(Photo: Provided)
Tiger Brands has enrolled 17 emerging farmers from Limpopo as part of its Hulisani agriculture program – the majority of them women.
A total of ten of the 17 participants are women. The farmers will receive practical business support and infrastructure investments to sustainably expand their production and deliver part of the company’s tomato supply.
The Hulisani program – a Venda word meaning “growth” or “cultivation” – aims to integrate especially women and young emerging farmers into the agricultural value chain. The program is part of Tiger Brands’ strategy to strengthen local agricultural production and reduce dependence on imports.
The program was launched last year. The first group of nine farmers delivered almost 3,400 tonnes of tomatoes, approximately 135,400 crates. It created 156 new jobs and supported another 500 jobs in surrounding communities.
“Our goal is to build a resilient supply chain by working with farmers, including emerging producers, to grow local agriculture, create jobs and support local communities,” says Maanda Milubi, director of enterprise supplier development and transformation at Tiger Brands.
“Through skills development, we help farmers while meeting quality standards. By streamlining operations and innovating, we ensure a quality food supply that is affordable and accessible across South Africa.”
According to Tiger Brands, the program begins with a thorough evaluation of each farm’s needs, followed by targeted support to improve productivity and long-term sustainability. This includes investments in solar power and irrigation systems, fertilizer tanks and other equipment, as well as ongoing technical support.
Tomatoes. (Photo: pixabay)
In addition to a guaranteed market for their products, the focus is on helping farmers to build sustainable businesses that can grow further.
“Our goal is to support local farmers to play a significant role in protecting South Africa’s food security and to ensure that communities continue to have access to locally produced food,” says Milubi.
The 17 farmers have already started planting on approximately 74 hectares. Harvest time will take place between April and August.
Tiger Brands gets nearly 100,000 tonnes of tomatoes annually from more than 100 commercial and small farmers near Musina, as well as a smaller group of producers near Lutzville in the Western Cape.
The company provides farmers with specific tomato seedlings for products such as All Gold tomato sauce, along with technical support throughout the growing season. The harvest is processed at Musina and Lutzville before being transported to the manufacturing plant in Boksburg.