Bonus Tydskrif WINTER 2024

The seed package serves as a comprehensive ‘business in a box’ including treated seeds, instructions, fertiliser, ‘green’ pest control, and more, designed to guarantee success for individuals with limited farming experience. The project’s ‘business in a box’ approach simplifies entry by providing a R300 seed package containing everything needed, from treated seeds and instructions to fertiliser and green pest control. This package can yield up to R3 000 worth of vegetables (approximately 150kg), even for individuals with limited farming experience. LAC recognises that not everyone can access land, money, or prior knowledge. Yet, the project strives to ensure an opportunity for everyone, even with limited resources, as long as they have access to water. Through AgriSkills, LAC offers additional training to interested individuals, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the spice venture. “Spices are ideal for niche farming – a considerable growth area for the South African economy and something that LAC is passionate about. Spice cultivation presents a compelling opportunity to uplift rural communities, offering a path towards self- sufficiency and business development,” says Corné. “There is a lot of open, unused, and available land in the countryside. We can even further reclaim land by biologically reclaiming agricultural land that has been overgrown. Our saffron project has already shown great promise, especially in conditions traditionally “There is a lot of open, unused, and available land in the countryside. We can even further reclaim land by biologically reclaiming agricultural land that has been overgrown. Our saffron project has already shown great promise, especially in conditions traditionally unsuitable for most kinds of agriculture,” says Corné. • Low risk of theft: Unlike readily consumable crops, spices are less likely to be stolen, minimising losses. • Sustainable harvest: Spices can be harvested without depleting the plant, ensuring long- term productivity. • Resilient to animal damage: Unlike vegetables, spices are less susceptible to damage by grazing animals. • Extended shelf life: Spices boast a longer shelf life than most crops, reducing spoilage and waste. • Easy transportation: The compact nature of dried spices makes them more accessible and economical than bulkier produce, reducing the need for expensive transportation by large trucks and refrigerated vehicles. Our saffron project has already shown great promise, especially in conditions traditionally unsuitable for most kinds of agriculture,” says Corné. For more information, email info@laeveld.co.za or phone 012 940 4398. m and up tely s r g ge “Spices are ideal for niche farming – a considerable growth area for the South African economy and something that LAC is passionate about. Spice cultivation presents a compelling opportu ity to uplift rur l commu- nities, offering a path towards self-sufficiency and business development,” says Corné. “There is a lot of open, unused, and available land in the countryside. We can even further reclaim land by biologically reclaiming agri- cultu al land hat has been overgrown. Our saffro project has lready shown great promise, especially in conditio s traditio ally unsuitable for most kinds of agriculture,” says Corné. otential for emerging farmers, particularly in regions of agriculture, such as the Northern Cape. S i n c e 1 9 9 1 Here’s why spices are ideally suited for emerging farmers: