The switch to regenerative agriculture, however, requires a shift in farming practices and philosophy, steering clear from quick fixes to improve production outcomes to the adoption of ecologically friendly practices (farming with nature rather than against it).
Senwes recently played host to a high-level delegation of *PepsiCo, the American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation – and more specifically, the company’s cohort of global sustainable agriculture experts and leaders, headed up by Rob Meyers, Vice President: Global Sustainable Agriculture.
PepsiCo’s Positive Agriculture Agenda formed the foundation of the deliberations and emphases were placed on the value of regenerative agricultural practices in sourcing crops and ingredients whilst at the same time empowering farming communities. According to Meyers, PepsiCo supports the advancement of farming practices to optimize crop yields, respect human rights, improve farmer livelihoods, and secure supply. “We do this because, simply put, without embracing regenerative agriculture, our ability to source the necessary ingredients for our products is in jeopardy, as is the world’s ability to reliably access safe and healthy foods,” explains Meyers.
During their trip, the delegation together with several Senwes executives, representatives of Grainlink, Market Access, and Solution Design, visited the farms of Danie Minnaar (Kroonstad) and Casper Botha (Potchefstroom) to gauge local farmers’ regenerative agricultural practices.
PepsiCo approaches regenerative agriculture through:
- Shared responsibility and shared value
- Measurable results to operate within planetary boundaries
- Commitment to continuous improvement
- Collective action, shared knowledge, and partnerships
- Grower-centered approach
According to Francois Strydom, Senwes Group Chief Executive Officer, South African producers are known to be the first adaptors of new technology and cutting-edge production techniques, and as such, they are in many instances leading the charge when it comes to the implementation of innovative farming practices.
The challenges local producers face, especially at the primary side of the value chain, include issues such as ineffective infrastructure, market access, high input costs, and rural safety. Francois also adds that farming in an arid environment, such as South Africa, requires producers to be on top of their game since it is often a case of either feast or famine. The latter refers to producers being exposed to extreme weather conditions. He welcomes the visit and inputs from the PepsiCo delegation as it not only fosters international relations but also adds value to existing and new export relations.
Click here to watch a video snapshot of the visit.
* PepsiCo owns Pioneer Foods, one of the largest South African producers and distributors of a range of branded food and beverage products. The Group operates across the country, providing wholesale, retail, and informal trade customers with products of a consistently high standard. The Group operates several world-class production facilities producing a range of products that includes some of the most recognizable and best-loved brand names in South Africa, including the following power brands: Weet-Bix, Liqui-Fruit, Ceres, Sasko, Safari, Spekko, and White Star.