When Tomahawk Farm was sold in a land claim, the owners faced a crossroads: up and leave, or stay and help. With the future success of the farm and the livelihoods of the local community in mind, they opted to equip a new generation of farmers to take the reins. By Lindi Botha.
Tomahawk Farm in Mpumalanga is one of the largest subtropical fruit producers in South Africa. When the local Matsamo community instituted a land claim against the farm in 2010, there was concern that local and export markets would lose a major supplier, and the region would lose the economic activity generated by the farm. Instead, through integrated planning and relationship building, the old and new owners joined hands to transfer skills, uplift the community and grow a thriving business. The Matsamo community’s land claim included 10 000ha in the Kaalrug area near Malalane, one of the largest areas of subtropical crop production in the country. About 1 500 households formed part of the land claim, putting the amount of people benefitting at about 6 000. Of the various farms that are now owned by the Matsamos, some have been leased back to the previous owners while others have entered into joint ventures (JVs).
In 2011 the Matsamos took ownership of the 2 000ha Tomahawk Farm as well as the neighbouring Neos Estate, which is now run as a JV between Tomahawk and the Matsamos. Tomahawk, which is leased from the Matsamos, is in the process of finalising a JV that will be in place for nine years. A new business will be created to run the farm, with the Matsamos and Tomahawk each having an equal share.
Tomahawk comprises 700ha sugar, 120ha mangoes, 150ha litchis, 400ha citrus and 240ha bananas. Neos Estate has 300ha sugar, 55ha citrus, 45ha mangoes and 15ha litchis.
Stuart Butcher, sales and marketing director at Tomahawk, says the farm’s success took precedence over everything else.
“The owners and directors put so much into Tomahawk; our entire working lives are here. We didn’t want to risk watching this farm go to ruins. We also have a social responsibility because we employ between 750 and 1 500 people, depending on the season. These people needed to be assured of a job.”
Esta historia es de la edición Farmer's Weekly 3 August 2018 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Farmer's Weekly 3 August 2018 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
