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Van Loveren Family Vineyards Honoured for Visionary Leadership in Agriculture

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Van Loveren Family Vineyards Honoured for Visionary Leadership in Agriculture

The Retief family of Van Loveren Family Vineyards (VLFV) has been awarded the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership, recognising its long-standing contribution to economic resilience, environmental stewardship and social sustainability within South Africa’s wine and agricultural sectors.

Conferred at the country’s annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, the 2026 award acknowledges leadership that goes beyond commercial success to address the long-term viability of farming in a changing economic and climatic environment.

Third-Generation Leadership at Scale

Since 2006, third-generation family members Philip, Neil, Hennie and Bussell Retief have jointly led the family-owned enterprise, transforming it into what is widely regarded as South Africa’s largest independent wine company. The business exports to 70 countries and has agricultural interests across several key production regions, including Robertson, Stellenbosch, Paarl, the Swartland, Tradouw and Worcester.

This geographic spread has allowed the group to manage climatic and market risk while maintaining consistent supply across multiple terroirs.

Diversification as a Risk Strategy

While best known for wine, VLFV has deliberately diversified its farming operations beyond vineyards. The group cultivates cherries, almonds, stone fruit, citrus, olives and avocados, spreading exposure across different crops and harvest cycles. This diversification underpins business resilience and enables more effective use of land, labour and infrastructure.

In addition, VLFV owns and operates multiple wine tourism venues, creating alternative income streams and employment opportunities in rural areas.

Transformation Through Ownership and Skills Development

Worker inclusion forms a central pillar of VLFV’s sustainability strategy. Farm workers hold a 26% stake in the Five’s Reserve wine brand, with dividends reinvested annually into local community development. At De Goree, a 138-hectare farm near Robertson, workers hold a 52% ownership stake, while the Middelburg farm includes a worker entity holding 30% of the 832-hectare multi-crop operation.

The group also co-owns Olyfberg, a 1 230-hectare olive and grape farm in which the majority shareholder is a BEE agricultural entity, the Karaan Family Trust.

To support long-term skills development, VLFV has partnered with the Afri Training Institute to deliver a year-long, accredited work-integrated learning programme covering crop production, farming systems, entrepreneurship and data analytics.

Energy, Conservation and Climate Response

Self-sufficiency is another cornerstone of the business. Through ongoing solar investment, VLFV now generates close to 40% of its own electricity, reducing energy costs and exposure to grid instability.

More than 2 500 hectares of land have been set aside for conservation and rehabilitation to indigenous habitat. These environmental efforts, alongside initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, have earned the business silver status from the Confronting Climate Change (CCC) programme for South African wine and fruit farming.

A Model for Modern Agriculture

In recognising the Retief family, the 1659 Award highlights an agricultural business that has integrated scale, diversification, transformation and environmental responsibility into a single operating model. As climate pressures, energy constraints and social expectations continue to reshape farming, Van Loveren Family Vineyards offers a practical example of how long-term agricultural sustainability can be built into a commercial enterprise.

Fruit Logistica 2026: What South African Citrus Producers Took Home from Berlin

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Fruit Logistica 2026: What South African Citrus Producers Took Home from Berlin

As the global fresh produce industry gathered in Berlin for Fruit Logistica 2026, the tone was notably more serious than in previous years. Insights from the event, outlined by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), highlight how global citrus trade is being reshaped by geopolitical uncertainty, tighter regulation, and heightened competition for market access.

For South African citrus producers, the event offered valuable perspective on both risks and opportunities emerging in key export markets.

A Shift from Opportunity to Security in Global Trade

One of the strongest messages from Fruit Logistica was that international buyers are prioritising security of supply over expansion. Conversations are no longer speculative or exploratory. Instead, importers are seeking dependable suppliers with consistent quality, strong compliance records, and proven logistics capability.

This shift plays to South Africa’s strengths as a large-scale citrus exporter, but it also raises the bar. Producers who can demonstrate reliability and transparency are increasingly favoured, while inconsistency carries growing commercial risk.

Market Access: Collective Representation Pays Off

South Africa’s presence at Fruit Logistica was reinforced through coordinated industry engagement rather than fragmented individual participation. Meetings with global partners underscored the value of collective representation when dealing with increasingly complex market access rules.

Discussions with international citrus counterparts were encouraging, particularly around collaboration and information sharing. For producers, this points to long-term benefits in improved market intelligence and greater transparency in global citrus trade, both of which support better production and export planning.

Regulatory Pressure in the EU Sends a Clear Warning

The European Union remains a critical market, but Fruit Logistica again highlighted rising concern around stricter Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). These regulations, increasingly influenced by retailer standards, risk becoming legislative barriers rather than purely food-safety tools.

The lesson for South African producers is clear: compliance is no longer optional or reactive. Residue management, traceability systems, and accurate documentation are becoming strategic assets. Producers who invest early in compliance are better positioned to absorb regulatory shifts without losing market access.

Logistics: From Farm to Market, Coordination Is Key

Logistics featured prominently at Fruit Logistica, with ongoing global disruptions reinforcing the importance of resilient supply chains. South Africa’s recent ability to export large citrus volumes attracted attention, but it also highlighted vulnerabilities across ports, transport, and cold chain infrastructure.

For producers, the takeaway is indirect but critical. Export success increasingly depends on coordination across the entire value chain. Events like Fruit Logistica provide a platform to align expectations between producers, exporters, shipping lines, and overseas buyers—reducing risk during peak export periods.

Lessons for the Season Ahead

Perhaps the greatest benefit of Fruit Logistica 2026 for South African citrus producers was strategic clarity. The event reinforced that competitiveness in global markets is built on three pillars: reliability, compliance, and collaboration.

While regulatory pressure and trade complexity are intensifying, South Africa remains well positioned. Industry-wide engagement suggests that producers who adapt early and work collectively will be better placed to protect market access and sustain growth.

In a challenging global environment, Fruit Logistica served as a reminder that preparation and unity remain the citrus sector’s strongest assets.

’n “Pragtige oes” – Vrystaatse appels lei die somer-oes

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’n “Pragtige oes” – Vrystaatse appels lei die somer-oes

Die 2026-vrugteseisoen het amptelik in die noorde van Suid-Afrika begin, en die nuus uit die boorde is besonder positief. In die Bethlehem- en Fouriesburg-omgewing verander die landskap tans in ’n see van rooi namate die eerste Gale Gala-blokke hul piekrypheid bereik. Hierdie vroeë oes bring nie net verligting ná uitdagende seisoene nie, maar dien ook as ’n belangrike ekonomiese inspuiting vir die streek.

Volgens Johan Naudé, voorsitter van die Hoogland Vrugtekwekersvereniging, beleef produsente vanjaar ’n “pragtige oes”. Gunstige somerreën, saam met ’n rypvrye blomtydperk, het bygedra tot uitstekende vruggehalte. Die appels is bros, soet en egalig ingekleur — eienskappe wat hoog aangeslaan word in beide plaaslike en uitvoermarkte. Hierdie toestande plaas die Vrystaat in ’n unieke posisie as Suid-Afrika se primêre verskaffer van vars geoeste appels gedurende die beperkte Januarie- en Februarie-oesvenster.

Varsheid gee die Vrystaat ’n vroeë voordeel

Vir verbruikers by varsproduktemarkte soos Evergreens beteken dit appels wat kort ná pluk op die rakke beland, eerder as produkte wat vir maande in koelstoor gehou is. Die varsheid en geur onderskei die noordelike oes duidelik van later seisoen-voorrade.

Buite die vrugteboorde weerspieël die seisoen ook die voordele van moderne boerderypraktyke. Deur die gebruik van innoverende onderstokke en die vestiging van boorde op hoër, rypvrye grond, het produsente hul risiko’s beter bestuur en meer konsekwente opbrengste verseker. Hierdie aanpassings ondersteun ook ’n groeiende vraag na Suid-Afrikaanse appels in markte soos die Midde-Ooste en Asië.wys i

Hoewel appels tans die voortou neem, strek die sukses van die seisoen verder. Die sogenaamde “Summer Slices”-tema word versterk deur goeie oeste van plaaslike steenvrugte en somergroente wat in die warm toestande floreer het. Namate die oes vorder, is die boodskap uit die noorde duidelik: die 2026-seisoen getuig van veerkragtigheid, kundigheid en ’n sterk fokus op gehalte in die plaaslike boerderygemeenskap.

Local FMD Vaccine Production: A Milestone Facing a National Emergency

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Local FMD Vaccine Production: A Milestone Facing a National Emergency

The announcement on 6 February 2026, by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen regarding the local production of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has sent ripples through the South African livestock industry. For the first time in two decades, South Africa has produced its own FMD vaccine batch, signaling a strategic shift toward “vaccine sovereignty.”

The Return of Local Production

The initial pilot batch of 12,900 doses was produced using modern bioreactor technology specifically designed to match the SAT 1, 2, and 3 strains prevalent in the region. The government’s roadmap is ambitious: the ARC expects to ramp up to 20,000 doses per week by March 2026, with a long-term goal of reaching 200,000 doses per week by 2027.

For a country that has been at the mercy of expensive imports and fragile international supply chains, this move is a necessary step to reclaiming South Africa’s FMD-free status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). However, this scientific victory is being launched into a landscape of unprecedented veterinary challenge.

Escalating Outbreaks: A Nation Under Pressure

The “breakthrough” announcement comes at a time of severe escalation across the country. As of early February 2026, the situation has shifted from chronic to acute in several key regions:

KwaZulu-Natal: Currently the national epicenter, official reports confirm over 207 outbreaks, with 187 remaining unresolved. With a cattle population of 2.4 million, the impact is being described by provincial authorities as a “crisis of social and economic dimensions.”

Western Cape: Following a period of relative safety, FMD was officially confirmed in Mbekweni (Wellington) on Friday, February 6. Suspected cases are currently being inspected in George, Mossel Bay, and the Garden Route. The provincial government has moved to allocate R100 million for emergency vaccine procurement and roadblocks.

Gauteng and Free State: Major feedlots and dairy operations have reported new cases within the last week, highlighting the virus’s ability to penetrate high-security biosecurity zones.

The Reality on the Ground

While the industry has welcomed the restart of local production, technical consultants have noted that the initial rollout will require a phased approach. Veterinary specialists have emphasized that the current scale of production is an important pilot phase that will need significant expansion to cover the national herd.

The expert critique focuses on three critical areas:

  • Logistical Coordination (instead of Logistical Deadlock)

  • Infrastructure Development (instead of Infrastructure Skepticism)

  • Phased Implementation (instead of Economic Impatience)

“The consensus within the sector is that the ARC has proven its capability to produce a high-quality vaccine, marking a long-term strategic win for South African biosecurity. While the immediate situation in the Western Cape, North West, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal requires continued vigilance and the use of imported supplies to bridge the gap, the industry now has a sustainable, home-grown foundation to build upon.”

South Africa Secures New Export Market for Table Grapes to South Korea

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South Africa Secures New Export Market for Table Grapes to South Korea

South Africa’s table grape industry has received a major boost following the official opening of the South Korean market to fresh table grapes from the Republic of South Africa. The announcement, made by the Department of Agriculture, marks a significant milestone for the local agricultural export sector and strengthens South Africa’s global market presence.

The market officially opened on 23 January 2026, allowing South African producers to begin exporting table grapes to the Republic of Korea once the first consignments are ready for loading.

A Strategic Win After Years of Negotiations

The opening of the South Korean market is the result of more than two decades of technical negotiations between South African and South Korean authorities. These efforts culminated in a physical field verification visit by South Korean officials to South Africa in February 2025.

The visit assessed local production systems, orchard practices, and phytosanitary controls. Its successful conclusion confirmed that South Africa meets South Korea’s strict phytosanitary import requirements, paving the way for market access.

This achievement highlights the strength of South Africa’s plant health systems and the country’s ability to meet demanding international standards.

Expanding Market Access Beyond Traditional Destinations

South Africa is ranked among the world’s top five table grape exporters. Currently, approximately 55% of exports are destined for the European Union and around 20% for the United Kingdom.

The opening of the South Korean market is strategically important as it helps diversify export destinations, reducing reliance on traditional markets and spreading commercial risk. Asia remains a high-value growth market, and access to South Korea positions South African growers to benefit from increasing demand for premium fresh fruit.

Economic Importance for the Agricultural Sector

The table grape industry plays a critical role in the South African economy. It contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings, supports rural economies, and creates thousands of seasonal and permanent jobs across production, packing, logistics, and export services.

The 2025/26 table grape season is already progressing well, with export volumes estimated at 79.4 million 4.5 kg cartons — a 0.6% increase compared to the previous season. The addition of a new export destination strengthens the industry’s growth outlook and income potential.

Strict Compliance Required to Protect the Market

To safeguard access to the South Korean market, exporters must comply fully with all phytosanitary and food safety requirements outlined in the final import conditions.

Producers, production units, and packhouses must be registered with the Department of Agriculture and obtain official production unit and packhouse codes. Registered growers are required to implement good agricultural practices, including orchard sanitation, integrated pest management, and effective control measures to eliminate identified quarantine pests.

Maintaining strict compliance will be essential to sustaining this market and protecting South Africa’s export reputation.

A Positive Signal for Agricultural Trade Growth

The successful opening of the South Korean market sends a strong signal about South Africa’s capability to compete in high-standard global markets. It reflects the value of sustained government-to-government engagement, industry cooperation, and investment in plant health systems.

For growers and exporters, this development represents new commercial opportunities. For the broader agricultural sector, it reinforces the role of export-led growth in driving economic recovery, job creation, and long-term sustainability.

Geen gesplete-hoefdiere by NAMPO Oesdag 2026 weens BKS-risiko

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Geen gesplete-hoefdiere by NAMPO Oesdag 2026 weens BKS-risiko

Graan SA en die NAMPO-bestuur bevestig dat geen gesplete-hoefdiere by die 2026 NAMPO Oesdag, wat van 12-15 Mei 2026 by NAMPO Park plaasvind, toegelaat sal word nie. Hierdie besluit volg ná die onlangse uitbrekings van bek- en klouseer (BKS) in Suid-Afrika, insluitend gevalle wat geografies nader aan die sentrale produksiegebiede beweeg het.

Gesplete-hoefdiere sluit beeste, skape, bokke en varke in – diere wat bekend is daarvoor dat hulle die BKS-virus kan dra en versprei.

Die besluit is eenparig geneem tydens ’n vergadering tussen NAMPO, Graan SA en die verskeie telersgenootskappe, ná deeglike risiko-evaluasie en konsultasie met relevante rolspelers.

“Bek- en klouseer het nou letterlik naby aan die huis gekom. As beskermers van biosekuriteit kan ons dit nie waag om ’n platform te skep waar risiko’s nie effektief beheer kan word nie,” sê Danie Minnaar, Voorsitter van die NAMPO Oesdagkomitee.

Waarom dié besluit geneem is

Die onlangse besluit om die Bloemskou te kanselleer, asook sterk aanbevelings vanuit die Vrystaatse Departement van Landbou dat die risiko rondom diere-byeenkomste tans te hoog is, het die erns van die situasie onderstreep. Kundige insette het bevestig dat bestaande protokolle slegs risiko by ’n grootskaalse geleentheid soos NAMPO beperk en nie elimineer nie.

“NAMPO neem biosekuriteit uiters ernstig op. Hierdie vroeë besluit stel telersgenootskappe in staat om hul beplanning betyds aan te pas en voorkom groter risiko’s later,” sê Dirk Strydom, Besturende Direkteur van NAMPO.

Wat beteken dit vir telers en besoekers?

  • Geen gesplete-hoefdiere (beeste, skape, bokke, varke) sal by NAMPO 2026 toegelaat word nie.
  • Nie-risiko diere, soos perde, honde en pluimvee, sal wel toegelaat word, onderhewig aan streng biosekuriteitsmaatreëls.
  • Alle diere en voertuie wat betrokke is by dierverwante aktiwiteite sal gespuit en ontsmet word.
  • Praktiese biosekuriteitsmaatreëls vir besoekers word tans ondersoek en verder verfyn.
  • Bewusmakingsinisiatiewe oor biosekuriteit sal regdeur die NAMPO Oesdag geïntegreer word.

Nuwe unieke besoekers ervaring

Belangrik is dat telersgenootskappe steeds hul stalletjies sal beman en aangemoedig word om innoverend en kreatief te wees in hoe hulle rasse se genetiese voordele, prestasiedata en produksiewaarde uitbeeld – selfs sonder die fisiese teenwoordigheid van diere. Besoekers kan dus uitsien na ‘n nuwe ervaring waar rasse se voordele en prestasies op kreatiewe maniere met tegnologie en slim bemarking uitgebeeld gaan word.

NAMPO as opvoedkundige platform

Hoewel diere nie fisies teenwoordig sal wees nie, sal NAMPO 2026 hierdie situasie doelbewus gebruik as ’n opvoedkundige geleentheid om produsente, rolspelers en die breër publiek bewus te maak van:

  • die belangrikheid van biosekuriteit,
  • hoe siektes soos bek- en klouseer versprei,
  • en watter praktiese stappe produsente kan neem om hul eie bedrywighede te beskerm.

Voortgesette konsultasie

Graan SA en NAMPO sal voortgaan om met alle relevante partye te konsulteer in die aanloop tot die ekspo en sal enige verdere ontwikkelings betyds kommunikeer.

“Verantwoordelike besluitneming beteken soms om moeilike keuses vroeg te maak. Hierdie besluit is geneem in die beste belang van die bedryf, produsente en Suid-Afrika se dieregesondheid,” sluit Minnaar af.

Early Harvest Sets the Tone for the Apple and Pear Season

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Early Harvest Sets the Tone for the Apple and Pear Season

The South African apple and pear season has started earlier than usual, creating a mix of opportunity and uncertainty for producers. Early indications point to good-quality fruit, although factors such as hail damage, water availability, logistics and exchange-rate volatility are expected to influence outcomes as the season progresses.

Industry role players say the crop is progressing well, but caution that several variables remain outside producers’ control.

Hail Damage Under Assessment

Recent hailstorms have raised concern in two major production regions. The Langkloof was severely affected by hail on 5 February, followed by further damage in the Koue Bokkeveld on 8 February.

“It is with concern that we take note of the hail damage reported in the Langkloof and the Koue Bokkeveld; however, the full extent of the impact on the apple and pear crop is still being assessed,” said Roelf Pienaar, Managing Director at Tru-Cape Fruit.

Pienaar said that while quality indicators remain encouraging, several variables will continue to influence market performance and global demand as the season unfolds.

Harvest Running Ahead of the Norm

Depending on the variety, the season is on average seven to ten days earlier than usual. Calla du Toit, Procurement Director at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, confirmed that the first BigBucks Gala apples in the Ceres region were harvested on 26 January — ten days earlier than last season.

Harvesting of Rosemarie pears, a blushed summer pear variety, began on 23 December, approximately two to three weeks earlier than the industry norm. Du Toit noted that it was only the second time in 25 years that harvesting had started before Christmas.

In the EGVV region — Elgin, Grabouw, Villiersdorp and Vyeboom — summer pears are ten to twelve days earlier than usual, while apples are approximately seven to ten days ahead of the normal pattern. Graeme Krige, Technical Advisor at Two-a-Day, said a good-volume crop with clean fruit is expected, with later varieties likely to return to a more normal ripening pattern.

Weather and Water Pressures

Warm and dry conditions during November and December played a significant role in the earlier harvest. According to Du Toit, the absence of cooler, wetter periods accelerated ripening and contributed to good fruit quality, despite a windy season.

Krige noted that warmer spring and early summer temperatures shortened the growing season, which affected fruit size.

Water availability is currently not a major concern in Ceres and the EGVV, but responsible water use remains essential. In the Langkloof, the lack of summer rainfall placed producers under severe pressure, forcing difficult irrigation decisions. Although recent rain benefited tree health, it came too late to influence fruit size.

Export Demand and Market Access

Demand for South African apples and pears remains positive. A significant portion of Rosemarie pears is destined for the Middle East, with additional opportunities in India, Russia and China. Delayed arrivals of New Zealand Royal Gala apples are creating opportunities in the Far East.

In Europe and the United Kingdom, the apple season is expected to start slightly later due to carry-over stock. Tru-Cape follows a diversification strategy to spread fruit across multiple markets and manage the transition between carry-over and new-season fruit.

Logistics and Exchange Rate Challenges

Logistics remains the biggest challenge for producers. Productivity at the Port of Cape Town and recovery after windbound conditions are critical to export success. A stronger rand also poses a risk, as it negatively affects producer income despite reducing certain input costs.

Despite these challenges, investment in packhouse upgrades at Two-a-Day and Ceres Fruit Growers, along with the introduction of new varieties and increasing summer pear volumes, positions the industry to take advantage of opportunities ahead.

Western Cape Agriculture Rallies as Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks Multiply

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Western Cape Agriculture Rallies as Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks Multiply

The Western Cape’s battle against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) reached a critical turning point this week. Following a pivotal Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, where provincial leaders moved to intensify roadblocks and quarantine protocols, the situation escalated rapidly with confirmed cases in  and new suspected outbreaks in the Garden Route. This proactive shift was backed by a landmark R100 million emergency allocation to move the province from a defensive posture to an all-out offensive against the virus.

The 4 February Turning Point

During the Wednesday briefing, the Western Cape Cabinet endorsed an intensified “whole-of-society” approach. While the original November 2025 Gouda case was resolved through controlled slaughter, new data prompted the immediate quarantine of properties in Velddrif and Bredasdorp linked to previous livestock movements. Cabinet also formally requested the national department to consider border closures to protect the province’s FMD-free status.

The Mbekweni (Wellington) Confirmation

The urgency of the Cabinet’s plan was validated just 48 hours later. On Wednesday afternoon, a private veterinarian in Wellington reported suspicious clinical signs in a herd in Mbekweni. Samples were airlifted to Pretoria, and by the morning of Friday, 6 February, results officially confirmed the virus. Veterinary teams commenced vaccinations of affected and surrounding cattle that same afternoon.

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ivan Meyer, highlighted the economic stakes following the confirmation:

“This is critical because we are dealing with 11% of the province’s GDP. That is the size of the agricultural sector in the Western Cape. For us, it is significant that we act with speed and urgency… roadblocks will continue because it is vital for us to restrict the movement of animals. However, we must also restrict farm visits. This is very important because biosecurity begins at the farm gate.”

Provincial Government’s R100 Million Intervention

In a decisive media briefing on Sunday, 8 February, Premier Alan Winde and Minister Meyer announced a R100 million allocation to procure vaccines and fund a 21-point emergency plan. This strategy includes 24/7 border controls and rapid response teams to monitor new suspected cases currently under investigation in George, Mossel Bay, Mfuleni, Makhaza, and Kalkfontein.

Garden Route: A Growing Concern

The crisis is no longer localized to the Winelands. On the afternoon of 8 February, the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) flagged a suspected case in a dairy herd in the Mossel Bay area. This has triggered an immediate call for a voluntary lockdown of all dairy farms in the region. Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotze and local safety officials are set to deliberate on municipal response strategies this coming Tuesday.

Movement Control and Biosecurity Protocols

Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku has warned that livestock movement is the highest-risk pathway. Provincial Traffic Officers have intensified inspections at all provincial entry points and weighbridges.

Essential Actions for Farmers:

  • Mandatory Reporting: Any cloven-hoofed animal showing blisters or sores must be reported to a state veterinarian immediately.
  • Movement Control: All movements must be logged via the Animal Movement App.
  • Uncompromising Biosecurity: Restrict farm access, use footbaths, and disinfect all vehicles and equipment.

As the national government moves toward gazetting a formal State of Disaster to unlock further enforcement powers, the Western Cape remains at the frontline of protecting South Africa’s R80 billion livestock industry. Success now depends on the unwavering cooperation of every farmer and transporter to uphold biosecurity protocols and halt the spread of this devastating virus.

Africa’s Green Economy Summit: Powering Agricultural Resilience from Soil to Sea

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Africa’s Green Economy Summit: Powering Agricultural Resilience from Soil to Sea

The agricultural sector is at a crossroads where sustainability and profitability must become synonymous. To address this, the fourth edition of Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2026 is set to return to the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town from 24–27 February 2026. This premier event serves as a strategic bridge between “ambition and action,” focusing specifically on the critical intersections of Renewable Energy, Water Services, Sustainable Agriculture, and the Blue Economy.

As a primary gateway for climate-positive investment on the continent, the summit aims to connect a USD 5 billion pipeline of vetted ventures with a global network of institutional investors and commercial lenders intent on unlocking capital for Africa’s most pressing development priorities.

Beyond the Grid: Energy as a Managed Input

For the modern producer, the summit’s emphasis on decentralized power offers a practical roadmap to energy independence. Rather than remaining vulnerable to national grid instability and rising tariffs, the “Investment Pitch and Showcase” at the heart of the summit features curated projects in agrivoltaics. This technology allows farmers to utilize land for dual purposes: generating solar power while providing essential shade for high-value crops or livestock. Furthermore, the event explores the decarbonization of the “yellow fleet,” showcasing financing models for electric tractors and solar-integrated cold chain logistics that can significantly slash diesel expenses and post-harvest losses.

Blue & Green: The Next Frontier for Diversification

A highlight of the 2026 program is the dedicated Blue Economy Track, which introduces “Regenerative Ocean Industries” as a viable diversification strategy for traditional landowners. While terrestrial farming faces increasing land pressure, the blue economy offers opportunities in seaweed and shellfish production—crops that require zero freshwater or chemical fertilizers. For land-based farmers, this represents a new frontier for producing high-protein animal feed and organic soil stimulants, effectively turning marine conservation into a high-value agricultural input.

Social Equity and the 2030 Job Market

Beyond the balance sheet, transitioning to green sectors is a powerful engine for social equity. In South Africa alone, the shift toward sustainable fields—such as waste-to-value innovation and climate-smart farming—is projected to create over 460,000 new jobs by 2030. To provide a tangible perspective, the summit will include guided technical site visits to Cape Town’s leading green infrastructure projects. These visits will demonstrate how sustainable capital translates into local jobs, increased competitiveness, and long-term regional resilience for the farming community at large.

Too Little, Too Late? Mooring Upgrade Arrives as Fruit Industry Faces R1bn Crisis

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Too Little, Too Late? Mooring Upgrade Arrives as Fruit Industry Faces R1bn Crisis

This week’s delivery of eight new hydraulic mooring units to South African ports marks a high-tech attempt to stabilize the country’s export gateways. However, for the deciduous fruit industry, the R534 million investment is overshadowed by a mounting logistical crisis that has already cost producers hundreds of millions of rands.

On 3 February 2026, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed that four new units are now operational in Cape Town, with four more being commissioned in Durban and Ngqura. Designed to stabilize vessels in winds up to 50 knots, these assets address “vessel ranging”—a phenomenon that often halts loading during the Cape’s frequent high-wind events.

A Billion-Rand Inventory in Limbo

While TNPA Acting Chief Executive Mohammed Abdool hailed the arrival of these assets as a “critical response to climate change,” the industry representative body, Hortgro, has signaled that hardware alone is not enough. In a formal statement issued on January 30, 2026, Hortgro confirmed it is now “considering formal legal remedies” due to what it describes as “sustained, material underperformance” at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT).

The data provided by the industry is stark. Since the start of the 2025/26 season, direct losses have already exceeded R350 million. Even more concerning is the backlog: approximately 1,688 containers are currently stuck in cold storage, representing R1 billion in fruit inventory at risk of spoilage.

“The commercial consequences of this sustained underperformance are now severe,” Hortgro stated, noting that productivity remains below 20 gross crane movements per hour, far behind the global competitive benchmark of 25–30.

Exporters Forced into Costly Detours

To bypass the bottlenecks in Cape Town, exporters have been forced into expensive “logistical gymnastics.” Shipments via Port Elizabeth have surged by 140%, racking up over R133 million in unplanned road transport costs. Additional volumes are being rerouted through Durban and as far as Walvis Bay in Namibia, further eroding the narrow margins of South African farmers.

Structural Gaps Remain

Industry leaders argue that while the new mooring units help with weather delays, they do not fix the “deep-seated structural weaknesses” at the ports. Hortgro has identified five key failure areas:

  • Human resources and labor management shortcomings.
  • Equipment reliability (specifically ship-to-shore cranes).
  • Health and safety governance gaps.
  • Operational execution and control.
  • Communication and accountability.

As the peak export window for pome and stone fruit moves into high gear, the arrival of new mooring technology is a welcome modernization. Yet, for many growers already facing “unsound fruit” claims from overseas markets, the prevailing sentiment is that these interventions have come “too little, too late” to save the 2025/26 season.

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