Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge

Hosted by Lucentlands

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Episodes

174

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-ZA

About the show

Welcome to the Lucentlands Podcast, your go-to source for all things related to agriculture. Our Agriculture podcast is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, trends, and insights on the agriculture industry from around the world. Hosted by Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie, two passionate professionals with years of experience in the media production industry, the Lucentlands Agriculture Podcast is the perfect platform for anyone interested in learning about the latest developments in agriculture.

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60 recent

November 2, 202639 min

Farming with Nature: Soil Health, IPM & Sustainability | Ep. 167

What does sustainable farming actually look like on a commercial fruit farm? In Episode 167 of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Steven Versfeld, farmer and recipient of the Hortgro Footprint Award , about an approach to farming that has developed over three decades. Steven is a fourth-generation farmer who returned to the family farm in 1996 after studying mechanical engineering. Today, his approach combines commercial fruit production with a growing focus on soil health, integrated pest management, biological control, energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Rather than positioning sustainability as an alternative to commercial agriculture, Steven explains why it has increasingly become part of mainstream farming. The conversation explores: • Why healthier soil forms the foundation of biological farming • Reducing reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides without abandoning conventional crop protection • Integrated pest management and the importance of monitoring pest populations • Using predators and other biological tools in commercial orchards • How soil carbon on the farm has doubled since 2008 without importing compost or other carbon sources • Renewable energy and reducing energy use • Clearing alien vegetation from rivers and mountain catchments • The relationship between alien vegetation, water availability and flooding • How recent extreme rainfall events are changing the way farmers think about rivers and floodplains • Why sustainable production still has to deliver fruit that meets consumer expectations • How sustainability has moved from the fringes of agriculture towards becoming standard practice on farms of all sizes Steven also shares a principle passed down by his father: “My dad always used to say you inherit your farm from your children. So you've got to leave it better than you find it.” It captures much of the philosophy behind the conversation: farming successfully today while protecting the productive capacity of the land for whoever farms it next. Steven’s work was recognised through the Hortgro Footprint Award , which included a R200,000 solar installation sponsored by Electech Power Solutions. Watch the full conversation to hear a practical farmer’s perspective on sustainability, profitability, biological control, soil health and the changing way South African fruit growers are managing their farms. Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1 This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

October 26, 202641 min

How FPEF Is Building the Next Generation of Fresh Produce Leaders | Ep. 166

How do you transform an industry in a way that creates lasting change? In Episode 166 of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Johannes Brand, Transformation Manager at the Fresh Produce Exporters Forum (FPEF) and Agribusiness Consultant, about developing people, creating career pathways and building capacity across South Africa’s fresh-produce export sector. Johannes has spent around 20 years working in fresh-produce exports and later moved into agribusiness consulting and transformation initiatives. A major focus of his work with FPEF is the organisation’s Graduate Placement Programme, launched in 2016 to place graduates into long-term careers rather than simply provide short-term industry exposure. More than 115 young professionals have been placed through the programme, working across logistics, commercial fruit trading, post-harvest quality management and data-related roles. Around two-thirds of participants have subsequently received full-time appointments. The conversation also explores the FPEF Young Professionals Network and the Harvest to Home programme, which provides training across the fruit value chain – from research and farming through packing, post-harvest management, logistics, compliance and international fruit marketing. More than 1,500 people have been trained through the programme. Johannes also discusses: • Why practical industry experience is critical to meaningful transformation • The complexity and risk involved in fresh-produce exporting • Why misunderstandings can develop between growers and exporters • Helping growers understand export markets, costs, risks and commission structures • Why export marketing agents remain an important route to market for many growers • FPEF’s Post Harvest Innovation programme and postgraduate research support • Agribusiness consulting, business valuations, due diligence and feasibility studies • Transformation initiatives within the South African macadamia industry • Why agricultural businesses cannot afford to settle for average performance For Johannes, transformation is not about a quick solution. It is about developing people over time, allowing them to build knowledge, networks and experience until they can take increasingly influential roles within the industry. His message to the next generation of farmers is equally clear: sustainable agricultural businesses must continually optimise, improve and maximise both productivity and quality. Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

October 19, 202659 min

How South Africa Moves Fresh Produce to the World | Ep. 165

What happens to fresh produce after it leaves the packhouse — and what does it take to get that fruit to markets around the world in the right condition? In Episode 165 of the Lucentlands Podcast, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Andy Connell, fresh produce logistics specialist and consultant, whose career in the sector stretches back to the early days of South Africa’s deregulated fruit export industry. Andy takes us inside a part of the fresh produce value chain that is often largely invisible to those outside logistics. Drawing on decades of experience with companies including Westminster Produce, Dole and shipping operations, he recounts the shift towards 12-metre refrigerated containers, the development of a more integrated cold chain and the enormous changes that containerisation brought to fresh produce exports. The conversation also explores how South Africa’s export system has become increasingly digital. Andy explains the importance of PPECB systems, electronic documentation and traceability — and why South Africa has developed capabilities that he believes place it ahead of many competing fresh produce exporting countries. The discussion also tackles some of the industry's most pressing challenges: • Why logistics begins long before fruit reaches the port • The evolution of reefer containers and cold-chain management • Digitalisation, traceability and export documentation • The role of PPECB in South Africa’s fresh produce export system • The operational challenges facing Cape Town’s port • What happened to rail as a viable fresh produce transport option • The importance of transferring logistics knowledge to the next generation • Why young people should be exposed to logistics as a career • How AI is already being used in post-harvest decision-making • Using data to reduce waste and protect fruit quality in destination markets Andy also shares a message that has shaped much of his work as a trainer and mentor: you never stop learning — and there is no such thing as a stupid question. This is a wide-ranging conversation about the systems, people and decisions behind getting South African fresh produce from the orchard to customers around the world.Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠ Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

October 12, 20261 hr 9 min

From Post-Harvest Science to Risk Management | Ep. 164

What does it take to protect fruit quality from the orchard all the way to the market — and how has agricultural research had to evolve to meet the changing needs of growers, exporters and the wider fresh produce industry? In Episode 164 of the Lucentlands Podcast, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak to Dr Martin Taylor, Research Fellow at ExperiCo, and Dr Ian Crouch, Managing Director of ExperiCo. The conversation traces the history of ExperiCo from its roots in the research structures of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry, through deregulation, Unifruco and Capespan, to the independent agricultural research business it has become today. Martin and Ian explain how a team originally focused heavily on post-harvest research and cold-chain management has expanded into a much broader range of agricultural R&D. Today, ExperiCo works across fruit and other crops in areas including post-harvest quality, product and registration trials, molecular diagnostics, plant pathology, entomology, soil science, physiology and risk management. They also discuss the importance of independent scientific testing. New products and technologies may arrive with impressive claims, but ExperiCo’s role is to provide an answer backed by sound scientific method — even when that answer is not necessarily the one a client hoped to hear. Other topics include the development of technologies and programmes that have influenced the South African fruit industry, the role of 1-MCP in extending fruit storage life, innovation in packaging and cooling, identifying pathogens at molecular level, the transfer of institutional knowledge, and the challenge of developing the next generation of agricultural scientists. It is also a conversation about adaptation. ExperiCo has survived major changes in the structure of South African agriculture by continually expanding its capabilities while retaining its focus on scientific integrity, confidentiality and practical problem-solving. Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

October 6, 20261 hr 0 min

Why Compliance Has Become Essential for South African Farmers | Ep. 163

Compliance has become an unavoidable part of modern agriculture – particularly for South African producers supplying demanding international markets. But can compliance offer growers more than simply another audit to complete? In Episode 163 of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Nic Dicey, HORTGRO Chairman and deciduous fruit producer, about the development of SIZA – the Sustainability Initiative of South Africa – and its role in South African agriculture. As SIZA celebrates ten years, Dicey reflects on why the industry needed a South African standard that could meet international ethical requirements while remaining grounded in South African legislation and farming conditions.He explains why growers should view compliance as more than a once-off audit. When ethical, labour, health and safety and environmental standards become part of everyday farm management, they can help create stronger systems, safer workplaces and more efficient businesses while protecting access to international markets. The conversation explores: • Why SIZA was established • The burden of multiple and repetitive farm audits • How SIZA benchmarks South African requirements against international expectations • Ethical compliance, labour practices and worker welfare • SIZA’s continuous-improvement approach• Unannounced audits and annual self-assessments • The growing importance of environmental compliance • Water, energy and resource management • The role of international retailers and export markets • Compliance relating to foreign workers • Why South African growers need to “live” compliance rather than prepare for it once a year • The strength of South Africa’s organised agricultural structures In the latter part of the conversation, Dicey also shares the remarkable history of his family in South African deciduous fruit production. A fourth-generation producer, he traces the Dicey family’s farming roots from the pioneering Cape Orchard Company era through to the family’s present-day fruit operations and discusses the possibility of another generation entering the business. It is a conversation about compliance, industry leadership, market access and the systems that have helped South African fruit agriculture build credibility internationally. Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

October 1, 20261 hr 5 min

HORTGRO’s Next Chapter: Anton Rabe Hands Over to Jacques du Preez | Ep. 162

Episode 162 of the Lucentlands Podcast brings together Anton Rabe, outgoing CEO of HORTGRO, and Jacques du Preez, incoming CEO, for a conversation about HORTGRO’s leadership transition and the changing realities facing South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry. Hosted by Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie, the conversation looks back at Anton’s decades in the industry and the changes that followed deregulation, as well as the growth and development of HORTGRO, transformation, research, market access and the organisation’s expanding responsibilities. For Jacques du Preez, the transition into the CEO role is about continuity as much as change. He describes the approach as “evolution rather than revolution”, building on a stable foundation while ensuring HORTGRO continues to adapt to changing conditions. Among the major priorities discussed are market access and logistics. Jacques reflects on the importance of retaining existing markets while continuing to diversify South Africa’s export opportunities, while both guests discuss the serious logistical pressures facing growers, particularly through the Cape Town Container Terminal. The conversation also explores succession within HORTGRO, developing internal expertise, research capacity, transformation, industry funding, climate and production risks, and the importance of maintaining a strong collective industry structure for growers. Key topics include: • HORTGRO’s evolution following deregulation • Anton Rabe’s reflections on his career and the development of the organisation • Jacques du Preez’s move from market access into the CEO role • Market access and export diversification • Port and logistics challenges • Transformation and grower support • Building internal skills and succession within HORTGRO • Research, technology and production efficiency • Climate and production risks facing growers • The future role of HORTGRO in a changing fruit industry Anton may be stepping away from the day-to-day operational role, but the conversation makes clear that the knowledge and experience built over decades will continue to inform the industry. For Jacques, the task now is to build on that foundation while keeping HORTGRO ahead of changing local and global conditions. Subscribe to the Lucentlands Podcast for conversations with the people shaping agriculture, horticulture and the international fresh-produce industry. Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

September 22, 202632 min

Building the Next Generation of South African Citrus | Ep. 161

More than 400 young people have been supported through the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund over the past 20 years – but Jacomien de Klerk says the real objective has never simply been to help students obtain qualifications.It is about building careers and developing people who can make a long-term contribution to South Africa’s citrus industry.Recorded at the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, Jacomien joins Lucentlands Podcast hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie to discuss the development and impact of the Citrus Academy, its bursary programme and the wider initiatives being used to introduce young South Africans to opportunities across the citrus value chain.Since the bursary fund was established in 2006, more than 1,000 bursaries representing over R26 million in investment have been awarded. Jacomien says approximately 95% of funded students have completed the qualifications for which they received support, while around two-thirds remain involved in the broader agricultural industry.She explains why financial support alone is not enough. Citrus Academy students are given opportunities for vacation work, internships, graduate placements, industry events and additional training so that they can understand how their academic studies connect with the commercial realities of agriculture.The conversation also looks at the Citrus Secondary Programme, which is introducing high-school learners in citrus-producing regions to citrus production and the wider value chain. Around 19 schools and approximately 600 learners are currently participating.Jacomien also discusses the growing Citrus Student Community, which now has more than 2,000 members and extends access to training, work experience, networking and other Citrus Academy opportunities beyond students who receive bursaries.Topics include:• 20 years of the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund• More than 400 students supported through the fund• Over R26 million invested and more than 1,000 bursaries awarded• A 95% qualification completion rate• Building careers rather than simply funding qualifications• Internships, vacation work and graduate placement• Bringing young people into agricultural careers• The Citrus Secondary Programme in citrus-producing regions• Exposing school learners to farms, packhouses and nurseries• The Citrus Student Community and its 2,000+ members• Succession and transformation in South African citrus• Developing the next generation of researchers, growers and industry professionals• The need for additional industry partners to support bursary fundingFor Jacomien, sustainable human-resource development starts with creating the opportunity – and then giving people the support, exposure and industry connections they need to make something of it.Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

September 22, 202627 min

What SA Citrus Must Get Right | Ep. 160

Recorded at the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium , Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Hoppie Nel, Fruit Industry Consultant , about a career spanning decades in the South African citrus industry and the lessons that experience has brought. From his early career in soil science to managing major citrus developments and becoming closely involved in organised citrus industry structures, Hoppie has witnessed significant changes in South African citrus production, exports and industry cooperation. A central theme of the conversation is the industry's focus on volume. Hoppie argues that producing or exporting more fruit does not necessarily mean creating more value. The more important questions are how much fruit is exportable, what returns reach the farm and whether South Africa can position itself as a higher-value citrus exporter rather than simply pursuing ever-growing volumes. The discussion also looks back at difficult export seasons, including the collapse of the Japanese market in 2005, and how oversupplying attractive markets can have consequences across other destinations. Hoppie reflects on the development of the Citrus Growers' Association, cooperation between different citrus-producing regions and the importance of growers working collectively even when their immediate interests differ. They also discuss: • Why exportable quality matters more than headline tonnage • The risks of becoming too volume-driven • Grower returns and where value is distributed across the citrus supply chain • Lessons from previous citrus market downturns • The development of the Citrus Growers' Association • The importance of research and Citrus Research International • Cooperation between citrus-producing regions • The competitiveness and resilience of South African growers • Why difficult seasons need to be viewed within the longer agricultural cycle • Hoppie's advice to people entering the citrus industry For growers facing difficult conditions, his message is grounded in decades of experience: study the numbers, respect the environmental limitations of where you farm, and once the fundamentals are right, have faith and patience. Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

September 22, 202619 min

How South Africa’s Citrus Industry Supports Communities | Ep. 159

Recorded at the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Sive Silo, Programme and Project Manager at Citrus Academy and Orange Heart Coordinator for the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA). Orange Heart is the CGA’s community-development initiative, providing a structured way for the citrus industry to support communities in and around South Africa’s citrus-growing regions. One of its key initiatives is the Orange Heart Fruit Drive, through which surplus citrus is distributed to established beneficiary organisations rather than going to waste. But its work extends much further.Sive discusses Orange Heart’s involvement in early childhood development centres, youth initiatives, after-school programmes, sports projects and other community-development projects across citrus-producing regions. She also explains how the initiative works with established organisations that already understand the needs within their communities. The conversation includes the story of a youth football programme supported by Orange Heart, assistance provided during the COVID-19 period and the 2021 KwaZulu-Natal unrest, and a more recent project addressing mental-health support for agricultural workers.Sive also reflects on the role growers themselves play in their communities — from supporting childcare facilities and schools to helping create environments in which farm employees and their families can access practical support. In this episode: • What Orange Heart is and how it developed • How surplus citrus is redistributed through the Fruit Drive • Supporting ECD centres and schools in citrus-growing communities • Youth development and after-school programmes • The role of beneficiary organisations in identifying genuine community needs • Community support during COVID-19 and the 2021 KZN unrest • Mental-health support for agricultural workers • How citrus growers can contribute surplus fruit, resources or funding • Sive Silo’s journey from a legal background into the citrus industry Sive also explains how growers who identify needs within their own communities can engage with Orange Heart to explore ways of providing support through established structures. About Sive SiloSive Silo is Programme and Project Manager at Citrus Academy. She also coordinates Orange Heart for the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa and serves as liaison for the Citrus Grower Development Chamber. Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

September 22, 202633 min

Can Biological Products Transform Agriculture? | Ep. 158

At the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie spoke with Debbie Matteucci, CEO of the South African Bioproducts Organization (SABO), about the growing role of biological products in agriculture and the challenges involved in moving towards more sustainable farming systems. SABO has grown significantly over the past two years, and Debbie explains how the organisation has expanded its focus beyond regulation to address the wider barriers to adoption across the agricultural value chain. The conversation covers: •The growing interest in biological products and bioproducts in agriculture •Why regulation and compliance remain important for the biological sector •The challenges farmers face when transitioning to different farming systems •Why biological products cannot simply be viewed as one-for-one replacements for synthetic pesticides•The importance of soil health, plant resilience and beneficial microorganisms •How integrated pest management fits into the transition •The role of biodiversity and natural predators such as bats, owls and other organisms •Why consumer education about food production and farming is important •The need for financing mechanisms to help farmers through the transition period •SABO's vision of becoming a trusted knowledge and industry hub for biological agriculture Debbie also discusses the importance of collaboration between growers, manufacturers, researchers, regulators, retailers, financiers and consumers if biological solutions are to become a more integrated part of modern agriculture. The conversation was recorded during the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, where the Lucentlands Podcast recorded a series of conversations with agricultural industry leaders. About Debbie Matteucci Debbie Matteucci is the CEO of the South African Bioproducts Organization (SABO), which focuses on naturally derived products and their use within agricultural systems. Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1 This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠ Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/