In the face of escalating concerns regarding South Africa’s ability to maintain food security, AgricultSURE, a prominent farming consultancy and food security agent, finds itself flooded with inquiries about its innovative products and services. Experts attribute this surge in interest to the rising anxieties stemming from growing food shortage risks.
The heightened risk of food insecurity stems from recent warnings issued by both the retail and agriculture sectors, cautioning that increased load shedding might strain their capacity to supply food.
This potential crisis has raised fears of destabilising vulnerable communities, similar to the chaos witnessed during the July 2021 riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Agri SA also highlighted the violent attacks on trucks in July as a significant threat to local food security, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Seeds of hope and innovation
In response to these challenges, AgricultSURE has introduced innovative seed packs that offer a comprehensive solution. These packs contain a complete range of crop input materials, empowering users to cultivate and harvest their own vegetables.
Kobus Hurter, the founder and managing director at AgricultSURE, emphasised the need for a shift towards greater subsistence farming. Large businesses and mining groups have collaborated with AgricultSURE to promote a culture of food production within the communities they operate.
Hurter stated, “We believe that our model could set a great example for other organisations as it empowers workers and communities to become more food secure while enhancing their overall health.”
Funding remains a crucial obstacle
AgricultSURE’s approach begins with a meticulous assessment of communities and resources to create tailored plans for participants and households. By focusing on peri-urban areas and informal settlements, it aims to utilise communal land for vegetable gardens, thereby addressing local food security risks. However, funding remains a crucial obstacle in initiating such projects.
The seed packs, priced from R300 per unit, contain seeds for eight vegetable varieties, an instruction manual, fertilisers, pest management products, and educational components for skills transfer. Hurter highlighted the substantial return on investment, stating that one seed pack can produce over 150kg of vegetables, sustaining a family of six for six weeks.
AgricultSURE’s initiative has garnered support from various sectors. Mining companies, multinational businesses, and local firms are incorporating these seed packs into their corporate social investment initiatives. Additionally, it collaborates with Agri Livelihood opportunities, providing agricultural training and assisting small-scale farmers in finding markets for their produce.
The power of integration
Corné Liebenberg, marketing director of AgricultSURE’s parent company Laeveld Agrochem, stressed the potential of seed packs in revitalising the rural economy. He suggested integrating the seed packs into the social grants system, providing sustainable, long-term solutions for communities.
Moreover, he proposed incorporating seed packs into corporate social investment projects, ensuring that contributions have a measurable and positive impact on the lives of beneficiaries and the stability of the nation.
As South Africa grapples with these challenges, initiatives like AgricultSURE’s innovative seed packs offer a ray of hope, promising not only food security but also sustainable economic empowerment for communities across the nation.
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