The establishment of an almond-processing facility in Robertson has the potential to turn South Africa into a leading exporter of these nuts. Stephan and Hans le Roux of Amanteco Almonds spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the opportunities and pitfalls associated with this crop.
After more than three decades of refining production on its farm near Montagu in the Western Cape, the largest almond producer in the country is taking production to the next level.
Amanteco Almonds has partnered with various growers, such as Olyfberg Vrugte, which includes the Van Loveren Group and Prof Mohammad Karaan, as well as an international exporter, to establish an almond processing facility near Robertson in the Breede River Valley.
The facility, which will trade under the name Amandel Afrika, will be ready for operation in November. The goal is to increase almond production along the R62, all the way from Robertson to Oudtshoorn, and in the Olifants River region.
“In addition to our own 130ha, we’ve signed off take agreements with nine farmers, who have so far planted 210ha and intend expanding their production by another 250ha over the coming year,” says Stephan le Roux, farm manager of Amanteco.
“We’ve also partnered with a long-time family friend, William James Bussell of Bussell Boerdery, to establish a new almond farm in Robertson where we’ve planted 70ha to almonds. These trees will be producing their first harvest this year. The processing facility is situated on this land.”
STEADY GLOBAL GROWTH
The timing for the initiative is ideal, according to Stephan. Global almond consumption has increased from 927 000t in 2007 to 1,3 million tons in 2018, and is expected to increase by about 2,8% annually to 1,7 million tons a year within the next few years.
Growing demand has resulted in carry-over stock from California, which accounts for more than 80% of global supply, decreasing for the past three years despite production increases.
In South Africa, 3 000t of almonds have to be imported annually to supply local demand, which has been growing by about 5% over the past five years.
Esta historia es de la edición Farmer's Weekly 21 September 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 21 September 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
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
