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Calling All Agri-Processing Businesses in Food, Beverages and Hospitality!

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Calling All Agri-Processing Businesses in Food, Beverages and Hospitality!

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) is calling on agri-processing businesses operating in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors to apply for the opportunity to exhibit at the Kenyan Food Event (KFE) 2025. This prominent trade exhibition will take place from 18 to 20 November 2025 at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

As the largest exhibition dedicated to the food and drink industry across East Africa, the Kenyan Food Event is a key gateway to regional markets. It provides a unique platform for businesses to showcase their products, engage with new suppliers, distributors, and buyers, and explore opportunities to expand their footprint in the continent’s growing consumer markets.

A Regional Trade Showcase with Global Reach

More than 2,500 stakeholders, including key buyers and industry leaders, are expected to attend the event. The KFE is co-located with the Kenyan Hospitality Event, offering participants exposure to broader sectors such as tourism, services, and retail. Together, these exhibitions present valuable opportunities to strengthen business networks and promote South African excellence abroad.

The WCDoA is supporting this initiative as part of its mandate to boost exports, unlock new markets, and empower agri-processing businesses in the Western Cape.

Who Should Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Operate within the food, beverage, or hospitality sub-sectors of agri-processing

  • Be based in the Western Cape

  • Be a registered South African business

  • Demonstrate the capacity to export or scale into new markets

  • Comply with relevant trade, health, and safety standards

Priority will be given to businesses that are export-ready and aligned with the province’s economic development objectives.

Costs Covered for Selected Participants

Approved businesses will have their costs covered by the Department, including:

  • Exhibition space and branding

  • Shipping of product samples

  • Promotional and marketing materials

  • Networking support and logistics

  • Travel-related insurance costs

This support aims to eliminate barriers for small and medium enterprises, enabling them to focus on building new trade links and partnerships in East Africa.

Apply by 30 June 2025

The application deadline is Monday, 30 June 2025. All submissions will undergo a selection and quality assurance process to ensure readiness for international trade engagements. With limited space available, the WCDoA encourages interested businesses to submit applications as soon as possible.

This is a key opportunity for Western Cape businesses to access one of Africa’s most dynamic markets and strengthen their international presence.

For More Information

Babalwa Mbuqe
Email: [email protected]

Kamohelo Mathibeli
Email: [email protected]

Visit: www.westerncape.gov.za

Grain SA Welcomes Revocation of Leaf Services Designation

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Grain SA Welcomes Revocation of Leaf Services Designation

Grain SA welcomes the announcement by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, that the designation of Leaf Services as an assignee under the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 119 of 1990, has officially been revoked.

Victory for Transparency and Accountability

This decision follows years of persistent engagement by Grain SA and other stakeholders across the grain industry, who raised deep concerns about the lack of transparency, stakeholder consultation, and cost implications associated with Leaf Services’ proposed role in grading inspections.

“We commend the Minister and the Department for the significant progress made toward a regulatory environment that is principled, transparent, and accountable,” said Dr Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA. “These strides reflect a growing commitment to regulatory stewardship that aligns with global best practices.”

Years of Advocacy and Legal Action

Since 2016, Grain SA has actively opposed the implementation of Leaf Services’ custodianship over the grain grading system, citing excessive costs to producers – estimated at tens of millions of rands annually – without sufficient consultation or methodological justification. Formal objections were submitted, legal advice pursued, and a direct appeal was made to the Ministry in 2024 to revoke the appointment of Leaf Services.

A Major Cost Saving for Grain Producers

Had the proposed R4-per-ton fee by Leaf Services been implemented in 2016 as intended, it would have cost our members more than R600 million to date. Seen differently, this revocation represents a R600 million saving for grain producers. Grain SA itself incurred R135 000 in legal costs to appeal the proposed implementation – an investment made in the best interest of our members and the broader industry.

Towards Better Regulatory Partnerships

“The grain industry supports regulation that is coherent, cost-effective, enabling and respectful of the rights and responsibilities of both juristic and private actors across the food value chain,” added Doyer. “We believe that regulation, when properly applied, is not merely a safeguard – but a critical enabler of inclusive economic participation, innovation, and agricultural competitiveness.”

The Minister’s statement recognises these concerns, including Leaf Services’ failure to comply with procedural fairness and the absence of a substantive, consultative fee-setting framework. Importantly, the Department has indicated that inspection services will now be handled internally while a more effective Public-Private Partnership model is explored.

Looking Ahead

“Excessive, uncoordinated, or ineffective regulations create barriers to entry, deter investment, increase costs and unnecessary red tape in an industry that supplies staple food for the South Africans, and undermine South Africa’s potential for economic growth and job creation,” said Doyer. “It is therefore encouraging to see that government increasingly recognises the importance of regulatory quality as a cornerstone of national development.”

Grain SA believes that going forward, stronger, principled partnerships between government, industry, and the private sector are essential to building a regulatory framework that protects public interest while fostering productivity, sustainability, and prosperity – both in rural and urban communities.

Grain SA remains committed to constructive collaboration in shaping a more enabling policy and regulatory environment for South African agriculture.

South Africa to Partially Lift Poultry Import Ban from Brazil

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South Africa to Partially Lift Poultry Import Ban from Brazil

South Africa will partially lift its suspension on poultry and poultry product imports from Brazil starting 19 June 2025. Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, confirmed the decision following the receipt of a second report from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The report detailed that the recent poultry disease outbreak had been successfully contained to a single state.

This partial lifting follows a thorough review by the Department of Agriculture and reflects growing international confidence in Brazil’s containment efforts. South Africa now joins several other countries that have also partially eased import bans, acknowledging that Brazil remains a key global supplier of poultry and related products. The Minister noted that the suspension could be reimposed if the outbreak is found to have spread to other states within Brazil.

Risk Assessments and Health Safety Measures

The Department’s veterinary services engaged with their Brazilian counterparts to evaluate the outbreak’s scope, the steps taken to control it, and whether any new outbreaks had occurred on other farms or in other regions. Brazilian authorities reported that poultry products from areas beyond a 10-kilometre radius of the outbreak zone were unaffected and posed no health risks.

South African authorities have emphasised that the decision was based on verified data, and public health remains the top priority. The collaboration ensured that all imported products are sourced from regions that are confirmed safe.

Minister’s Statement and Ongoing Monitoring

Minister Steenhuisen expressed confidence in the decision, stating, “We are glad that, a month after the outbreak was reported in Brazil, we have been able to assess and confirm that risks associated with the importation of poultry and poultry products from Brazil are insignificant. We are closely monitoring the situation.”

The Department of Agriculture will continue to monitor developments and maintain communication with Brazilian authorities to ensure the safety of poultry imports remains intact.

Cape Agritech Connect 2025 Maps the Future of Farming

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Cape Agritech Connect 2025 Maps the Future of Farming

A recent gathering at Nooitgedacht Wine Estate in Stellenbosch offered a bold vision for the future of agriculture—one powered by technology, strengthened by trust, and shaped through collaboration.

At the Cape Agritech Connect 2025 event, hosted by Stellenbosch Network in partnership with LaunchLab and Innovus, farmers, innovators, academics, and policymakers came together to explore how digital tools, artificial intelligence, and cooperative networks are transforming the Western Cape’s agricultural sector.

Technology as a Catalyst for Change

The event’s core message was unmistakable: for agriculture to remain competitive and resilient, adopting technology is not just important—it’s imperative. Daniel Maritz of FutureFit Agri Africa delivered a stark warning to attendees. “Technology is a big disruptor… If we stand still and don’t take notice, we’ll be left behind,” he said.

Maritz projected that AI alone is set to attract over $7 trillion in investment globally over the next five years. He noted that farms of the future will fall into two categories—those that continue with traditional practices and those that embrace smart, tech-enabled models. “It’s about producing smarter, not just more,” he stressed, highlighting the shift toward data-driven decision-making, automation, and integrated value chains.

Trust and Relationships in a Digital Landscape

While technology dominated the agenda, speakers were quick to caution that digital tools alone cannot solve agriculture’s challenges. Dr Tara Southey, CEO of TerraClim, emphasized the critical role of trust and collaboration. “The future of agriculture isn’t just about data and AI. It’s about trust, collaboration, and relationships,” she said.

Southey pointed out that although vast amounts of agricultural data exist, especially in open-source environments, many farmers remain hesitant to share their data due to concerns over privacy and misuse. She called for stronger partnerships built on transparency and mutual benefit. “The real challenge is not access, but how we build the right partnerships to put that data to work,” she explained.

A Regional Push for Inclusive Innovation

Highlighting local innovation efforts, Hanli Brink, Director of the Stellenbosch Network, introduced the Cape AgriFuture Cluster—an ambitious new initiative designed to connect researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and government to accelerate innovation across the sector. The cluster aims to support commercialisation, strengthen food systems, and increase investment visibility for emerging agri-tech ventures.

Brink also announced that the cluster will host a dynamic calendar of events throughout the Western Cape, including AI-in-agriculture showcases, matchmaking sessions for agribusinesses, and co-design workshops that bring together farmers and technologists. These gatherings aim to fast-track innovation by encouraging direct collaboration and practical solution-building across the value chain.

Stellenbosch Deputy Mayor Mynard Slabbert echoed this momentum, reaffirming local government’s role in enabling agriculture-tech synergy. “Our responsibility is to regulate where needed and to create an environment where agriculture and technology can thrive,” he said.

Cape Agritech Connect 2025 made one thing clear: the future of farming will be built on smart technology, but it will only succeed through cooperation, trust, and visionary leadership.

SOLEM se Gevorderde Besproeiingstelsels vir Boere

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SOLEM se Gevorderde Besproeiingstelsels vir Boere

Rovic ‘n vooraanstaande vervaardiger van landboumasjinerie in Suid-Afrika, het ‘n reputasie opgebou vir die verskaffing van topgehalte landboutoerusting en implemente aan boere regoor die land. In hul strewe om die landbou-industrie met innoverende oplossings te bedien, staan Rovic ook uit as die invoerders en verspreiders van SOLEM Besproeiingsbeheerprodukte in Afrika. Die SOLEM reeks maak gebruik van gevorderdec om 9 Volt bepsroeiingkrane oor ‘n lang afstand sonder die beslommernis van lang afstand koperdrade te beheer.

Die kern van SOLEM se produkreeks is die 9-volt beheerstelsels, wat ontwerp is om tussen een en ses krane te kan programmeer. Hierdie stelsels is toegerus met verskeie sensormeters wat outomaties aanpas by ‘n reeks omgewings omstandighede, soos temperatuur, reënval, windspoed, humiditeit, grondvog, en selfs die watervlakke in reservoirs. Hierdie aanpasbaarheid verseker dat jou besproeiingstelsel outomaties en doeltreffend op die natuurlike omgewing reageer.

SOLEM se produkte sluit ook vloeimeterlesings in, wat outomatisering en doeltreffendheid toevoeg deur presies te monitor hoeveel water gebruik word. Daarby waarsku die drukmeters jou onmiddellik as die druk van jou besproeiingstelsel buite voorafbepaalde grense val, wat jou in staat stel om proaktief op sulke kwessies te reageer.

Rovic Leers

Vir daaglikse gebruiksgemak, kan SOLEM se 9-volt kontroleerders deur Bluetooth-tegnologie op kort afstande gemonitor en beheer word. Die ware uitblinker is egter SOLEM se toepassing van LORA-tegnologie, wat draadlose kommunikasie oor afstande tot 800 meter met ‘n basisstasie moontlik maak, sonder enige fisiese verbindings. Hierdie basisstasie kan dan via Wi-Fi of 3G/4G aan die internet gekoppel word, wat gebruikers die buitengewone gerief bied om hul besproeiingstelsels vanaf enige plek in die wêreld, solank hulle internettoegang het, te monitor en te bestuur.

Die beheer van SOLEM se LORA-produkte geskied moeiteloos deur die MySOLEM-toep op jou slimfoon, wat jou onmiddellike toegang en beheer bied, waar jy ook al is. Vir diegene wat op soek is na ‘n meer diepgaande beheer en inligting, bied die MySOLEM-platform op jou rekenaar ‘n uitgebreide uitsig en beheer oor jou besproeiingstelsel, weereens toeganklik vanaf enige plek in die wêreld met ‘n internetverbinding.

SOLEM se benadering tot besproeiingsbeheer herdefinieer die manier waarop ons dink oor landbou- en tuinbouwaterbestuur, met ‘n klem op gemak, doeltreffendheid en tegnologiese vooruitgang.

Vir meer inligting besoek www.rovic.com

Fixing Hunger with Science: A Food Revolution in SA

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Fixing Hunger with Science: A Food Revolution in SA

South Africa produces enough food to feed its people — yet millions still go hungry. This contradiction reveals that hunger isn’t just about availability, but about how our food system functions from farm to fork.

At Stellenbosch University, researchers are reimagining food security using a transdisciplinary approach. Scientists across nutrition, engineering, agriculture, and public health are collaborating to create sustainable, inclusive solutions.

Professor Scott Drimie of the Southern Africa Food Lab says, “Undernutrition in children is not just about food — it’s also about healthcare, sanitation, and care. These systems must work in sync.”

More than a quarter of South African children suffer from a condition called stunting — caused by long-term undernutrition. It limits a child’s physical growth and impairs brain development, often leading to learning difficulties and increased risk of illness later in life.

Modern Diets and a Changing Climate

PhD student Joelaine Chetty warns of the damage done by highly processed, nutrient-poor foods — a product of industrialised food systems. She adds that climate change is worsening the crisis, disrupting crop yields and livestock production through extreme weather. The result? Rising food prices and increased volatility, especially for vulnerable households. Chetty advocates for local, diversified agriculture, supporting small-scale farmers and restoring indigenous foods to daily diets.

Engineering for Impact

Industrial engineer Prof Sara Grobbelaar’s team is applying system thinking to food logistics. In partnership with FoodForward SA, they’re optimising food bank efficiency, cutting emissions, and exploring carbon credit trading to support operations. Her team has also partnered with MIT to analyse wholesale food systems in Spain and introduced processing techniques — such as turning surplus vegetables into soups or pulp — to extend shelf life and reduce waste.

Food Waste

Globally, 783 million people go hungry, yet 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted in 2022 — 60% from households. In South Africa, 10 million tonnes of food are wasted each year, with fruits, vegetables, and cereals accounting for 70%. This waste contributes to up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The research emerging from Stellenbosch shows that solving hunger isn’t about producing more — it’s about producing smarter, distributing more equitably, and designing resilient food systems. With science, collaboration, and the will to act, South Africa has the tools to transform its food future.

South African Ports Eye Integrated Logistics Platform to Boost Fresh Produce Exports

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South African Ports Eye Integrated Logistics Platform to Boost Fresh Produce Exports

South Africa’s fresh produce export sector may soon benefit from a digital transformation aimed at improving port efficiency, reducing costly delays, and boosting global competitiveness. At a recent workshop convened by the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), stakeholders explored the creation of an integrated logistics data platform designed to unify multiple sources of information and improve the flow of goods through the country’s key ports. The idea draws on successful international examples such as the Portbase system at Rotterdam and Singapore’s Networked Trade Platform.

These systems consolidate data across government agencies, private companies, shipping lines, customs authorities, and port operators, streamlining supply chains and improving transparency. For South Africa, where inefficiencies at key hubs such as Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Ngqura, and Richards Bay often disrupt trade, such integration could be transformative.

Port Delays Threaten Export Competitiveness

Each of South Africa’s ports plays a vital role in both fresh produce exports and broader trade. The Port of Durban is the country’s largest and busiest port, handling most containerized cargo including manufactured goods and some agricultural exports. The Port of Cape Town is essential for fresh fruit exports like grapes, citrus, apples, and pears, thanks to its proximity to the Western Cape’s production areas. The Port of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) serves both citrus exports and the automotive industry, while nearby Ngqura operates as a growing transshipment hub. Richards Bay primarily handles bulk commodities such as coal and minerals but remains strategically significant. Despite their importance, these ports face frequent operational challenges, including vessel delays, congestion, equipment breakdowns, labour shortages, and weather disruptions.

These issues are particularly damaging for time-sensitive fresh produce exports, where delays can result in financial losses, quality degradation, and even lost market access. Exporters also face growing competition from countries like Chile, Peru, and Australia, which have modernized their port systems to ensure faster and more reliable shipments. South Africa’s fragmented logistics data systems often hinder effective planning, leading to inefficiencies and rising costs across the export chain.

Integrating Data for Smarter Logistics

The proposed integrated platform would merge data from various existing systems. These include the Provincial Government Digital Logistics Planning Platform developed by Crickmay, Agri-Hub’s fresh produce stock movement monitoring, the South African Table Grape Industry’s optimisation model, the Perishable Products Export Control Board’s container monitoring data, and Transnet’s internal port productivity portal. Consolidating these systems would allow for real-time collaboration among exporters, port authorities, customs, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and inland transporters. According to the FPEF, the goal is to establish “a highly optimised and efficient logistics chain by achieving seamless collaboration and unified reporting across all logistics data sources.” Such integration would enable predictive planning, better resource allocation, and real-time visibility. Exporters could coordinate truck arrivals more accurately, containers could be pre-cleared for inspections, and shipping lines could receive more precise berthing schedules, all reducing costly delays. The first step will be formalising partnerships with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), guided by a memorandum of understanding.

A Catalyst for Broader Modernisation

Beyond fresh produce, an integrated logistics platform could serve as a blueprint for modernising South Africa’s entire port system. Efficient ports are critical not only for agriculture but also for mineral exports, automotive shipments, and manufacturing. As global trade becomes more technology-driven, South Africa’s ability to modernise its logistics infrastructure will be key to maintaining its role in international trade and growing its economy.

Bredasdorp Park bekroon by Wes-Kaapse Ekonomiese Innovasie-toekennings

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Bredasdorp Park bekroon by Wes-Kaapse Ekonomiese Innovasie-toekennings

Bredasdorp Park NPC is vereer met een van die gesogte Wes-Kaapse Ekonomiese Innovasie-toekennings vir hul baanbrekerswerk met die NAMPO Kaap landbou-ekspo.

Hierdie jaarlikse toekennings bekroon uitnemendheid in ekonomiese innovasie en gee erkenning aan individue en organisasies wat deur kreatiewe denke en vernuwende benaderings betekenisvolle ekonomiese groei in die Wes-Kaap bevorder. John Lawson, uitvoerende hoof van die Kaapse Kamer van Koophandel en Nywerheid, het beklemtoon dat die toekennings daarop gemik is om die rol  van innovasie as dryfveer vir vooruitgang te beklemtoon en toekomstige innoveerders te inspireer.

Altesaam 14 innovasietoekennings is in vier kategorieë toegeken om Suid-Afrikaanse innoveerders te vereer wat tot ekonomiese groei in die Wes-Kaap bydra. Die jaarlikse toekennings bevorder innovasie as ‘n belangrike deel van die provinsie se Groei vir Werk-strategie. “Innovasie is die dryfveer agter vooruitgang,” het John Lawson, uitvoerende hoof van die Kaapse Kamer van Koophandel, gesê. “Die viering van ons innoveerders inspireer toekomstige innoveerders om hul idees te ontwikkel.”

Bredasdorp Park en NAMPO Kaap groei as landbou-innovasieplatform

Henk Aggenbach, voorsitter van die Bredasdorp Park NPC-raad, het die toekenning namens Bredasdorp Park NPC ontvang. Dit is toegeken vir die rol wat NAMPO Kaap speel in die bevordering van die landboubedryf en die dryf van ekonomiese groei in die Wes-Kaap.

Die geskiedenis van die ekspo dateer terug na 1992 toe Niel Giliomee die eerste landboudag in die Overberg aangebied het. In 2017 het Bredasdorp Park NPC, in vennootskap met Overberg Agri, die bestuur van Bredasdorp Park oorgeneem. Met die ondersteuning van Graan SA is dit ontwikkel tot die tuiste van NAMPO Kaap – Suid-Afrika se tweede grootste landbou-ekspo. Die ekspo verenig sleutelbelanghebbendes soos Graan SA, MPO, RPO, Stamboek, NWKV en verskeie regeringsinstansies.

NAMPO Kaap het sedert sy ontstaan indrukwekkende groei getoon. Die aantal uitstallers het gestyg van 350 in 2018 tot 542 in 2024, terwyl besoekersgetalle van 16 000 2018 tot 45 894 in 2024 gegroei het. Uitstallers se beleggings in die ekspo het van R18 miljoen in 2018 tot R30 miljoen in 2024 gestyg, en die impak op die  plaaslike ekonomie het van R4 miljoen tot R20 miljoen uitgebrei – ‘n  duidelike aanduiding van die ekspo se groeiende invloed en sukses.

“Hierdie toekenning is vir ‘n organisasie. Baie geluk en dankie aan elke lid van die span. Ek is trots om deel van hierdie span te wees,” het Aggenbach by ontvangs van die toekenning gesê. In sy slottoespraak het die Wes-Kaapse premier, Alan Winde, ook spesifiek verwys na NAMPO Kaap en Bredasdorp Park as impakvolle organisasies wat mense, idees en gemeenskappe saambring.

Innovasie, het Winde en ander sprekers benadruk, gaan nie net oor tegnologie nie, maar oor ingesteldheid – om oplossings te vind, om groei te dryf, en om die toekoms doelgerig te vorm.  NAMPO Kaap vind plaas van 10 – 13 September 2025 te Bredasdorp Park.

Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index Declines Mildly in Q2 2025

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Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index Declines Mildly in Q2 2025

After a strong start to 2025, South Africa’s agribusiness sector experienced a slight dip in confidence in the second quarter. According to Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) fell by 5 points to 65 in Q2 2025. While this marks a decline from the previous quarter, the index remains comfortably above the neutral 50-point threshold, signalling that the sector remains broadly optimistic about business conditions.

This moderation in confidence comes against the backdrop of a challenging global trade environment, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and domestic concerns, particularly around animal disease outbreaks like foot-and-mouth disease. Despite these headwinds, positive developments such as good summer rainfall and improvements at the country’s ports have helped support agribusiness activity and maintain overall optimism.

The ACI survey, which was conducted in early June, reflects the views of agribusinesses operating across South Africa’s diverse agricultural subsectors.

Subindices Show Mixed Performance

The ACI consists of ten subindices, capturing different dimensions of agribusiness activity. In Q2 2025, six of these subindices declined, while the remaining four held steady.

Subindices that Declined

Turnover and Net Operating Income: Both indicators declined by 5 points, standing at 55 and 65 respectively. The decline in turnover was largely driven by weaker confidence among red meat producers, who remain affected by animal health issues.

  • Export Sentiment: Dropped sharply by 40 points to 60. Despite this significant fall, export confidence remains relatively strong, supported by robust export earnings of US$3.36 billion in Q1 2025, which were 10% higher than a year earlier.
  • General Economic Conditions: Declined by 15 points to 50, highlighting concerns over slowing growth prospects both domestically and globally.
  • Market Share: Fell modestly by 5 points to 65, with most businesses reporting largely unchanged views compared to the previous quarter.

Subindices that Remained Steady

  • Employment: Remained unchanged at 55, underpinned by strong production conditions in field crops and horticulture.
  • Capital Investment: Stayed steady at 75, reflecting solid investment activity, as shown by continued strong tractor and combine harvester sales.
  • General Agricultural Conditions: Held firm at a high 80 points, benefiting from the favourable La Niña rainfall during the 2024/25 summer season.

Financial Indicators

Unlike the other subindices, changes in financing costs and bad debt provisions are interpreted inversely. In Q2 2025, financing costs unexpectedly rose by 10 points to 85, despite a general easing of interest rates, suggesting some financial strain in certain areas. Meanwhile, the bad debt provision remained stable at 50, indicating that while some farmers continue to face financial pressures, conditions have not deteriorated further.

Looking Ahead

Despite the mild decline in the index, the overall outlook for South African agribusiness remains positive. However, as Sihlobo highlights, the sector’s strong reliance on export markets makes it vulnerable to global developments. Expanding access to markets such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, while maintaining existing trade relationships in the EU, UK, Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Americas, remains essential for long-term growth.

Equally important is the need for ongoing collaboration between government and industry to strengthen biosecurity systems, improve infrastructure and municipal management, and fully implement the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan. These steps will help ensure that South Africa’s agricultural sector remains resilient, competitive, and well-positioned for sustainable growth.

Agriculture Celebrated Among Winners at 2025 Western Cape Innovation Awards

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Agriculture Celebrated Among Winners at 2025 Western Cape Innovation Awards

Two standout agricultural innovations were recognised at the recent Western Cape Innovation Awards 2025, hosted by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Cape Town City Hall. The awards honoured 14 innovations across multiple sectors, with several key developments in agriculture and agri-processing earning praise.

South Africa Wine Honoured for Digital Skills Innovation

South Africa Wine, the national industry body for the country’s wine sector, received an Industry Innovation Award for its pioneering digital approach to skills development. Its Learning Management System (LMS) has opened up new opportunities for wine producers, farmworkers, and small operators by providing accessible, online training across the value chain.

The LMS currently supports over 2,600 users, offering more than 590 courses covering topics such as viticulture, compliance, and export marketing. The platform has doubled its user base in the past year, while reducing costs for businesses by eliminating travel and venue expenses. Notably, over 40% of participants are women, with many from smaller farms now able to access world-class training regardless of location.

“This innovation matters because it’s not just about technology, it’s about people, growth, and transformation,” said Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine.

NAMPO Kaap Recognised for Promoting Agri-Innovation

NAMPO Kaap / Cape, represented by Henk Agenbach from Bredasdorp Park, was also awarded for its ongoing role in promoting agricultural technology and innovation. The NAMPO Kaap expo has become a key platform for showcasing the latest developments in precision agriculture, machinery, and farming techniques, supporting knowledge transfer across the sector.

Broader Innovation Recognised Across the Province

In addition to agriculture, innovations in technology, sustainability, public services, and civil society were also recognised for driving economic growth in the province.

Among the other winners was Stellenbosch-based Cubespace, honoured for its development of satellite control systems used by international clients such as NASA. Zerocrete was awarded for creating low-carbon concrete made from non-recyclable plastic and fabrics, significantly cutting emissions. A world-first recycled plastic bucket innovation was also recognised for its quality and environmental impact.

In the public sector, the City of Cape Town’s Ease of Doing Business Programme and the Western Cape Growth for Jobs Programme received awards for streamlining business processes and promoting economic development. Civil society organisations Development Action Group (DAG) and the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) were acknowledged for their contributions to housing and food security respectively.

Cape Chamber CEO John Lawson described innovation as central to the province’s Growth for Jobs strategy, saying, “Innovation is the magic ingredient that drives us forward — our innovators are our trailblazers.”

FNB Western Cape Commercial Head Stephan Claasen closed the event by highlighting South Africa’s favourable investment climate, noting that innovation will be key to driving future growth.

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