Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge

• Rethinking High-Value Crops | Ep. 111

  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 Angus Davison, Founder and Chairman of Haygrove, a global leader in high-tech growing systems and berry, cherry, and horticultural farming.Angus shares the remarkable story of how Haygrove began as a single university thesis project in the UK and evolved into an international operation supplying polythene tunnels, net systems, and advanced growing solutions to more than 50 countries while farming 600+ hectares of berries and cherries across the UK, South Africa, Portugal, and China.From the origins of modern multi-bay tunnels to Haygrove’s bold expansion into key global regions, this conversation dives deep into the mindset, innovation, and long-term strategy that shaped one of the world’s most influential horticultural companies.Angus also unpacks the future of protected cropping — including rising opportunities in kiwis, cherries, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and even avocados — while reflecting on climate challenges, technological innovation, retailer pressures, global labor mobility, and why he believes Southern Africa is one of the best regions in the world for agricultural investment.This is a rich, inspiring conversation with one of the most respected thinkers in global fruit production.Key Takeaways:•Innovation often starts small — but grows through perseverance and learning•Protected cropping is the backbone of future horticulture•Southern Africa remains a uniquely strong investment opportunity•Empowering labor can transform entire communities•Berry and cherry demand will continue to grow for decades•Leadership requires curiosity, global perspective, and long-term thinkingConnect 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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• Berry Genetics & Global Market Trends | Ep. 110

  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 Hans Liekens, Global Head of Marketing & Innovation at Planasa, one of the world’s largest berry-breeding powerhouses. Recorded live at the IBO Summit, this conversation dives deep into the future of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, asparagus, avocados and even zero-chill cherries.Hans shares his journey from major FMCG companies like PepsiCo and Chiquita to leading innovation in global horticulture. The discussion covers the expanding role of genetics, new breeding programs, global retail trends, sustainability, organic production, and South Africa’s hidden competitive advantages in the global berry market.From carbon footprint calculations that favour South African exporters, to why flavour segmentation will become the “pink lady moment” for blueberries, Hans offers a rare insider’s perspective from someone who speaks directly with supermarket buyers worldwide.He also reveals exciting developments such as low-chill cherries, new raspberry and blackberry genetics coming to South Africa, and Planasa’s expanding global R&D network across seven regions.Whether you're in berry production, horticulture, agribusiness, retail sourcing, or simply passionate about the future of fresh produce, this episode offers a wealth of insight into how global trends are reshaping the industry.Key Takeaways•Planasa’s expansion from asparagus and strawberries into all four major berries — blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries — plus avocados and zero-chill cherries.•South Africa’s unique advantages: sustainability, shipping carbon footprint, flavour profile, season length, and potential for organic production.•Why supermarkets increasingly want one-stop suppliers and how this benefits Southern African growers.•The massive gap and opportunity in organic blueberries for Europe and the UK.•Why flavour segmentation in blueberries will follow the same trajectory as tomatoes and Pink Lady apples.•How supermarkets’ sourcing models, climate constraints, and consumer expectations shape global breeding pipelines.•The importance of the IBO Summit for global collaboration, networking, and industry alignment.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 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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