“Conservation farming has transformed the sustainability of farming in our area from a risk-prone region that threatened the financial viability of our producers to a much more stable and profitable area where we can look forward with excitement to the progress of our rural areas in the South Cape.”
This is the view of Francois Swanepoel, CEO of Sentraal-Suid Co-operative (SSK), about the Farming with nature series currently making waves on both DStv and Openview. The six-part programme is produced in partnership with Food For Mzansi.
SSK, a leading agricultural enterprise in the Western and Southern Cape, Overberg, Langkloof, and Karoo regions, has been at the forefront of conservation farming in South Africa for many decades. One of the key figures in this journey is Jack Human, whose visionary approach to sustainable farming practices continue to shape the future of agriculture.
Swanepoel stressed the importance of preserving the history of this transformation, stated, “I believe that for someone to know where they want to go, they must know where they come from. The transformation from conventional farming to conservation farming is precisely one of those quantum leaps that our area has in common, and at SSK, we feel that it is a piece of history that must be preserved for our descendants.”
He expressed gratitude towards the pioneers who initiated this revolutionary shift in farming practices and acknowledged their courage and determination, which has paved the way for the success of conservation farming today.
Conservation farming and consumer awareness
Swanepoel further noted that the journey didn’t end with the initial transition; it continues to evolve with each passing year. He emphasised the need to share this knowledge with as many people as possible so that more producers can benefit from conservation farming practices, ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in the region.
Regarding the challenges faced by South African producers, Swanepoel stated, “I believe South Africa and specifically the members of SSK are among the best producers in the world. Despite all the challenges that nature presents, economic pressures, and virtually no help from the government, they manage their businesses profitably.”
He stressed that embracing new technology and sustainable farming practices has been key to their success.
Reflecting on the vision of the pioneers who saw the unsustainability of conventional farming, Swanepoel praised their conviction in persevering despite criticism. Their efforts have not only benefited the local community but also future generations.
He also highlighted the importance of educating consumers about the origins of their food.
“Many times, our consumers think the food on store shelves magically appears. It is important for us at SSK to inform the consumer that when they buy the B-well or Eureka products at their local supermarket, they should understand the hard work, progress, and incredible dedication that contributed to the production of these products.”
SSK, Swanepoel added, aims to bridge the gap between producers and consumers by sharing the journey of how crops are planted, cared for, processed, and ultimately end up on supermarket shelves. This not only ensures the sustainability of local producers but also contributes to food security for the rest of the country.
Meanwhile, Farming with nature executive producer Ronelle Louwrens shared her excitement about the show’s impressive viewer feedback.
“The response from our viewers has been incredibly heartening,” she said. “People are deeply inspired by the integrity and visionary approach of the farmers. It’s noteworthy that our audience includes both farmers seeking innovative practices and consumers eager to connect with the origins of their food. This success underscores a strong desire among viewers to understand the roots of the food they consume.”
- Don’t miss the Farming with nature television series, presented by Food For Mzansi and SSK, airing until Sunday, 1 October at 19:30 on People°s Weather (DStv channel 180) and Openview channel 115. Catch a repeat broadcast at 21:00 on the same evening. Plus, for a complete weekend recap, stay tuned for the omnibus edition airing on both Saturdays and Sundays.
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