Empowered through structured supplier development support, the Noko Development Trust has turned potential into performance. Managing 360 hectares of diverse crops and livestock, the trust now operates as a professional agribusiness in partnership with Corteva Agriscience.
As a global science-driven agricultural company with a strong presence in South Africa, Corteva Agriscience reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable farming, strengthening resilient food systems and driving inclusive growth.
This commitment is demonstrated through its partnerships with emerging enterprises across the country, supported by tailored seed, crop protection and development programmes, including its B-BBEE Supplier Development initiative. These partnerships focus on building commercially viable businesses that contribute to food security, economic inclusion, job creation and agricultural transformation.
Corteva’s recent visit to the Noko Development Trust highlighted the significant impact of this programme on emerging farmers in Thaba Chweu Municipality, Ohrigstad, Mpumalanga.
Building a sustainable enterprise
Led by entrepreneur and director Sania Mokoena, the woman-led trust manages 360 hectares of land and a diverse agricultural portfolio including maize, livestock, vegetables and pasture.
“Partnering with Corteva has been transformative for our business. From the outset, Corteva’s support has extended far beyond providing seed. We received guidance, mentorship and access to practical tools that enabled us to run our farm as a professional sustainable enterprise.
“This is not just farming for consumption. It’s farming to grow future farmers and strengthen local agricultural supply chains,” Mokoena said.
The trust has benefitted from significant developmental support, including access to high-quality seed, labour assistance, infrastructure and targeted training opportunities.
“Through the training we received, we introduced a formal accounting system. Every input, expense and sale is tracked professionally. We have also learned how to identify and secure markets, ensuring that our production is aligned with demand, which allows us to sell consistently and plan for the next season,” she said.
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She further noted that mentoring and on-the-ground support from Corteva have instilled a business mindset across the farm.
“Every skill I’ve gained through the programme has enhanced the performance of the entire farm. It is not just about planting and harvesting. It is about running a farm as a business, understanding cash flow, workforce management and logistics,” she said.
Supporting emerging seed and grain farmers
Taryn Govender, procurement executive of Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific at Corteva Agriscience, said the purpose of Corteva’s Supplier Development Programme is to address the key challenges faced by emerging farming enterprises by improving access to knowledge, infrastructure, funding and networks while encouraging an entrepreneurial approach to farming.
“At Corteva, our mission is to enrich lives for generations to come. Supporting emerging farmers through our B-BBEE Supplier Development Programme allows us to build generational wealth, strengthen local food security and contribute positively to the economy. Success for us is measured by the growth, sustainability and professionalisation of our partners,” Govender said.
The partnership extends through value-chain collaborators such as Seedlink (Pty) Ltd, a South African agri-business that supports emerging farmers in the seed and grain industries.
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