Microgreens And Edible Flower Farmers Excel

Two young farmers who identified a gap in the agricultural industry and retail sector, have exploited a unique agri-business opportunity that, in just under three years, has positioned them as a leading supplier of microgreens and edible flowers in KwaZuluNatal.

First Light Farms in Eston is the brainchild of lifelong friends Andrew Stiebel and Byron Piccione, who identified the growing consumer demand for microgreens and edible flowers thanks to the powerful health properties found in these plants.

Humble beginnings in a garage

Established in early 2017, with just the two friends working out of Andrew’s parents’ garage in Eston, First Light Farms now produces 375m2 of microgreens and 300m2 of edible flowers in three large tunnels, a pack shed and a germination room. The enterprise employs eight staff members and is the preferred supplier for well-known brands such as Mugg & Bean and selected Spar outlets.

“We’ve had an interesting entry to the microgreen industry. People in KwaZuluNatal did not take this type of produce seriously, which meant that we could promote the use of these greens in homes and restaurant kitchens across the province,” says Andrew.