forestry South Africa (FSA) views this day as an opportunity to recognise the interconnection between our sector and the rural communities it supports.

Positioned in remote areas across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape, the South African forestry sector uplifting some of the country’s most impoverished communities. Beyond providing employment and stimulating the rural economy, it actively invests in social initiatives that address socio-economic and environmental challenges, including food security.

By supporting small-scale farmers, promoting agroforestry, and facilitating market access, the sector fosters self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability, contributing to food security and economic growth.

Cultivating groundnuts between the trees

Over the last few decades, timber company Merensky Timber allocated extensive areas for more than 1,682 community beneficiaries to grow groundnuts among their planted trees.

After four months of hard work in a year, each beneficiary harvested between 50 and 80kg of nuts for personal consumption and to sell in informal markets. Merensky is not alone; Sappi, SAFCOL, MTO, and Mondi have similar programmes that include business skills training for beneficiaries, helping them access formal markets like the peanut butter industry.

Merensky’s Rooikoppies Community beneficiary, Roy Finley asserts that growing your own food is like printing your own money. Ms Ntombiyenkosi Mbuyazi from the Shikishela community echoes this: “With the money from planting groundnuts, we pay our children’s school fees.”

Growing together: community vegetable gardens

Agroforestry is flourishing beyond the planted compartments, as Nomvuyo Mehlo, Cluster Liaison Manager at PG Bison from the Eastern Cape explains, “The 11 hectares of land provided by PG Bison for community vegetable farming has previously placed food on the table for various families who were disadvantaged.”

PG Bison is currently in discussions with the youth in the community to establish new farming initiatives that will be a source of relief for more families.

Across the country, corporate and medium-scale forestry enterprises have donated land, equipment, expertise, irrigation, and seeds to create vegetable gardens, the produce of which supplies nutritious food to families, vulnerable individuals and schools. Isak Meshaka, headmaster at Storms River Senior Primary School, says, “We use the gardens to teach learners responsibility, and the veggies support our school feeding scheme, especially as many parents in our area are unemployed.”

Nurturing entrepreneurial endeavours: beekeeping co-operatives

While addressing immediate food security challenges is essential, the long-term solution lies in growing the rural economy, stimulating jobs and reducing unemployment and poverty. The forestry sector empowers small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) through targeted training, mentorship, and financial support.

Entrepreneurs like Lenius Malapane from the Mambiteni Bee Keeping Co-operative express gratitude to SAFCOL for developing the co-operative and granting them access to SAFCOL’s plantations. This support has enabled the group to provide for their families.

It’s clear that the South African forestry sector transforms lives and communities through social impact initiatives. More examples can be found on the Forestry South Africa website, featuring an interactive map showcasing various social programmes.

Whether tackling food insecurity or bridging social divides, the forestry sector embraces the philosophy: “Give a man bread, and you feed him for a day. Teach him to farm, and you feed him for a lifetime.” We take pride in our members’ dedication to driving meaningful, lasting change.

Norman Dlamini, FSA Business Development Director

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.

Grain SA Congress showcases the
latest developments in the grain sector

Compliance with regulatory and market
requirements is a barrier to market entry for SMMEs

High compliance costs associated with regulatory and market requirements are a primary concern for the essential and vegetable oils industry in South Africa. While regulations are crucial for ensuring safety, health and quality, they often place a heavy burden on small and medium producers (SMEs), restricting their ability to compete both locally and internationally.

A recent study delved into innovative models aimed at reducing compliance costs while also addressing gender disparities within this dynamic industry, with a focus on the project-target species (Buchu, Cape chamomile Helichrysum, Lippia and Rose geranium (essential oils); Baobab, Kalahari melon, Manketti/mongongo, Marula and Ximenia. The insights gleaned are aimed improving competitiveness and unlocking the export potential of this growing sector.

To bolster the competitive edge of SMEs in accessing markets, the study identified four key cost-reducing models: cooperatives, out-grower schemes, incubation hubs, and contract harvesting. The hybrid model was recommended as the most suitable one as it combines elements of contract farming and cooperative structures. The model would need to be reinforced through further policy and regulatory reforms, accessible financing and incentive programmes, capacity building, technology transfer and enhanced stakeholder collaboration.

The study underscored significant disparities in women’s participation and advancement within the essential and vegetable oils industry value chains. While 76% of women are involved in raw material production and wild harvesting, only 23% participate in technical roles and business development.

The study confirmed that training and skills development, focusing on women’s leadership remains a priority, including the role of community support, effectively addressing socio-cultural barriers and initiating relevant policy reforms. One of the SMEs remarked, “The insights gathered provide a roadmap for further empowering women, which is essential for driving innovation and growth in this sector.”

While initial grants help producers though the start-up phase, scaling up and sustainable production require further investment. In terms of the export of the high quality indigenous oils produced, there is a great potential for South Africa on the international market. However, an enabling institutional and policy environment as well as securing investment in this sector are required in order to significantly increase production.

“This study represents a significant step towards fostering a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive landscape in South Africa’s essential and vegetable oils industry,” stated Ms. Karen Swanepoel, Executive Director, SAEOPA.

The presentation made during a feedback webinar on the results of the study, attracted more than 100 participants from academia, public and private sectors and is available on the SAEOPA Website: https://www.saeopa.co.za/news/gqsp-sa-ii-study-presentation-to-stakeholders/

GQSP-South Africa II aims to strengthen the SMEs by enhancing technical compliance capacity and promoting the competitiveness of South African SMEs on the global stage by adhering to both national and international standards, regulations and quality requirements for market access.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Global Quality and Standards Programme—South Africa project (GQSP-SA) Phase II is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, and implemented in cooperation with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association (SAEOPA).

An effective budget must acknowledge basic financial truths

The reality facing us as a country is simple: the ANC government has left behind a nation without proper foundations, one that continues to falter under the weight of corruption, mismanagement, and excessive spending. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana can present yet another budget, making more promises of economic recovery and growth, but it remains mere theory on paper.

A basic principle of any business—and indeed a country’s financial policy—is to spend within its means. When the government continues trying to fund its ongoing expenses with borrowed money, it creates a dangerous debt spiral that is unsustainable. It’s simple: you cannot keep spending what you do not have. Yet, with every budget speech, we see little real effort to acknowledge this basic truth.

Security is the foundation of any functioning economy. How does the government expect real economic growth when it cannot even ensure the safety of its people? With nearly 80 murders per day and a police force undermined by corruption, mismanagement, and cadre deployment, it is clear that safety is not a priority. No budget that ignores this crisis can truly be successful.

The government’s focus on foreign missions and peacekeeping, while neglecting the basic security of its own citizens, is deeply concerning. Billions of rands are allocated to the military and correctional services, yet the core issue remains unaddressed: an incompetent and poorly trained police service that simply lacks the necessary resources and training to combat crime effectively.

The justice system, weakened by political interference and inefficient structures, worsens the problem. Criminals are often not successfully prosecuted, leading to a culture of impunity. As long as cadre deployment takes precedence over merit and competence, any attempt to improve security in the country will be nothing more than a superficial fix that fails to address the real issue.

In addition, the policy environment and its implementation remain flawed. If the government truly wants to see entrepreneurs thrive, the regulatory environment must be business-friendly. But what do we see? Policies that discourage entrepreneurship, labour laws that stifle economic growth, and a persistent attempt to raise taxes as if that is a sustainable solution.

Infrastructure—the backbone of any economy – is crumbling. The government’s budget boasts more than R1 trillion allocated to infrastructure over the next three years, including R402 billion for transport and logistics, R219.2 billion for energy infrastructure, and R156.3 billion for water and sanitation. While this sounds impressive, the reality is that previous similar promises have often disappeared into the bottomless pit of corruption and mismanagement. Cadre deployment and a lack of expertise in key positions mean these projects rarely achieve real success.

Take, for example, the R100 billion that SANRAL plans to spend on the road network over the medium term—there is no guarantee that these funds will actually stop the decline of our roads. The same applies to PRASA, which will receive R19.2 billion to improve signalling systems and restore train services. Yet, we know that PRASA’s management has struggled with corruption and mismanagement for years, and without real improvement in governance and accountability, these funds will once again be wasted.

If the infrastructure budget is properly managed, it could add significant value to the agricultural sector and to TLU SA. In the current situation, where infrastructure is often crumbling, an effective and well-planned investment in infrastructure could directly benefit agriculture.

Consider the improvements in transport and logistics that would facilitate the marketing of agricultural products, or the investment in water and sanitation, which is critical for sustainable farming practices. If these funds are managed correctly, they could be a real catalyst for growth and stability in the agricultural sector, strengthening the economy and creating jobs and progress for communities. This is a unique opportunity to boost South Africa’s agricultural industry and steer the country’s economy in the right direction.

Education, another critical aspect, has collapsed. When South Africa continues to perform the worst in the world in mathematics and science, it is absurd to think our children are receiving the education they need to succeed in the future. The government itself acknowledges that the learner-teacher ratio remains too high and that there is a significant shortage of teachers.

While the budget adds R19.1 billion over the medium term to retain around 11,000 teachers in classrooms, this is merely a band-aid over a much bigger wound. It makes little difference if the education system itself remains flawed and there is no real focus on improving teaching quality. The government must move away from superficial policies like lowering pass rates and instead focus on genuine educational excellence.

The government’s so-called solutions – redistributing resources, raising taxes, and overregulation—are not the answers that will save this country’s economy. TLU SA is clear: the government must implement drastic cost-cutting measures, eliminate corruption effectively, rebuild infrastructure, and create a real environment for economic growth. Without these steps, no budget will have any real impact. The finance minister can make as many promises as he wants, but until these core issues are addressed, our economy will remain on a downward path. South Africa needs real change—not another budget filled with dreams and theories.

The consequences of the ANC’s policies, as implemented over the past few years, have become too costly for our country and for the finance minister. He no longer has room to manoeuvre—and it is that very policy direction that has robbed South Africa of its future.

TLU SA

For more information:

Bennie van Zyl (TLU SA General Manager)

082 466 4470

Henry Geldenhuys (TLU SA President)

083 560 1273

Reduced consumption favours consumers

Water-smart potato farming averts affordability crisis

While Day Zero was narrowly avoided in the Western Cape in 2018, the water crisis is far from over. Increasingly erratic weather brings both droughts and floods, creating food supply instability and escalating costs. With livelihoods and food security at risk, Sandveld potato farmers have turned to water-saving technologies and regenerative farming practices to keep this crucial staple on our plates.

In the hot, dry summer in the Western Cape, where rainfall is concentrated in the winter, farmers are finding ways to safeguard the water they have, while continuing to produce food. “Water is South Africa’s scarcest, most precious resource, and we need to use every drop wisely,” says Monique Vlok, chairperson of the Sandveld Potato Growers Association. “We’ve taken this challenge head-on by investing in precision irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, and improved farming methods, and have already seen remarkable results.”

Over the past decade, the water saving measures that Sandveld farmers have implemented has slashed water use by an average of 20%, according to research conducted by the University of Pretoria.

One potato farmer, Johan Smit, has reduced his water consumption by 30%. “We are doing everything we can to make the best use of every drop of water. We use soil moisture probes, take evapotranspiration figures into account from the weather stations around the farm, add the crop factor and get to a precise number of how much water the potatoes need without wasting anything.”

The significance of the Sandveld’s ability to continue producing potatoes lies in the region’s unique ability to farm potatoes for 12 months of the year, keeping national supply and prices stable. “The Sandveld contributes nearly 20% of the national potato crop. Were it not for their focus on water savings, South Africa could find itself with unaffordable potatoes in years to come,” says Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA.

He points to figures from the 2024 season to show the impact of even a small reduction in potato supply. “Drought in the Free State and frost in Limpopo during 2024 led to a drop in the national potato crop of only 1,97% from the five-year average. The effect on prices was however staggering, with an average increase of 37% for the year, although there were times when prices were 172% higher.

“It is therefore critical that farmers maintain stable production, doing everything they can to counter the effects of adverse weather, especially in lieu of climate change,” says Jacobs.

To ensure that the region’s water is safeguarded and potato production can sustainably continue, Smit is careful to limit borehole water extraction. “There are metres on every borehole, so we never extract beyond a certain level. It is important that a reserve level of water is maintained underground.”

Smit employs regenerative farming techniques, an approach gaining traction among local farmers. Traditionally, fields were left fallow since potatoes can only be grown in the same area once every three years to prevent soil-borne diseases. However, with a focus on environmental sustainability, farmers now plant cover crops like rye immediately after harvesting potatoes.

“Rye’s deep roots and the remaining soil moisture eliminate the need for additional irrigation. This cover crop not only protects the soil from erosion but also naturally suppresses weeds, reducing reliance on herbicides. When the field is ready for potatoes again, the rye is cut and incorporated into the soil, enriching its organic matter and enhancing water retention.”

Although concerns persist about agriculture’s water consumption, particularly during droughts, potatoes have proven to be an efficient crop in a country striving for food security. “We’ve experimented with various crops to determine the most effective use of land and resources,” Smit explains, “but nothing compares to potatoes when it comes to using minimal water while maximizing food production and ensuring the region’s long-term sustainability.”

Sandveld farmers’ commitment to efficiency has made them one of the most productive potato growing areas in South Africa, with yields reaching 70 tons per hectare in summer and 44 tons in winter – well above the national average of 40 tons per hectare.

“South Africa’s food security depends on smart, forward-thinking agriculture,” says Jacobs. “As South Africa grapples with water challenges, Sandveld potato farmers are proving that innovation and sustainability can help overcome the challenge, ensuring a steady supply of one of the country’s most important staple foods.”

African grasslands must become more climate-change resilient

Introducing more multispecies swards could
benefit millions of smallholders and pastoralists

Africa’s grasslands face increasing challenges from climate change, threatening the livelihoods of millions across the continent. Urgent action is needed to future-proof these ecosystems, according to a new commentary published by scientists from the Global Farm Platform.

Grasslands cover nearly half of Africa’s land area, provide crucial grazing for livestock, which is an economic cornerstone for over 70% of rural African populations. However, changing weather patterns and overgrazing are pushing these ecosystems to the brink, jeopardising both the environment and food security.

As human populations grow, large swathes of land are being converted for agricultural use, while the remaining grasslands are often overgrazed. This intensifies soil degradation, and climate change only worsens the situation. Extreme weather events like floods and droughts, coupled with invasive species and bush encroachment, are eroding the productivity and health of these ecosystems. The result? Reduced forage quality, higher livestock mortality rates, and rising vulnerability to disease, all of which undermine food security across the region.

To counter these growing threats, the authors are advocating for the increased adoption of sustainable grassland management practices, with a key focus on multispecies swards. This approach could help restore productivity, reduce environmental harm, and mitigate climate change impacts. These mixtures of grass, legumes, and herbs are designed to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase resilience to climate-related stresses.

The concept of sustainable intensification, which calls for producing more food with less environmental damage, is at the heart of this approach. Research in temperate regions has shown that multispecies swards offer benefits such as improved forage yields, greater resource use efficiency, and better resistance to pests and diseases.

However, despite their success in other parts of the world, research on multispecies swards in Africa remains limited. Most studies on the continent have focused on monocultures or binary mixtures, leaving a gap in understanding how these complex plant mixtures might thrive in African conditions.

“We are calling for greater investment in reseeding Africa’s grasslands with more diverse species, which could help reverse land degradation while improving both ecological and economic outcomes,” said Rothamsted’s Dr Theo Akpensuen, the lead author of the commentary. “For instance, deep-rooted plants within these mixtures can access water deep underground during dry periods, while shallow-rooted species thrive after rainfall, enhancing productivity during all weather conditions.”

The ecological benefits of multispecies swards extend beyond drought tolerance. They can improve water retention, reduce soil erosion, and enhance biodiversity. Legumes particularly enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting healthier ecosystems. In addition, these mixed grasslands can boost animal health and productivity by providing higher-quality forage, which is essential for the region’s livestock.

The authors emphasize that with the right policies and investments, multispecies swards could play a crucial role in building climate resilience, enhancing food security, and improving livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers across the continent. However, successful implementation depends on closing research gaps in areas like species selection, fertilization practices, and assessing the economic value of multispecies systems in particular regions.

“As Africa continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it is clear that sustainable and resilient grassland systems will be key to securing a prosperous future for its people,” said Dr Akpensuen.

Akpensuen, T.T., Cartmill, A.D., Pérez-Márquez, S. et al. Make African grasslands climate-change resilient. Commun Earth Environ 6, 111 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02109-3

The Global Farm Platform uses a network of model farms to develop transformational solutions to challenges confronting sustainable ruminant production and promote their adoption. This multidisciplinary international network provides a unique combination of research and practice for diverse ruminant production systems in a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic and climatic zones.