South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production. (Image source: Raisins SA)

South Africa is solidifying its role as a significant player in the raisin industry, with its raisin production expected to surpass 100,000 tonnes for the first time in 2025

Producers have substantially increased plantings in recent years, with new hectares coming into full production, new cultivars producing better yields and growers reporting healthy vines. This season’s output is forecast to be 150% bigger than a decade ago, as South Africa moves from a middle-ranking international supplier to join heavyweight producers such as Turkey, Iran and the US.

South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production, giving its producers the chance to enter markets where there has been a shortage of supply. Moreover, raisins have also gained popularity in recent years. 

“Due to climate changes and geographical risks, buyers are looking to diversify a bit more, and South Africa is ready as a supplier of top-quality raisins in terms of food safety and best practice,” said chief executive of industry body Raisins S, Ferdie Botha. “That ultimately ensures a happy and safe consumer.”

So far this season, around 4,700 t of South African raisins have been exported to the UK, with the hope that a total of 10,000 t could be reached by the season’s end. On the ground in South Africa, conditions are looking favourable but growers are continuing to be vigilant for signs of frost as the seasons change from winter into spring. After well-documented issues at the ports in the past two years, Raisins SA stresses that situation has improved, with alternative ports now available and providing the opportunity to decrease shipping times. 

"We have made progress as an industry in South Africa, growing volumes in various markets and exposing buyers who do not traditionally buy from us to our exceptional product,” Botha concluded.“We hope that through great client service, exceptional quality and growing volumes, we will become more relevant as a supplier of top-quality product to premium markets.”

Sheriff highlighted that the farm offers technical services to citizens interested in fish, vegetable, and poultry farming. (Image source: State House Sierra Leone)

President Julius Maada Bio has successfully harvested 7 tonnes of fish and various agricultural produce from his farm in Mafintha, aiming to demonstrate his commitment to leadership as he works diligently towards achieving the country’s Food Security Agenda

While actively participating in the harvesting of fish, President Bio emphasised the importance of fish farming for all Sierra Leoneans, encouraging even small-scale investments in the sector. He highlighted that locally produced agricultural products are often more nutritious than imported alternatives.

The President urged citizens to actively support and patronise made-in-Sierra Leone products, emphasising that this would not only encourage local farmers but also enhance the economy by putting money into the pockets of those who work tirelessly to cultivate our land. He stressed the importance of viewing agriculture as a viable business opportunity, noting that one does not need to be a professional agriculturist to engage in farming.

Poultry consultant, Petemaa Sheriff shared that the President’s farm produces an impressive 7,600 eggs daily. Sheriff indicated plans to expand operations to further increase production. He noted that the farm utilises locally produced feeds that are 100% organic, ensuring the quality of the eggs for every household.

Sheriff also highlighted that the farm offers technical services to citizens interested in fish, vegetable, and poultry farming. This includes producing local feeds, processing and packaging chicken, growing vegetables, raising small and large ruminants, and providing training for youth on poultry management. A display of fresh farm products, including catfish, tilapia, pepper, eggs, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables climaxed the event.

“I am involved in farming to inspire more Sierra Leoneans to consider agriculture seriously,” President Bio said. “The Feed Salone Initiative is a national programme that we should all embrace, regardless of our political or regional affiliations.”

The programme will create a lasting impact on the agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to food security and improved livelihoods across the continent. (Image source: Praxis Africa Ltd.)

Praxis Africa Ltd, a catalyst for sustainable development solutions in Africa, and Smart Community Exchange, an innovator in digital education and training platforms have recently announced a strategic alliance to develop and deploy the SMART Community Agriculture workforce training programme

The aim of the initiative is to revolutionise agricultural education and workforce training across the African continent, equipping the next generation of farmers, agronomists, and agricultural professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive sustainable growth in the sector.

The SMART Community Agriculture programme which is set to launch in October 2024, will leverage cutting-edge digital learning tools and interactive content to deliver a comprehensive curriculum that covers key areas such as crop management, sustainable farming practices, agri-business, and the latest agricultural technologies. By utilising a mobile-friendly platform, the programme will ensure accessibility for learners in both urban and rural areas, enabling widespread participation and impact.

The programme will be initially deployed in Tanzania and farmers' enrollment will begin in January 2025. Moreover, in order to cater to diverse linguistic groups, the programme will be available in multiple languages, further ensuring its reach and effectiveness. This strategic alliance underscores the commitment of both organizations to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in Africa. 

"This alliance represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower African farmers and agricultural professionals," said Delore Zimmerman, founder and president of Praxis Africa Ltd. "By combining our expertise in sustainable development with Smart Community Exchange digital innovation, we are creating a training programme that is not only educational but also practical and impactful for the communities we serve."

Under both programmes, USDA purchases US-grown commodities and provides them to implementing organisations, including the United Nations World Food Programme. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In an attempt to strengthen global food security, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) would be investing US$466.5mn through its two premier international development programmes

The announcement which was made at the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 annual meeting, Vilsack explained about the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Programme which would be allocated US$248mn in fiscal year 2024 to support projects in nine countries that will provide critical school meals and boost literacy and primary education, especially for girls. On the other hand, the Food for Progress programme would be provided with US$218.5mn to help seven countries strengthen their agricultural systems, adopt climate smart technologies, sustainably increase productivity and expand international trade.

Under both programmes, USDA purchases US-grown commodities and provides them to implementing organisations, including the United Nations World Food Programme. Food for Progress implementing partners sell the commodities locally and use the proceeds to support local development projects. McGovern-Dole partners use the commodities directly in school feeding programmes. 

This year, USDA will provide more than 37,000 mt of US commodities to support projects in Angola, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Laos, Malawi and Rwanda, benefitting approximately 1.2 million children and their family members in more than 2,800 pre-primary and primary schools. 

The Food for Progress projects funded this year will utilize 315,000 mt of US commodities and ultimately benefit nearly 200,000 farmers in Benin, Cambodia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Tunisia and will focus on priority topics including climate-smart agriculture, food security, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, access to capital and trade facilitation.

“The McGovern-Dole and Food for Progress programmes are the embodiment of USDA’s multi-faceted approach to combatting hunger and poverty and addressing the effects of the climate crisis worldwide,” Vilsack said. “Teaming up with both private- and public-sector partners, we’re not only providing direct food assistance, but also fostering sustainable agricultural productivity growth, promoting climate-smart agriculture and enhancing developing countries’ ability to engage in trade, which is critical to food security.”