Wiesenhof and Saai unite to aid farmers hit by foot and mouth disease

As foot and mouth disease continues to spread across South Africa, many livestock farmers are facing severe financial strain and uncertainty. 

With frustration mounting over delays and administrative setbacks, the private sector has begun stepping forward to offer practical support.

Wiesenhof Coffee Roastery has partnered with the Southern African Agri Initiative to strengthen Saai’s disaster relief fund. The fund is aimed at assisting family farmers who have been heavily affected by the outbreak and the challenges surrounding its management.

While official processes remain slow and markets unsettled, businesses are choosing to act. Four years ago, Wiesenhof pledged a portion of its profits from every cup of coffee sold, along with selected items from Wiesenhof and Dulce restaurants, to promote farm safety and modern agricultural technology. That commitment has now been expanded to address the urgent needs created by the current crisis. The focus includes improving biosecurity measures, supporting vaccine logistics and providing emergency financial relief to struggling producers.

“When you enjoy a cup of coffee with us, you stand with our farmers. Together we are building a stronger agricultural sector and protecting food security for the future,” says Kobus Wiese, owner of Wiesenhof.

Dr Theo de Jager, Chairman of Saai, highlighted the importance of family farms within the broader food system. “Family farms are the backbone of food security. When they fall, communities fall with them,” he says. “This partnership proves that the private sector is willing to take responsibility when systems fail.”

The fund is designed to offer real assistance to farmers battling to safeguard their herds, secure movement permits, retain access to markets and manage mounting cash flow pressures.

Kobus adds, “Agriculture is the heart of our country. With every cup of coffee, we choose to make that heart beat stronger.”

On Friday, Wiesenhof formally handed over a cheque to Saai at its coffee shop in Franschhoek. The gesture symbolised a shared commitment to supporting South Africa’s family farms during one of their most challenging periods.