Ahead of World Food Day, commemorated on 16 October 2024, Vegtech Netafim, a provider of growing solutions, has made a significant contribution to local food security efforts by donating a hydroponic greenhouse tunnel valued at R220,000 to the Living Soils Community Learning Farm in Stellenbosch. This initiative, which is directly aligned with this year’s World Food Day theme: “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”, is part of Vegtech Netafim’s 2024 outreach program to promote precision agriculture and support community projects.
The Vegtech Netafim hydroponic greenhouse tunnels empower farmers and communities to grow fresh produce regardless of external factors like climate and soil conditions.
The donation will not only boost the farm’s agricultural yields but also serve as a rich educational platform for the agricultural management interns, farm employees and managers, allowing them to explore precision agriculture techniques that promote sustainability and efficiency. The tunnel is equipped with precision farming technology that allows crops to be grown in a hydroponic medium, reducing water usage and increasing yield – a powerful combination that aligns with the principles of regenerative farming.
The Living Soils Community Learning Farm is a partnership project between Woolworths, Spier Wine Farm and the Sustainability Institute. The farm aims to improve long-term food security by providing a space to educate and empower young and emerging farmers, particularly women and youth, in food and farming livelihoods. Furthermore, the nutritious food that the farm grows is sold, exchanged and donated to stakeholders who provide direct food security initiatives to at-risk children and households
“As we approach World Food Day, this donation is particularly meaningful,” said Namhla Skweyiya, Project Manager at the Living Soils Community Learning Farm. “Access to nutritious, sustainably grown food is essential for a better life and future, and this hydroponic greenhouse tunnel will greatly enhance our ability to provide that. It is also an excellent learning opportunity for our interns, who will be exposed to precision agriculture. This will expand their agricultural knowledge and improve their future employment opportunities while directly supporting our mission to grow more food with fewer resources.”
The hydroponic greenhouse tunnel will allow the Living Soils Community Learning Farm to grow a variety of vegetable crops, including tomatoes and peppers in a partially controlled environment – all year-round. The technology enables farming in coir – an artificial hydroponic medium – rather than traditional soil, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
“We were looking for a cause that resonated with our values,” said Barney Isralls, Vegtech Netafim Managing Director. “The Living Soils Community Learning Farm stood out because of the exceptional work they do within the community, and their partnership with reputable organisations like Woolworths and Spier Wine Farm assured us they were the right fit. By donating this hydroponic greenhouse tunnel, we aim to show how modern farming practices can not only improve productivity but also enhance the quality of life for the people involved.”
In addition to donating the hydroponic greenhouse tunnel, Vegtech Netafim has committed to providing high-level technical and agronomical support to the farm, ensuring that the Living Soils Community Learning Farm team has access to the best resources for long-term success.
As the world focuses on the theme of “Right to foods for a better life and a better future” for World Food Day, this partnership between Vegtech Netafim and the Living Soils Community Learning Farm is a tangible step toward making that right a reality. The farming technology introduced by Vegtech Netafim will empower the farm to produce more food sustainably, creating a direct positive impact on the availability of fresh, locally grown produce in the surrounding communities.