SAI Platform 2024 Field Visits: Regenerative agriculture in practice
31st July 2024
SAI Platform’s Annual Event 2024 brought the global argi-food industry together in Durban, South Africa between 24th – 28th June to explore the theme: Building Climate Change Resilience through Regenerative Agriculture.
With a strong focus on how to build productive, profitable and resilient farms in the face of increasing climate impacts, #SAIPlatform2024Â offered members a choice of five engaging field visits over two full days in the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape regions. Getting out into the field gives members a unique opportunity to engage with farmers and learn about the innovative environmental and socio-economic solutions being implemented to overcome the challenges they are facing.
At Illovo’s Jobs Fund Project, members had the opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative impact of this innovative small-scale grower development initiative. Focused on employment and the empowerment of rural women in the local sugar supply chain, the project not only provides crucial training and support to all participating growers but also exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships.
Since its inception in 2017, the Jobs Fund Project has created over 1,590 jobs and generates upwards of R65 million (EUR 3 million) in sustainable annual income for a small, rural community near Illovo’s Sezela sugar factory.
At Ashbrook Farm with Illovo Sugar, participants observed the long-term benefits of thrashing, meticulous nutrient management, and the integration of multi-species cover crops and livestock grazing on soil health. Members witnessed how the strong focus on building soil organic content and minimising chemical inputs has led to higher yields and reduced costs, all while mitigating environmental impact.
The farmer’s approach emphasises nurturing healthy ecosystems for long-term farm viability and the visit was a powerful reminder of the potential for regenerative agriculture to create positive environmental, economic, and social impacts.
At Donovale Farm, which spans 985 hectares of sugar cane, navel oranges, hass avocados and tea tree, members were treated to a comprehensive deep dive into progressive land management and diversification strategies that truly set a benchmark in sustainable agriculture.
From minimum tillage and drip irrigation to promoting a healthy microbial subsoil environment, Donovale is a best-in-class example of regenerative agriculture. Another highlight from the enriching on-farm experience was learning about SUSFARMS, a locally-relevant and globally recognised continuous improvement system that has recently achieved gold level equivalency with SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA). đ„đ
Following the farm visits with Illovo Sugar, members had the unique opportunity to visit the renowned South African Sugarcane Research Institute to broaden their understanding of the advancements being made in sugarcane breeding, integrated pest management, and biotechnological approaches.
SASRI’s emphasis on transferring agricultural knowledge to the industry was evident throughout the visit and members had the chance to engage with Extension Specialists who are pivotal in educating farmers about regenerative farming techniques and the benefits of sustainable practices.
Dairy members had the opportunity to visit Colbourne Farm in partnership with WWF South Africa and Trace and Save. The team here have successfully transitioned from conventional to 100% organic farming over the past four years and the field visit provided valuable insights into water use efficiency, waste management, animal welfare and the challenges and opportunities with on-farm MRV.
The farmer shared the significant changes he has made to comply with stringent organic legislation, including the elimination of non-organic fertilisers, pesticides, and feed sources and participants witnessed firsthand the positive effect that innovative techniques aimed at improving soil health and irrigation efficiency have had on his soil. The below-ground health initiatives have led to effective nutrient cycling and optimal pasture growth.
At De Hoek Estate with Yara International, members witnessed how comprehensive soil assessments guide precise, customised crop nutrition and irrigation programmes, ensuring robust crop health and resilience.
The positive outcomes of the regenerative practices implemented on-farm, including enhanced soil fertility and carbon content, improved nutrient and water use efficiency and higher yield and superior fruit quality, clearly demonstrate that regenerative agriculture can positively impact nature and climate while maintaining high yield, quality, and commercial viability.
Boland Landbou is a premier institution for future farmers with an emphasis on regenerative agriculture as a means to adapt to new climatic conditions and build resilient production systems. Here, members had the chance to engage with the experts conducting long-term trials to evaluate different fertiliser management strategies and their effects on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, soil fertility, resource use efficiency, and profitability.
In George, members joined Nestlé for a deep dive into the innovative low carbon dairy research taking place in the Western Cape. The field visit kicked off at Outeniqua Research Farm where members benefitted from the unique opportunity to engage with researchers in an interactive workshop and learn about alternative pasture species and the impact of moringa supplements on methane production.
Skimmelkrans Dairy, a 550-hectare fully operational low carbon pilot farm provided members with the chance to witness firsthand the positive impact that innovative water conservation, feed management and manure processing interventions are having on GHG emission reduction and soil health improvement.
Huge thanks to SAI Platform members, Illovo Sugar Africa, Nestlé and Yara International for their time, dedication and unwavering support in the organisation of the in-field elements of the event.
