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Producers Hopeful of a Good-Quality 2025 Harvest

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Producers Hopeful of a Good-Quality 2025 Harvest

South African wine producers are entering the 2025 season with cautious optimism following the challenges of 2024, which saw extreme weather events such as floods, frost, and strong winds. According to industry bodies Vinpro and SAWIS, the outlook for 2025 is promising, supported by favourable winter rainfall, improved chill unit accumulation, and reduced frost damage.

The winter of 2024 brought record-breaking rainfall, replenishing dam levels across key wine regions. Vines have benefited from these conditions, building healthy carbohydrate reserves and experiencing low disease pressure. A shift toward later pruning also helped mitigate frost risks, promoting a uniform bud break. While some vineyards are still recovering from last year’s flood damage, the stage is set for a potentially strong harvest, with many regions expecting improved quality.

Weather conditions during the critical bunch initiation period in 2024 varied across regions, with cooler and wetter conditions in the interior and warmer, windier conditions along the coast. These irregularities may influence the crop’s size and quality in 2025, but producers remain optimistic about an overall recovery.

Dr. Etienne Terblanche, head of Vinpro Consultation Services, highlights the importance of adapting to weather patterns and sustainable practices, stating, “The 2025 crop has potential for recovery thanks to favourable winter conditions. However, producers must remain proactive to ensure consistent quality.”

South Africa Wine CEO Rico Basson also expressed confidence: “A successful harvest is critical for the sustainability and competitiveness of our wine industry. The 2025 harvest provides an opportunity to position South African wines as leaders on the global stage.”

Wine Harvest Celebration

The wine industry will celebrate its 366th year at the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event on February 6, 2025, at Groot Constantia. This prestigious event honours the industry’s heritage and contributions, with highlights including new awards recognizing farm workers and the celebration of inclusivity and innovation in South African wine. Cheers to a thriving season and legacy!

TE Toere se Keuse in Mei: Turkye of China

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TE Toere se Keuse in Mei: Turkye of China

As die voete jeuk in Mei, roep twee uiteenlopende bestemmings diegene wat ’n verrykende reis deur tyd, kultuur en asemrowende landskappe soek: Turkye en China. Elk ’n fassinerende kombinasie van baie ou geskiedenis, kulturele rykdom en verstommende kontraste wat die ontdekkingsreisiger in iedere reisgierige sal uitbring.

Turkye is die betowerende kruispad van beskawings, waar kontinente en kulture saamvloei. Vanaf woelige Istanboel, die feëtjie-landskap van Kappadokia tot aan die Middelandse See, getuig elke oomblik van die land se ryk historiese erfenis. Die reis ontbloot die diepgang van menslike ervaring: Bisantynse kerke uit rots gekap, Aspendos se trotse antieke Romeinse teaters, en die spirituele wysheid van Rumi wat deur die Anatoliese hooglande eggo.

Terselfdertyd ontvou China as ’n beskawing van asemrowende teenstrydighede. Sjanghai bewys hierdie dualiteit perfek, waar futuristiese wolkekrabbers skadu’s gooi oor imposante, koloniale argitektuur. Die landskappe wissel dramaties van die rustige Wes-meer in Hangzhou tot dramatiese kalksteenspitse van die Li-rivier by Guilin, en die argeologiese wonder van die Terracotta-leër tot die imperiale oordadigheid van Beijing se Verbode Stad.

Beide bestemmings is meer as net besienswaardighede; hulle bied oorweldige kulturele ervarings. In Turkye is daar die hipnotiese bewegings van die warrelende derwisje, die helende warmbronne van Pamukkale, en die emosionele historiese paaie van Effese en Gallipoli. In China is daar die rustige vaart op die Li-rivier tussen hoë pieke, mistiek geklee in flarde mis, die bekoring van antieke waterdorpies ver in tyd verwyder van moderne China, of die absolute opwinding van stap op die Groot Muur – getuienis van menslike volharding en vernuf.

Die keuse tussen Turkye en China is minder ’n geval van vergelyking en meer oor waarby mens aanklank vind. Turkye lok met sy eiesoortige mengsel van sekulêr en heilig, antiek en modern. Laasgenoemde netso in China, met met sy imperiale geskiedenis en vinnig-veranderende landskap. Albei beloof ondervindings wat persepsies uitdaag, horisonne verbreed, en bowenal blywende herinneringe skep.

Of jy nou aangetrokke is tot die mistieke kruispaaie van Turkye of die ou-ou verhale van China… Die wêreld wag, ryk aan dit wat jy nog kan ontdek.

Kontak TE Tours by Club Travel Tyger Valley, tel. 021 914 2265, of e-pos
[email protected] | www.smallgrouptours.co.za

How India’s 10-Minute Grocery Trend Could Boost South African Citrus Exports

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How India’s 10-Minute Grocery Trend Could Boost South African Citrus Exports

India’s rapid adoption of Quick Commerce platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto is not only transforming how groceries are purchased but also opening up new opportunities for South African citrus exporters. As this mode of instant delivery reshapes consumer behaviour, it provides a unique platform for introducing imported products to a vast and growing market. Justin Chadwick, CEO of South Africa’s Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA), highlights both the opportunities and challenges this dynamic presents for South African citrus producers.

Quick Commerce

Quick commerce platforms promise delivery of groceries and other products in under 10 minutes, a concept made possible by densely populated urban centres like New Delhi, with its population of 40 million. These platforms rely on strategically located “dark stores” stocked with a wide range of goods, enabling them to meet consumer demand almost instantly.

For South African citrus exporters, this trend is a golden opportunity. By leveraging these platforms, exporters can introduce their products directly to Indian consumers, accompanied by targeted advertising and education about the health benefits and culinary versatility of citrus fruits. This direct-to-consumer approach not only boosts demand but also builds brand loyalty.

Growing Trade Between South Africa and India

Trade relations between South Africa and India have strengthened significantly in recent years, with citrus exports growing from 10,000 tons in 2020 to almost 30,000 tons in 2024. While oranges have traditionally dominated the market, mandarins now account for nearly a third of South African citrus exports to India. There is also untapped potential for growth in lemons and grapefruits, making India an increasingly important market for South African citrus growers.

The recent India-South Africa Business Conclaves in New Delhi and Mumbai underscored the importance of this trade relationship. Promotional campaigns like “Beautiful Fruit, Beautiful Country” have successfully linked South African fruit exports to the country’s tourism appeal, enhancing consumer interest.

Challenges Hindering Expansion

Despite this growth, significant challenges remain. Indian import duties on citrus products are set at a prohibitive 30%, making South African fruits less competitive compared to local and other international suppliers. Additionally, India’s stringent shipping requirements currently prohibit in-transit cold treatment of fruit, requiring either fumigation or land-based treatment. These processes add to costs and extend delivery times.

However, recent pilot shipments using in-transit cold treatment were successful, paving the way for potential revisions to shipping requirements by 2025. These developments are crucial for reducing costs and ensuring the freshness of citrus products upon arrival in India.

Opportunities for Collaboration and Growth

To capitalize on this growing market, South African exporters must work closely with Indian authorities to address trade barriers. Reducing import duties and revising shipping protocols will be critical to enhancing the competitiveness of South African citrus in India.

Further, innovations in quick commerce platforms can be used to build consumer awareness and preference for South African products. Targeted marketing campaigns highlighting the health benefits, flavour profiles, and sustainability of South African citrus can resonate with India’s health-conscious and urbanized population.

The rise of quick commerce in India represents a transformative opportunity for South African citrus exporters. While challenges such as high import duties and shipping restrictions persist, the strong trade relationship between the two countries and innovations in logistics offer a promising path forward. By addressing these hurdles and leveraging quick commerce platforms, South Africa can further cement its place as a trusted supplier in one of the world’s fastest-growing citrus markets.

FoodForward SA: Driving Innovation to Fight Hunger

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FoodForward SA: Driving Innovation to Fight Hunger

In the fight against food insecurity, malnutrition and hunger FoodForward SA (FFSA) has partnered with two leading South African and international Universities to ensure that our innovative foodbanking model remains relevant, accurate and cost-effective.

Optimising Supply Chain and Facility Operations

The University of Stellenbosch’s Department of Industrial Engineering (USDIE) is currently conducting four research projects with our organisation. The first project relates to the optimisation of our supply chain network, using the data collected from our extensive logistics operation.

The study has created a simulation model, currently in the testing phase, that should allow us to accurately predict the cost of expanding our footprint into rural and underserved communities, allowing for more cost-effective logistics and lower costs per meal.

At 46c per meal, our foodbanking model is among the most cost-effective in the world.

Similarly, the second research project is also an optimisation model, but this time focused on facility operations and locations, using a mathematical model to minimise the cost of operations, maximise the net carbon savings from food recovery and, most importantly, maximise the net social benefits due to our existence.

Performance Metrics and Environmental Impact

The third study being undertaken by USDIE is focused on creating a robust performance evaluation and reporting framework, aligned to our governance framework. Creating a set of standardised performance and reporting parameters and ensuring that all beneficiary data meet the necessary legal clearances for use.

The final research project will explore the feasibility of carbon credits, based on FFSA’s innovative food recovery and redistribution model, which is seen as a novel climate adaptation and mitigation strategy for the management of food loss and waste.

Skye Nolan Named 2024’s Best New Wine Writer

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Skye Nolan Named 2024’s Best New Wine Writer

The country’s best new wine writer for 2024 is Skye Nolan from Brackenfell near Cape Town, assistant-winemaker and compliance manager at Bellevue Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, who also had work stints at four other Cape wineries, as well as doing wine educational and business courses at a youthful age.

The runner-up is Alisa Knoblauch from Somerset West, marketing manager at L’Avenir and Le Bonheur Estates, who also took second place in this competition of the SA National Wine Show Association (SANWSA) in collaboration with WineLand magazine in 2019.

The winner of the blogs division of this 12 year-old competition, is another winemaker Mika Engelbrecht, who handles the Iwayini Wines at Neethlingshof, also in Stellenbosch, and who featured in WineLand’s annual “30 under 30” that highlights young movers in the wine industry.

The results were announced at a function at the SANWSA’s offices at the Simonsvlei Wines Business Hub outside Paarl, where Skye Nolan received R15 000 for her winning article, Alisa Knoblauch R7 500 as runner-up and Mika Engelbrecht R3,000 for the best blog.

The New SA Wine Writer of the Year competition is open to writers 35 years old or younger and presented by SANWSA, a fully representative industry organisation – which runs the SA Young Wine Show, Veritas Awards and SA Terroir Competition – aiming to identify smart new talent in the wine industry.

The competition was judged in two categories, one for wine-related magazine print articles and one for web blogs, dealing with one of four prescribed subjects.

Diverse Perspectives: Insights from the Winning Entries

Skye Nolan’s overall winning entry was a print article titled The Rise, Pause and Reversal of Premiumisation: Where Does South Africa Stand? She concluded that

“The future of South African wine lies in its ability to adapt to the realities of reverse premiumisation and recognise it as a significant development within the industry. As global and local markets continue to evolve, South Africa has the opportunity to lead by example, showcasing how innovation and authenticity can shape the future of wine.”

Runner-up Alisa Knoblauch, also in a magazine print article, dealt with the subject of Reverse Premiumisation, stating, “With rising economic pressures and a global cost-of-living crisis, reliable data suggests that premium wine consumption is slowing as consumers tighten their budgets – signalling that the wine industry must rethink ‘premium’ by moving beyond luxury pricing to embrace values like authenticity, sustainability, and craftsmanship.”

Mika Engelbrecht, whose blog looked at Five ways for wine to appeal to the GenZ consumer. “By understanding GenZ’s unique preferences and priorities, we can create engaging experiences, promote sustainable practices and foster a more inclusive wine culture,” she wrote.

Judging Excellence: Insights from the Panel

The 2024 judging panel comprised seasoned wine journalists Wanda Augustyn, Cassie du Plessis, Danie Keet, Neil Pendock and Maryke Roberts, who agreed that the 2024 entries were showing the enthusiasm of knowledgeable younger people in the wine business to enter the fields of writing articles and blogs. The judges said it is good to see that after 12 years of the competition, several new writers enter the competition every year – for whom it should be gratifying to see the winning entries published in WineLand, that has been the media partner from the onset.

Wanda Augustyn, editor of WineLand Media, congratulated the winners, saying, “Your achievement reflects the talent and the growing significance of new voices in shaping the narrative of our dynamic industry. I believe that the perspectives of emerging writers are essential in inspiring a new generation of wine enthusiasts and pushing the boundaries of how we think, talk, and write about wine. Your passion and creativity are the heart of the industry’s future, and we look forward to seeing how your journey will continue to enrich the world of wine.”

SANWSA chairperson Christo Pienaar added, “We are excited to see the interest in this competition from numerous new writers to tell the many interesting stories and join the debate about our industry. They are the new voices to speak to the next generation of consumers and wine lovers.”

Elsenburg Celebrates the Future of Agriculture: 189 Students Graduate with Top Honours

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Elsenburg Celebrates the Future of Agriculture: 189 Students Graduate with Top Honours

On Saturday, 7 December 2024, 189 students graduated from the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in Stellenbosch with qualifications ranging from Certificates and Diplomas in Agriculture to Baccalaureus (bachelor’s degree).

Fifty-two students successfully completed the learnership programme, 57 the diploma programme, 73 the B Agri  programme and 7 received certificates in equine studies.

Special Awards in the Learnership Programme went to:

  • Best student in Animal Production: NQF level 4:  Danelle Groenewald
  • Best student in Plant Production: Viticulture NQF level 4: Valentino Januarie
  • Best student in Plant Production: Pomology: NQF level 4: Petrovene van Wyk

DUX Awards were awarded to:

  • Danelle Groenewald from Philadelphia (learnership prgramme)
  • Engela Uithaler from Ladismith ( Diploma in Agriculture) and
  • Johanna Slabber from Mooreesburg ( B Agric).

The National Wool Growers Association Award in Wool Production was awarded to Keanu Cilliers; Best Student in Animal Health: Small Stock went to Gert Viljoen and Johanna Slabber earned the Best Student in Animal Health: Large Stock award.

Congratulating the students, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said, “Your graduation inspires hope. I commend you on behalf of Premier, Alan Winde, the Western Cape Government, the Council of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, led by Professor Danie Brink, and the people of our province. You are the future of agriculture.”

Praising their parents and guardians Minister Meyer added, “We must express our gratitude to you for your sacrifice, encouragement, inspiration, motivation and most of all for never losing confidence in your children’s ability to succeed. Today’s graduation confirms that it was all worth it.”

“A skilled labour force is one of the key pillars of the Western ‘s Growth for Jobs Strategy (G4J).  Elsenburg has been creating opportunities in agriculture for the youth for more than 125 years. It will continue to do so for many more years to come and enable the sector to contribute to the bold target set for 2035 where our regional economy will be growing by 5%” a year,” concluded Minister Meyer.

CapeWine 2025: Showcasing South Africa’s Wine Heritage to the World

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CapeWine 2025: Showcasing South Africa’s Wine Heritage to the World

Wines of South Africa (WoSA) is thrilled to announce the return of CapeWine, the country’s largest and most prestigious wine trade show, scheduled for 10-12 September 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). For the first time, DHL Express and Hillebrand Gori – a company of DHL, have joined forces as the headline sponsors of the event, showcasing their commitment to supporting the growth of South African wine globally.

As the triennial flagship event for South African wine, CapeWine 2025 will showcase the richness and diversity of South Africa’s wine industry to an international audience of trade professionals, media, and enthusiasts.

Theme: “Our Warmest Welcome”

The theme of CapeWine 2025, Our Warmest Welcome, encapsulates the spirit of South Africa’s wine industry. It is not only about the wine itself, but the people who produce it. This event is an invitation to trade professionals from around the world to connect with the diverse individuals shaping the wine industry. Attendees will have the chance to:

  • CONNECT: Build meaningful relationships, whether through conversation, shared meals, or a glass of wine.
  • BE INSPIRED: Experience the innovation and excellence behind South African wines, renowned for their quality and diversity.
  • BRING YOUR STORIES, WE’LL SHARE OURS: Engage with winemakers, farmers, sommeliers, and others to exchange stories that reflect the heart of the South African wine industry.

A Rich Experience Beyond the Show Floor

The expo which was first hosted in 2000 with 100 exhibitors has grown over 10 editions and has become renowned for its extensive showcase of over 400 South African wine producers. The event will also offer a host of immersive experiences that go beyond the trade floor. Attendees will explore the different wine regions, discover rare varieties, meet talented winemakers, and engage with groups of like-minded enthusiasts.

“This tenth edition of our flagship trade event promises to be one of the best yet. 25 Years after the first CapeWine was launched in 2000, it has grown exponentially and the show as we know it today, has evolved to truly reflect what the South African wine industry is all about: the phenomenal wines that we produce, our wonderfully warm people, the dramatic and spectacular landscapes and the overall richness of our culture. I look forward to welcoming trade from around the world to join us for what will be an unforgettable experience”, says Wines of South Africa CEO, Siobhan Thompson.

The 2025 edition promises to elevate the South African wine industry’s global profile, attracting trade and media representatives from over 60 countries. The event runs daily from 10:00 to 17:00, providing ample opportunities to network, taste exceptional wines, and explore the local culture and landscapes of the Cape Winelands.

Registration and Tickets

A full list of exhibitors and activities will be available on the CapeWine 2025 website: www.capewine2025.com. Registration opens early in 2025, with tickets available for the full three-day event at R800, or a daily ticket for R500.

For media inquiries and additional information, please contact:

Wines of South Africa (WoSA)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +27 (0)21 883 3860

Optimism Grows in South Africa’s Agribusiness Sector: Q4 Report Analysis

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Optimism Grows in South Africa’s Agribusiness Sector: Q4 Report Analysis

The Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) for Q4 2024, issued by Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), reflects an encouraging sentiment in South Africa’s agribusiness sector. The ACI rose by 10 points from Q3 to reach 58, marking its highest level since Q2 2022. This improvement underscores a growing optimism among agribusiness stakeholders about the country’s business environment. Key drivers of this sentiment include favourable weather conditions, enhanced infrastructure efficiency, and political stabilization following the formation of a Government of National Unity.

Key Factors Driving Optimism

Favourable weather conditions, particularly the expected La Niña rains, are poised to support the 2024/25 agricultural season. This has spurred increased planting activity and positive expectations for summer crops. Additionally, the 2023 winter crop harvest has outperformed expectations, further fuelling positive sentiment.

Improved infrastructure and governance have also played a critical role. Stable energy supply, better port efficiencies, and a more positive political climate following recent governmental reforms have bolstered confidence in the sector. Initiatives such as Operation Vulindlela are addressing structural challenges, fostering optimism about long-term growth.

Breakdown of Subindices

Among the ten subindices that make up the ACI, five showed notable improvements in Q4 2024. The market share subindex increased to 67, reflecting resilience in regions focused on winter grains. Capital investment sentiment improved, rising to 63, as lower interest rates created opportunities for businesses to access financing. Export sentiment saw a remarkable jump, reaching 83, the highest level since early 2022. This aligns with actual trade data, which shows a 5% year-on-year increase in agricultural exports in Q3 2024.

The subindex measuring general economic conditions improved significantly, reaching 63. This reflects reduced load-shedding and the positive impacts of economic reforms. Similarly, general agricultural conditions rose to 67, the highest level since late 2021, driven by expectations of strong rainfall and favourable planting conditions.

Areas of Concern: Declining Sentiment

Despite the overall positive trends, some areas witnessed declines. The turnover subindex dropped, reflecting challenges from a poor summer grains harvest during the 2023/24 season. Net operating income also declined, signalling continued strain in the livestock sector.

Employment sentiment fell slightly, a reflection of a challenging agricultural season. However, official employment data shows a 4% quarter-on-quarter increase in agricultural jobs in Q3 2024, suggesting a mixed picture. Financing costs unexpectedly rose, signalling lingering financial pressures despite easing interest rates.

Strategic Focus for Long-term Growth

Wandile Sihlobo emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government to sustain the optimism observed in Q4 2024. Efforts should focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving municipal management, and addressing biosecurity concerns. Expanding into new export markets is also crucial, with BRICS countries and Saudi Arabia highlighted as priority regions.

Additionally, partnerships with commodity associations and researchers will be essential for driving innovation and ensuring resilience in the sector. Addressing these strategic areas will help build on the sector’s momentum and unlock its full potential.

The Q4 ACI results highlight a sector poised for recovery and growth. While challenges remain, the positive sentiment reflected in the index signals a strong foundation for the future. By addressing systemic issues and leveraging the current optimism, the agribusiness sector can become a driving force for economic revival in South Africa. Collaborative efforts between businesses, financial institutions like Nedbank, and government will be critical in sustaining and expanding the opportunities that lie ahead.

African grains reclaim their place, blending heritage, health, and sustainability

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African grains reclaim their place, blending heritage, health, and sustainability

Indigenous African grains like sorghum, millet, and fonio are making a notable comeback in modern food culture. Long overshadowed by commercial staples such as rice and maize, these nutrient-rich grains are regaining their rightful place on plates worldwide. Spearheaded by chefs, food entrepreneurs, and organizations like The Sorghum Agenda—founded by Zandile Finxa, an Assistant Product Developer at Woolworths—this revival is driven by a growing recognition of the grains’ health benefits, cultural significance, and environmental sustainability. Efforts such as the International Year of Millets in 2023 have further amplified awareness, encouraging both innovative culinary applications and a deeper appreciation for these ancient grains.

The Cultural Significance of Ancient Grains

For centuries, grains like sorghum were the backbone of African diets, deeply woven into the fabric of daily life and cultural identity. Passed down through oral traditions, recipes involving these grains connected generations, serving as symbols of sustenance, pride, and heritage. However, as Westernized cuisines gained prominence and commercial staples like rice and maize became dominant, these traditional grains were gradually relegated to the margins.

This loss is not just culinary but cultural, as many recipes and techniques tied to indigenous grains have faded over time. For many Africans, reviving these grains represents a reclamation of identity and a return to roots. The act of cooking with sorghum or millet is more than nourishment—it’s a revival of memories, traditions, and stories shared across families. As pride in African culinary heritage grows, so too does the desire to preserve and celebrate these grains, ensuring their place in both traditional and modern kitchens.

Role of Chefs in Reviving African Grains

Chefs across Africa are key to transforming indigenous grains into culinary stars. At Ouzeri, Nic Charalambous uses sorghum molasses as a flavourful dressing, while The Potluck Club’s Jason Kosmas garnishes chicken and sweetbread dishes with popped grains. Kobus van der Merwe of Wolfgat creates sorghum biscuits, and Summerhill Guest Estate’s LivingRoom serves “mabele porridge,” a dessert blending traditional sorghum with vanilla and amasi. Mokgadi Itsweng explores sorghum in salads, smoothies, and ting, a fermented porridge enjoyed in South Africa. Similarly, Vusi Ndlovu experiments with millet, incorporating it into ice cream and other innovative dishes. These chefs demonstrate the grains’ versatility, inspiring a cultural and culinary renaissance.

Notably, restaurants and retailers such as Woolworths are playing a crucial role in normalizing these ingredients. Products like sorghum-based breads and cereals are becoming more accessible, inspiring consumers to incorporate them into everyday cooking.

Why This Matters: Health, Sustainability, and Heritage

The revival of African grains goes beyond culinary trends, addressing pressing global concerns. These grains are nutritional powerhouses, rich in fibre, protein, and essential vitamins, making them a valuable alternative to refined and imported grains. Beyond their health benefits, crops like sorghum and millet are environmentally resilient, thriving in arid conditions with minimal resources. This makes them vital in the face of climate change and food security challenges, particularly in regions grappling with water scarcity.

By integrating these grains into modern food systems, the world can benefit from a more sustainable and diversified diet. Their resurgence also highlights the importance of supporting local food systems and reducing reliance on imported staples. As these grains become more accessible, they offer an opportunity to create a future where traditional crops play a central role in addressing both nutritional and ecological needs. This movement underscores the potential of indigenous grains to enrich not just African food culture but global culinary practices, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable approach to eating.

Eating Green at School: A Revolutionary Step Towards Sustainability

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Eating Green at School: A Revolutionary Step Towards Sustainability

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting health, sustainability, and community empowerment, Humane Society International/Africa (HSI/Africa) has introduced the Green Monday SA Plant-Based Solutions program in the rural Genadendal Valley. This innovative pilot program, launched in November, is transforming the way students at LR Schmidt Primary School and Emil Weder Secondary School experience nutrition by introducing plant-based meals crafted from vegetables grown in their own school gardens.

 Nutritious and Delicious Meals for All

With the support of the Western Cape Education Department, the program seeks to enhance school meals by incorporating vibrant, nutrient-rich vegetables. Currently, LR Schmidt Primary School serves approximately 360 of its 500 students daily, while Emil Weder Secondary feeds 200 of its 550 students. The carefully curated plant-based menu includes options like soy curry with spinach, turnips, and fresh herbs, colourful salads with homemade dressings, and even sweet potato chocolate brownies – a student favourite. These meals showcase how plant-based eating can be both nutritious and delectable.

 Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Practices

LR Schmidt Primary School’s thriving garden, supported by additional funding, produces an impressive array of vegetables, including spinach, carrots, beetroot, sweet potatoes, and garlic. Sixty percent of the harvest directly supplements school meals, while the remaining forty percent is sold within the local community. Proceeds are reinvested into the garden, ensuring sustainability and providing essential ingredients like vinegar and spices for meal preparation.

The program’s ripple effect extends beyond the dining table. Students receive Eating Green at School is Cool booklets, which detail the nutritional and environmental benefits of plant-based diets. This humane education initiative empowers students with knowledge about how their choices can positively impact their health, the environment, and food security.

 Transforming School Cuisines with Green Innovation

HSI/Africa has collaborated with Valley Food Gardens and local school cooks to refine menus, ensuring a twenty percent reduction in animal-based ingredients while amplifying plant-based options. This shift not only introduces students to diverse and flavourful meals but also encourages more sustainable and humane food practices.

Norah Hudson, Green Monday SA campaign consultant, emphasizes the program’s broader impact: “Eating ‘green’ can improve food security in under-resourced communities, enhance health, and reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture. Seeing students enjoy meals made from their garden’s produce is a testament to the power of this initiative.”

 Inspiring the Next Generation of Gardeners

The program’s vision extends into 2025 with a unique incentive for students to engage in the feeding scheme. Those who collect meals regularly will receive a seedling tin, which they will nurture under the guidance of the school gardener. Once the seedlings mature, students can sell the produce back to the school kitchen, earning a small stipend—an invaluable opportunity for children in these rural communities.

 A Global Movement for Local Impact

Green Monday, a global initiative by HSI, encourages people to adopt plant-based meals one day a week to improve health, protect the environment, and address animal welfare. With its roots in the Genadendal Valley, this initiative is poised to expand across the Western Cape and eventually throughout South Africa, creating a healthier, greener future for all.

For more details, visit www.greenmondayza.org

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