INTERVIEW Raisin
INTERVIEW Raisin producers are maintaining high standards Raisins SA CEO, Dr Ferdie Botha, reports on how exacting audits are raising quality in the industry and is excited about the Vine Academy and Model Farm. Dr Ferdie Botha, Chief Executive Officer BIOGRAPHY Dr Ferdie Botha is an experienced agricultural economist with 16 years’ experience in the agri-sector. He joined the dried fruit industry in 2017 to concentrate on his career as agricultural economist and expand his skills set in a more focused business environment. Ferdie played an instrumental role in the restructuring of the dried fruit industry in South Africa over the past six years. Once this reform was successfully implemented, he was tasked to refocus the national raisin industry association, Raisins SA, setting a new vision and driving strategic priorities. Ferdie has passed his doctoral study, named: A Framework to Enhance the Sustainable Performance Levels of The South African Raisin Value Chain. The thesis and its results will bring a new dimension to the raisin industry and play an integral role in the sustainability thereof. How is the project to improve quality progressing? Are you able to record progress in an objective manner? From Raisins South Africa’s perspective, fruit quality and food safety start at farm-gate level. It is a priority for us to ensure that we collaborate as a collective industry (regulatory agencies, raisin growers and food processors) to ensure the safest possible food for our consumers. Regular testing, adherence to good agricultural practices and compliance with regulatory standards are crucial in managing and minimising food safety risks in raisins. SA GAP audits have been put in place, and producers undergo these audits on a yearly, two-yearly or three-yearly basis, depending on the level of risk on each farm. SA GAP audits address the following aspects: • traceability • contamination • hygiene • chemical • ethical These audits have been implemented since 2017 and the buy-in from producers to adhere to these standards and year-on-year to improve their farming practices has been astounding. Who buys South African raisins? South Africa is regarded as the best place in the world to grow NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2024/25 36
aisins. Hot, dry conditions, a lot of sunshine and ample availability of fresh river water create ideal growing conditions. The agronomy is world class and we have the ability to grow a substantial portion of the total crop with low-to-zero residues. The biggest market for South African raisins is Europe, where approximately 45%-50% of our product is exported to. The next market our focus will shift to is the UK. It is the biggest importer of dried fruit and raisins internationally and with our naturally sundried, free-flowing, low-to-zero residue raisins with a 12-month shelf life, we can offer great value to the UK consumer. Please give an example of a successful enterprise development programme supported by Raisins SA. The Vine Academy and Model Farm is a strategic, industry-led initiative, which has been developed since 2021. The official opening took place on 6 June 2023. The Academy’s second intake arrived on 15 January 2024. The Academy currently has a total of 36 students, receiving in-depth practical training incorporated into the learning programmes. We are excited about the upskilling of the youth, especially in the viticulture industry. The main aim is to upskill them in such a manner that they are able to make an immediate and positive contribution to the working environment that they enter after receiving their diploma. The Model Farm is fully functional and offers the facility for students to receive their practical training. Research and development for the industry is conducted here, giving us the edge to be able to conduct trials on the newest technologies, cultivars and drying methods. The results of the trials are shared with industry, which helps improve farming practices, leading to more efficient production and higher yields. ■ 37 NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2024/25
