Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge

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/In this episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Calla du Toit, a senior executive at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing and chairman of Hortgro Pome.
With more than 25 years of experience in the South African fruit export industry, Calla shares deep insights into how the apple and pear sector has evolved since deregulation, the realities of global fruit marketing, and the opportunities that still lie ahead for South African agriculture.
From varietal development and global market expansion to the logistical challenges facing exporters today, this conversation explores what it really takes to move fresh fruit from South African orchards to more than 100 markets around the world.Calla also reflects on the future of the industry, the role of technology and young growers, and why agriculture remains one of the most exciting careers for the next generation.The discussion touches on critical topics including the Cape Town port crisis, Africa as a growing market for fruit exports, and the need for a more agile export inspection system to support trade.This episode offers a rare insider perspective on how South Africa’s fruit industry operates—and why the best may still be ahead for the country’s growers and exporters.Key Takeaways•Why the apple and pear industry has become one of South Africa’s most disciplined export sectors•How new varieties and orchard systems are reshaping production•The growing importance of Africa, India, Vietnam and Asian markets•Why logistics and port performance are now the biggest bottlenecks•How technology and global travel are influencing the next generation of growers•Why Calla believes South Africa remains a “shining star” in the Southern Hemisphere fruit industry•His candid view on PPECB inspections and the future of export regulation•Calla also shares his personal journey—from growing up on a farm in Ceres to traveling the world marketing South African fruit.If you want to understand the real forces shaping the global fresh produce trade, this episode is essential listening.
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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/
In this episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Lucien Jansen, Chief Executive Officer of the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), about the crucial role PPECB plays in protecting the reputation of South African fresh produce in global markets. The PPECB has been responsible for regulating the export of South Africa’s perishable products since 1926, ensuring that fruit, vegetables, flowers, and other temperature-sensitive goods leave the country in compliance with strict quality, food safety, and cold chain standards.
As the organization celebrates its 100-year anniversary, Lucien shares insights into the history, evolution, and future of this unique institution.
The conversation explores how PPECB ensures quality across the export value chain—from inspection in packhouses to cold chain monitoring during shipping—and why South Africa’s system is considered one of the most advanced in the world. Unlike many other exporting countries, PPECB combines quality inspection, food safety oversight, and cold chain management, helping maintain the consistent reputation of South African produce internationally. Lucien also discusses the rapid growth of export volumes, which exceeded 203 million cartons in 2025, and how PPECB manages the logistics, staffing, and technological innovation required to support this expanding industry. With more than 30 offices across South Africa and inspectors traveling millions of kilometres annually, the organisation operates at the heart of the country’s agricultural export ecosystem.
The discussion also touches on some fascinating aspects of PPECB’s work—from monitoring cold sterilisation treatments for export markets to overseeing unusual temperature-controlled shipments such as snails, marine products, and other refrigerated cargo.
Looking ahead, Lucien outlines several innovations currently underway, including automation of container loading inspections, improved digital systems for real-time export data, and research into non-invasive temperature measurement technologies that could transform cold chain monitoring.
The episode also addresses broader industry challenges, including port congestion, container shortages, wind delays in Cape Town’s harbour, and the importance of collaboration between government, exporters, and logistics providers to keep South Africa competitive in global markets.
Ultimately, the conversation highlights how PPECB acts not just as a regulator, but as an enabler and partner to the industry, working to ensure that South African produce consistently arrives in international markets with the quality and reliability buyers expect.

Connect wit Lucien: linkedin.com/in/lucien-jansen-5b736b67
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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
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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Piet de Jager, CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), and Anton Kruger, former CEO of FPEF, about leadership transition, global trade pressures, market access challenges, port inefficiencies, and the future of South Africa’s fresh produce export industry.
After 14 years at the helm of FPEF, Anton Kruger hands over leadership to Piet de Jager in what can truly be described as a changing of the guard. Together, they unpack the critical role FPEF plays in maintaining integrity, discipline, and competitiveness in South Africa’s export industry.
South Africa is the largest exporter of fresh fruit in the Southern Hemisphere — but maintaining that position requires constant negotiation, coordination, and resilience.
This conversation explores:
• Why FPEF was established after agricultural deregulation
• How voluntary membership protects exporter credibility
• The complexity of gaining market access (government-to-government negotiations)
• The realities of tariffs in India, China, BRICS countries and the US
• The implications of AGOA and shifting US trade policies
• How SACU (Southern African Customs Union) affects trade negotiations
• Why 90% of South Africa’s fresh produce exports are represented within FPEF
• Mediation mechanisms that prevent costly legal battles
• The harsh realities of port inefficiencies and logistical bottlenecks
• Weather disruptions, infrastructure failures, and their financial impact
• The projected 35% increase in fruit production — and where that fruit will go
• The importance of unified industry representation through Fruit South Africa
• The role of private sector collaboration with government
• Transformation, exporter development, and training within the value chain

Key Takeaways:
• Market access is only step one — commercial viability is step two.
• South Africa competes globally despite some of the weakest trade agreements among competitors.
• Port inefficiencies cost the industry millions and require coordinated solutions.
• FPEF membership is a voluntary badge of integrity, backed by strict vetting and discipline.
• Growth projections mean new markets are not optional — they are essential.
• Collaboration between private sector and government remains critical for success.

More about FPEF: https://www.fpef.co.za/

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In this episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Petri de Beer, an agricultural economist and winemaker, to unpack the real business of wine.
The conversation explores why making wine is often easier than selling it, the financial and legislative barriers facing small producers, and why passion alone is not enough to build a sustainable wine business. Petri shares practical insights into wine economics, market access, and what needs to change if independent producers are to survive in South Africa’s evolving wine industry.

Key Takeaways:
Making wine is easy — selling it is the real challenge.

Small producers face high costs and complex regulations.

Wine success depends on economics, not just passion.

Retail space is dominated by large players, limiting access.

The future points to fewer producers and more premium wines.

Key Takeaways:
Making wine is easy — selling it is the real challenge.

Small producers face high costs and complex regulations.

Wine success depends on economics, not just passion.

Retail space is dominated by large players, limiting access.

The future points to fewer producers and more premium wines.
Key topics included:

Why selling wine is harder than making it

Capital, cash flow, and scale in wine production

Licensing, excise duties, and regulatory barriers

The challenges facing small and independent producers

Premium wine, consumption trends, and future outlook

Whether you are a producer, industry professional, or simply curious about how the wine industry really works, this episode offers valuable perspective on the business realities behind every bottle.
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/
Connect with Petri de Beer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petri-de-beer-479bb3180
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/
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/
In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Fhumulani Ratshitanga, CEO of Fruit South Africa, for an insightful conversation about leadership, market access, transformation, and the future of South Africa’s fruit industry.
Fruit South Africa serves as the umbrella body representing the country’s major fruit industry associations — including citrus, table grapes, pome and stone fruit, subtropicals, berries, and exporters. As CEO, Fhumulani plays a critical coordinating and advocacy role at national and international level.
Fhumulani shares her journey from starting her career as a PPECB inspector in packhouses across South Africa, to working in regional agricultural policy and international standard-setting forums, and ultimately leading Fruit South Africa through some of the most challenging years in recent history — including COVID, logistics crises, tariff pressures, and global market negotiations.
The discussion explores:
• Why market access is the lifeblood of South Africa’s fruit industry
• How Fruit South Africa coordinates advocacy across multiple commodity groups
• The importance of transformation and industry-wide collaboration
• The resilience of South African farmers — competing globally without subsidies
• Tariffs, trade agreements, and the challenge of opening new markets
• Why Southeast Asia presents major growth opportunities
• The logistics crisis and engagement with Transnet
• The Agro Processing Master Plan and industry value chain alignment
• Youth exposure to agriculture and the need to change perceptions
• The potential of a unified “Fruit South Africa” brand in global markets
South Africa exports more than 60% of its fruit production, employs over 320,000 people on farms, and plays a critical role in forex earnings and job creation. Yet, as Fhumulani explains, the industry often operates in a complex global trade environment without the subsidies enjoyed by many competitors.
This conversation highlights not only the structural importance of fruit to South Africa’s economy, but also the collaborative spirit that drives the industry forward.
Key Takeaways:
•Fruit South Africa focuses on transformation, market access, stakeholder relations, and information management.
•The industry thrives on collaboration rather than fragmentation.
•Tariff reduction and new trade agreements remain essential for growth.
•South African fruit has a strong global reputation for quality — but branding could be strengthened.
•Youth exposure to agriculture is critical to securing the industry’s future.
•The fruit industry is a major employer and contributor to the national economy.
If you are involved in agriculture, exports, trade policy, or food production — this episode provides valuable strategic insight into how the industry operates behind the scenes.
More about Fruit South Africa: https://fruitsa.co.za/
Connect with Fhumulani: linkedin.com/in/fhumulani-mashau-ratshitanga-66164347
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Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/
Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1