The future of the South African deciduous fruit industry has just become brighter with the launch of the Hortgro Legacy Foundation (HLF) recently. The launch comes amid of a challenging agricultural landscape in the country.
According to Hortgro, the legacy foundation aims to unlock alternative income streams to augment traditional funding with donor and related contributions to ensure a sustainable future for the pome and stone fruit industries.
Hortgro executive director Anton Rabe said commodity organisations must compete globally in a rapidly changing world and continually do more with less.
Creating a lasting farming legacy
“Climate change and extreme weather events will get worse. Locally, we are dependent on ourselves. We need to protect our people, producers and agri workers, and ensure that the right research and technology is in place to sustain the industry’s future,” he said.
Meanwhile, HLF chairperson Angelo Petersen said that the foundation will focus on humanitarian welfare, environmental stewardship, social upliftment, research and innovation.
“Every individual can leave a positive mark on the world. By making a difference in even the smallest ways, we contribute to a legacy of hope and inspiration that can touch countless lives and shape a brighter future for all,” Petersen said.
Nicholas Dicey, Hortgro chairperson and HLF trustee, said agriculture needs to negotiate rapid change, and industry organisations must have access to alternative income streams.
“The Hortgro Legacy Foundation is in no way a duplication of existing structures. The focus will be on research, technology, and humanitarian welfare within the sustainability sphere. We know that a strong agricultural sector will help create rural stability and socio-economic development, something our country desperately needs,” he said.
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What the foundation entails
The legacy foundation will be centred around four pillars: humanitarian welfare, environmental stewardship, social upliftment, and research and innovation.
“Humanitarian welfare – we recognise that our industry thrives because of the people who toil in orchards, packhouses, and research labs. Their well-being is our priority.
“Environmental stewardship – sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s our responsibility. The foundation will invest in innovative technologies, research, and development that safeguard our environment,” the foundation said.
On social upliftment, the legacy foundation explained that their success is intertwined with the prosperity of communities, “By creating opportunities for education, skills development, and empowerment, we aim to uplift those who need it most.
“Research and innovation – the quest for knowledge drives progress. We commit to advancing research, fostering innovation, and building infrastructure,” the foundation said.
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