Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge

• Sustainability, Plastics & Carbon in Fruit | Ep. 95

  Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Nitasha Baijnath-Pillay, Resource & Sustainability Manager at Hortgro, about the complex challenges and opportunities facing South Africa’s deciduous fruit sector.Nitasha shares insights from her 20+ years in environmental and resource management, now applied directly in agriculture. She discusses how climate change, plastic alternatives, carbon credits, ESG compliance, and smart agriculture are shaping the future of fruit farming.From soil health to packaging innovations, and from EU regulations to carbon tax, this conversation dives deep into what it means to build a resilient, sustainable industry.Key Takeaways:•Why plastics aren’t the enemy—but poor management is•How global regulations like the EU’s Farm-to-Fork strategy impact South African farmers•The role of carbon footprinting, credits, and taxes in agriculture’s future•Smart agriculture tools: climate apps, soil health practices, and precision farming•ESG compliance as the gateway to market access in 86 countriesWhether you’re a grower, exporter, policymaker, or consumer, this episode reveals the realities and innovations shaping fruit farming in a climate-conscious world.Connect with Nitasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitasha-baijnath-pillay-a17690154/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/

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• The Future of Blueberries – South Africa’s Global Berry Boom | Ep. 94

  Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Brent Walsh, CEO of Berries ZA, about the rapid rise of the blueberry industry, shifting consumer demands, and South Africa’s growing role in global berry supply.Brent shares insights on:•How the South African blueberry industry has matured in just a decade.•The importance of genetics, quality, and consistency in staying competitive.•Market access negotiations with India, China, and Thailand.•The role of neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and Namibia in regional production.•Why hosting the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) Summit in Cape Town is a milestone moment.•Opportunities for raspberries and blackberries alongside blueberries.•Lessons from Peru and Morocco’s massive berry industries – and what’s possible for Africa.This is a must-listen for anyone interested in fresh produce, exports, trade access, and the future of berries in South Africa and beyond.Key Takeaways:•Blueberry production is expanding rapidly across Southern Africa, with microclimates driving variety choices.•Export logistics are shifting between air freight and sea freight depending on global demand.•New markets like India and China could double opportunities for South African producers.•The berry sector is diversifying, but blueberries remain the cornerstone.•Global collaboration and trade negotiations will shape the next decade of berry farming.Connect with Brent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-walsh-642a7513/More on Berries South Africa: https://www.berriesza.co.za/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/

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• The Secret Life of Maluma – The Next Big Avocado | Ep. 93

  Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Zander Ernst, Director of Marketing and Production at Allesbeste Boerdery in Tzaneen, Limpopo. From pioneering avocado varieties like Maluma to experimenting with trellising, planting densities, and even speciality coffee production, Zander shares an unfiltered look into how Allesbeste is pushing the boundaries of South African agriculture.We explore the family farm’s fascinating history, its unique “triangle” integration of breeding, nursery, and marketing, and why experimentation—despite costly failures—is essential for long-term industry growth. Zander also explains how Maluma has become South Africa’s most planted avocado variety, its advantages for farmers and consumers, and how cold chain discipline can make or break quality.The conversation then pivots to coffee—how a chance discovery in the garden led to a thriving speciality coffee brand, and why microclimates, altitude, and patience are as critical for coffee as they are for avocados.Key Takeaways:•How Allesbeste’s integrated business model gives it a unique edge in avocado innovation•The real story behind the Maluma avocado and why it thrives in warm climates•Why experimentation and knowledge-sharing are vital for industry progress•Lessons on cold chain management for maintaining fruit quality•How South Africa can produce high-altitude–quality coffee outside the “coffee belt”Connect with Zander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zander-ernst-116905135/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/

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• The Truth About Meat Supply in SA | Ep. 92

  Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Hendri Truter, Group CEO of Deli Co Meat Wholesalers, to uncover the real story behind South Africa’s meat industry—from supply shortages and pricing to exports, offal, salami sticks, and rural job creation.From its humble beginnings on a kitchen table in Riebeek-Kasteel to one of SA’s top meat facilities, Delico’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment.Key Takeaways:•Why South Africa ran out of lamb in December—and what it means for food security•How a side hustle making salami sticks paid for a house and built a national product•What "fifth quarter" products like skins and offal mean for meat prices and farmers•Why rural business matters—and how Delico supports 700+ jobs in a small town•The truth about foot-and-mouth disease and its impact on the meat supply chain•Why Hendri believes meat is still a “happy sell” despite the vegan backlash•How full traceability from farm to fork is changing the meat industryConnect with Hendri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendri-truter-03b42b232/More on Delico: https://delico.co.za/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/

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• Farming in a Changing Climate – Risks, Reality & Resilience | Ep. 91

  Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Stephanie Midgley, Specialist Scientist: Climate Change at the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape, about what climate change really means for agriculture in South Africa.Stephanie draws on over 30 years of experience in plant physiology, policy, and climate adaptation to explain the science behind shifting rainfall patterns, extreme weather, and long-term temperature rise. From sunburn on fruit to the politics of dam-building, she breaks down how farmers – and the rest of us – can adapt to what’s coming.This conversation goes far beyond theory, offering a grounded, systems-level view of climate risks and resilience, especially in the uniquely Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape.Key Takeaways:•Climate change isn’t just about weather – it’s about long-term shifts in entire climate systems•Western Cape is already experiencing a hotter, drier trend – with real impacts on fruit, livestock, and water supply•The SmartAgri plan is a world-leading example of a science-based, farmer-driven adaptation strategy•Practical on-farm adaptations like netting and breed choices can build resilience – but affordability remains a key challenge•International collaboration with Mediterranean regions (via MCAP) is enabling shared learning on drought, fire, and heat•Climate adaptation must happen across all sectors – from government policy to everyday water useFind Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-midgley-6a01a732/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/

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