For South Africa’s agricultural sector, the path to sustained growth and food security often hinges on empowering its most vulnerable yet vital players: small-scale farmers. This year marks a significant moment for thirteen emerging farmers in the North West province, who have successfully delivered their inaugural A-grade crop of small white beans for the 2025 season. This achievement is a direct result of a proactive initiative by Tiger Brands, one of the country’s leading food producers, aimed at fostering a robust and resilient local agricultural supply chain.
This effort stems from Tiger Brands’ strategic commitment to strengthening the nation’s ability to feed itself, reducing dependence on imports that can be costly and unreliable. Recognizing that local farmers are the backbone of this resilience, the company has intensified its support for these crucial growers, ensuring they are better equipped to navigate the inherent challenges of agricultural production, which, in 2024, even led to the company having to import a percentage of their small white beans for the first time.
 Collaborative Support Programme
The initiative is more than just a purchasing agreement; it’s a comprehensive support programme designed to transform small-scale farming into a truly viable and profitable enterprise. Central to this is a collaborative approach, with a leading food producer working closely with local agricultural organisations like SE Holdings. These partnerships provide farmers with vital end-to-end services that address critical gaps in the agricultural ecosystem.
Farmers receive a blend of crucial financial and non-financial support. This includes not only access to funding but also invaluable agronomic guidance, expertise in mechanisation, and advice on optimising soil and crop health. Furthermore, crucial business mentorship helps these growers develop the skills needed to manage their farms as sustainable businesses, moving beyond subsistence farming.
 Technology and Training
A cornerstone of this empowerment is the strategic infusion of modern agricultural technology. Farmers in the programme have been provided with advanced equipment, including harvesters and drone technology, representing a significant investment in their capabilities. This innovative equipment addresses long-standing operational hurdles. Harvesters drastically improve the speed and efficiency of crop collection, amplifying yields that previously suffered due to manual harvesting limitations. Drone technology, meanwhile, enhances precision spraying programmes, optimising resource use and improving overall crop health and quality. This access to cutting-edge tools is vital for farmers to operate efficiently and consistently meet the high-quality standards demanded by large-scale food production for products like KOO Baked Beans.
Cultivating Community and Economic Growth
The ripple effect of this programme extends far beyond the fields. By providing guaranteed market access and essential resources, it allows farmers to plan their seasons with confidence, fostering stability and encouraging reinvestment in their farms. This, in turn, translates into increased employment opportunities within rural communities.
This partnership serves as a powerful model for how large industry players can actively contribute to a thriving local agricultural sector. By directly investing in the development and resilience of emerging farmers, the initiative not only secures a stable supply of raw materials for a major food producer but, more importantly, cultivates a new generation of empowered and prosperous agricultural entrepreneurs, strengthening South Africa’s food security from the very roots up.