May 2024
After a visit to the Eastern Cape by Ishmael Lupahla, our Manager: Monitoring & Evaluation, and Emily Hendricks, our Manager: Exporter Liaison & Regional Manager (North) we received below positive report on progress with our Emerging Farmers programme in the region.
Emily, Francios Brink from Sky Vines (one of our service providers) and Ishmael visited emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape, including Oakden Citrus Farm owned and managed by Headman Manyonta and Torties Citrus Farm managed by Susan Herman. Both farms are in Fort Beaufort.
In 2022, the Waitrose Foundation established the Emerging Farmers Programme with the aim to empower emerging black farmers to be fully fledged, independent, certified commercial growers, producing and supplying quality fruit not only to local markets but also for international export.
The Waitrose Foundation achieves this by providing support for administrative needs, preparation for certification, production, and marketing, as well as specialised services. The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress that has been made so far, and how the emerging farmers have benefited from this programme. Through engagement with the growers, it was evident that they have not only improved understanding of the compliance requirements, particularly the SIZA Social Audit and Global G.A.P Audit, but have also improved business management skills, including strategic, operational and financial planning. In addition, the growers are anticipating an increased harvest, and income particularly due to high demand in the juice market this season.
