Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge

• South Africa’s Citrus Growth and Future Strategy | Ep. 109

  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/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele, Chief Executive Officer of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), to unpack one of the most remarkable citrus seasons South Africa has ever recorded.Based on the insights shared in this in-depth conversation, we explore the industry’s 203.4 million carton season, market performance across the globe, logistics improvements, policy developments, the rise of young growers, and the road ahead to Vision 260.From booming demand in India, to protocol changes in China, to the surprising resilience of exports despite US tariff disruptions — this episode gives a rare and comprehensive look inside the engine room of one of South Africa’s most dynamic agricultural sectors.Dr. Ntshabele also reflects on his first season as CGA CEO, the adjustments of moving from government into industry, and the strategic priorities shaping the future of SA citrus.Key Takeaways:•SA citrus is performing at world-class levels, with exceptional fruit quality and strong global demand.•Logistics improvements played a decisive role in the success of the 2025 season.•India and Asia represent massive long-term growth opportunities.•Protocol improvements, especially on cold treatment, will unlock better returns for growers.•Vision 260 is realistic — and the industry is already over 200 million cartons.•Local research and extension remain the backbone of SA’s global competitiveness.•Young people are entering the citrus sector in large numbers, signalling a healthy future.•Leadership in agriculture needs collaboration with government, strong strategy, and constant demand creation.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/Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

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• The Genetics Revolution Reshaping Blueberries | Ep. 108

  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/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Jon Salters, CEO of United Exports and Director at Berries ZA, for an in-depth conversation about the rapidly evolving global blueberry industry — and South Africa’s growing role on the world stage.Recorded during the IBO Summit in Cape Town, this discussion dives into the market forces, genetics, branding, labour, and global consumer trends reshaping blueberries into one of the most dynamic fresh produce sectors worldwide.Jon shares rare insights from United Exports’ global footprint — spanning South Africa, Peru, Mexico, USA, Spain, Portugal and Australia — and explains why premium genetics, strong supply chains, and consistent quality are becoming the core differentiators in a competitive global landscape.He also unpacks how consumer behaviour in markets like China and India is shifting rapidly, and why South Africa is well positioned to capture demand for premium blueberries.This episode is essential listening for growers, exporters, agribusiness leaders and anyone interested in where the global berry industry is headed.Key Takeaways•South Africa is now recognised as a major global player in premium blueberry genetics and production.•Consumer demand for high-quality blueberries continues to grow worldwide, especially in China and India.•Premium genetics, flavour, firmness, and shelf life define market competitiveness.•The move from air freight to sea freight has transformed export viability.•Branding and quality consistency will shape the next era of blueberry marketing.•R&D and technological innovation remain essential, from breeding to post-harvest to supply chain optimisation.•Blueberries provide one of the highest job creation ratios per hectare in South African agriculture.•Berries ZA is playing an increasingly critical role in market access, regulatory alignment and sector development.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/Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

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• Funding the Future of Agriculture | Ep. 107

  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/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Werner Opperman, Head of Capital Partners at 27four Investment Managers and the lead behind Agrarius, to unpack the evolving world of agricultural finance, investment opportunities, sustainability, risk, and the future role of technology in food production.Werner has been a guest on the podcast twice before, but this conversation goes deeper than ever. Together, the hosts explore how Agrarius—South Africa’s JSE-listed agricultural investment vehicle—structures capital solutions for producers, why agriculture is misunderstood by traditional finance, and why global investors are increasingly looking to Southern Africa for food security.This two-hour discussion covers everything from risk modelling and project-based funding to global trade dynamics, carbon credits, sustainability standards, AI in agriculture, and the major infrastructure constraints facing South African agribusiness today.Key Takeaways•Agriculture is far less risky than people believe—the real issue is perception and lack of specialist knowledge.•South Africa remains an attractive investment destination for agricultural production despite tough local conditions.•Impact investment works best when tied to measurable, science-based standards, something the industry urgently needs.•AI is accelerating rapidly, already transforming analysis, packing, risk assessment, and livestock management.•Carbon credits have huge potential, but the global standardisation gap is preventing widespread adoption.•Collaboration across funds, exporters, farmers, and government is essential for building infrastructure and long-term food security.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/Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

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• Big Data, Small Fruit – The Science and Strategy Behind Blueberries | Ep. 106

  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/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Colin Fain, CEO of Agronometrics, and Louw Pienaar, Senior Analyst at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP).Together, they unpack the story behind the global blueberry boom — and why South Africa is emerging as one of the world’s most promising producers.From the IBO Global Blueberry Report to tariff negotiations, labor trends, and local market growth, this conversation brings deep insight into the data that’s driving the fruit industry forward. Colin and Louw explore how reliable analytics and policy foresight are shaping decisions in trade, production, and market access — and why it’s time for South Africans to back themselves as global agricultural leaders.Key Takeaways:•How global data is helping farmers and exporters make better decisions.•Why South Africa’s blueberry industry has unique structural advantages.•The role of tariffs and trade agreements in shaping future growth.•What the U.S., Peru, and South Africa can learn from each other.•Why domestic blueberry consumption is rising — and how marketing can drive it further.Connect with Colin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colin-fain-7175623aConnect with Louw on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louw-pienaar-3a6b02b8/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/Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

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• Zimbabwe’s Farmers Redefine the Blueberry Game | Ep. 105

  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/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Linda Nielsen, CEO of the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), and Alistair Campbell, Chairman of the HDC, to explore one of Africa’s most exciting agricultural success stories — the rise of Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry.Just ten years ago, Zimbabwe had no commercial blueberry production. Today, it’s gaining international recognition for its premium quality berries, unique marketing window, and growing global influence.Linda and Alistair share the remarkable journey behind this transformation — from overcoming financing and policy challenges to opening new export markets such as China and the Far East.They also discuss how collaboration between growers, government, and development financiers is reshaping the investment narrative for Zimbabwean agriculture — turning “risk” into opportunity.Key Takeaways:•How Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry grew from trials to international exports in under a decade•The role of the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) in shaping agricultural investment policy•Why global buyers now seek out “Product of Zimbabwe” blueberries•Opportunities for investors in horticulture and the country’s expanding production base•The power of collaboration among growers, marketers, and policymakersConnect 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/Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

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