Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge

• 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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• Building a Sustainable Future for Blueberries | Ep. 104

  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 Mario Steta, Chairman of the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) and Vice President of Sustainability, Compliance & Public Affairs at Driscoll’s, for a fascinating discussion on the evolution and future of the global blueberry industry.Speaking from the IBO Summit 2025 in South Africa, Mario shares deep insights into how genetics, government support, infrastructure, and international collaboration are shaping the global fruit industry. From the rise of Peru to the lessons learned from Argentina and Chile, this episode explores what it takes to build a resilient, innovative, and sustainable blueberry sector.Discover how public–private partnerships drive trade access, why “country brands” matter, and how consumer awareness and agricultural storytelling can elevate entire industries. Mario also draws thought-provoking parallels between Mexico and South Africa — and even takes the hosts down a fun detour into the world of blueberry-infused tequila.Key Takeaways•How global trade and genetics transformed blueberry production•Why government collaboration is key to industry success•The role of infrastructure and cold-chain management in competitiveness•Lessons from Peru, Chile, Mexico, and South Africa•The importance of storytelling and national branding in agriculture•Insights on IBO’s future direction and sustainability goalsConnect 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 Rise of Peru’s Blueberry Empire | Ep. 103

  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 speak with Luis Miguel Vegas, General Manager of Proarándanos – the Peruvian Blueberry Growers and Exporters Association.From a country once barely present in the blueberry trade, Peru has risen to become the world’s leading blueberry exporter. Luis shares how favorable climate, private-sector leadership, government support, and global trade agreements combined to spark one of agriculture’s most remarkable success stories.The discussion covers how agriculture is now Peru’s largest job creator, the vital role of foreign investment in rural areas, and the industry’s next challenges – from labor and logistics to driving global blueberry consumption. Luis also reflects on the importance of sustainability and diversified ports and offers a glimpse into Peru’s new mega-port projects linking to Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative.Key Takeaways:•How Peru went from zero to #1 in global blueberry exports in a decade•Why agriculture is transforming Peru’s rural economy and reducing poverty•The importance of trade agreements and foreign investment in agri growth•Why industry collaboration and consumer promotion matter for the future of blueberries•How Peru is preparing for logistics and sustainability challenges aheadConnect 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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• Scaling the Blueberry Industry – Opportunities for Africa and Beyond | Ep. 102

  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 Cort Brazelton, President & CEO of Fall Creek and Founder of the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) — one of the most influential figures in the global blueberry sector.Cort shares the remarkable story of Fall Creek’s growth from a small family nursery in Oregon to a global leader in blueberry genetics and plant supply, and his optimistic outlook for the Southern African blueberry industry.From the early days of the antioxidant boom that put blueberries on the map, to today’s premiumization and flavor-driven markets, this episode explores how genetics, collaboration, and a shared vision are shaping the future of fruit production worldwide.Cort discusses:•The evolution of the global blueberry industry and Fall Creek’s international journey•Why Southern Africa is perfectly positioned for the next wave of blueberry growth•The critical role of flavor, firmness, and genetics in consumer preference•How investment and professionalism will shape the next decade of farming•His personal reflections on leadership, learning, and building a purpose-driven companyPacked with insight, optimism, and global perspective, this conversation reminds us that agriculture’s best future lies in collaboration, innovation, and heart.Key Takeaways:•The blueberry market is still in its early growth phase, with major opportunities in Africa.•Genetics, flavor, and consumer experience are central to future competitiveness.•Institutional investment and professionalization are essential for scaling the industry.•Education and critical thinking remain vital for future agricultural leaders.“Our competition isn’t each other — it’s junk food,” says Cort. “We’re all in this boat together.”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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• South Africa’s Almond Revolution | Ep. 101

  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 Reni le Roux, Sales and Marketing Manager at AMANTECO and founder of The Almond Girl, to explore the rise of almonds in South Africa and what it means for farmers, consumers, and the broader agri-sector.Reni shares her family’s pioneering story as South Africa’s first commercial almond producers, the challenges and opportunities of developing a new industry, and how she’s educating consumers through her brand, The Almond Girl. From varieties and flavor differences, to exports, mechanization, and the growing demand for plant protein, this is a fascinating inside look at one of agriculture’s fastest-growing nut crops.Key Takeaways:•How South Africa’s almond industry started and where it’s heading•Why not all almonds are the same: varieties, flavors, and best uses•The role of The Almond Girl in consumer education and direct-to-market sales•Export opportunities and global demand for South African almonds•Lessons in innovation, resilience, and pioneering a niche cropConnect with Reni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reni-le-roux-3a8a325b/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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