Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge

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Welcome to the Lucentlands Podcast, your go-to source for all things related to agriculture. Our Agriculture podcast is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, trends, and insights on the agriculture industry from around the world. Hosted by Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie, two passionate professionals with years of experience in the media production industry, the Lucentlands Agriculture Podcast is the perfect platform for anyone interested in learning about the latest developments in agriculture.

  1. 3d ago

    From Post-Harvest Science to Risk Management | Ep. 164

    What does it take to protect fruit quality from the orchard all the way to the market — and how has agricultural research had to evolve to meet the changing needs of growers, exporters and the wider fresh produce industry? In Episode 164 of the Lucentlands Podcast, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak to Dr Martin Taylor, Research Fellow at ExperiCo, and Dr Ian Crouch, Managing Director of ExperiCo. The conversation traces the history of ExperiCo from its roots in the research structures of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry, through deregulation, Unifruco and Capespan, to the independent agricultural research business it has become today. Martin and Ian explain how a team originally focused heavily on post-harvest research and cold-chain management has expanded into a much broader range of agricultural R&D. Today, ExperiCo works across fruit and other crops in areas including post-harvest quality, product and registration trials, molecular diagnostics, plant pathology, entomology, soil science, physiology and risk management. They also discuss the importance of independent scientific testing. New products and technologies may arrive with impressive claims, but ExperiCo’s role is to provide an answer backed by sound scientific method — even when that answer is not necessarily the one a client hoped to hear. Other topics include the development of technologies and programmes that have influenced the South African fruit industry, the role of 1-MCP in extending fruit storage life, innovation in packaging and cooling, identifying pathogens at molecular level, the transfer of institutional knowledge, and the challenge of developing the next generation of agricultural scientists. It is also a conversation about adaptation. ExperiCo has survived major changes in the structure of South African agriculture by continually expanding its capabilities while retaining its focus on scientific integrity, confidentiality and practical problem-solving. 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/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

    From Post-Harvest Science to Risk Management | Ep. 164

  2. Oct 6

    Why Compliance Has Become Essential for South African Farmers | Ep. 163

    Compliance has become an unavoidable part of modern agriculture – particularly for South African producers supplying demanding international markets. But can compliance offer growers more than simply another audit to complete? In Episode 163 of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Nic Dicey, HORTGRO Chairman and deciduous fruit producer, about the development of SIZA – the Sustainability Initiative of South Africa – and its role in South African agriculture. As SIZA celebrates ten years, Dicey reflects on why the industry needed a South African standard that could meet international ethical requirements while remaining grounded in South African legislation and farming conditions.He explains why growers should view compliance as more than a once-off audit. When ethical, labour, health and safety and environmental standards become part of everyday farm management, they can help create stronger systems, safer workplaces and more efficient businesses while protecting access to international markets. The conversation explores: • Why SIZA was established • The burden of multiple and repetitive farm audits • How SIZA benchmarks South African requirements against international expectations • Ethical compliance, labour practices and worker welfare • SIZA’s continuous-improvement approach• Unannounced audits and annual self-assessments • The growing importance of environmental compliance • Water, energy and resource management • The role of international retailers and export markets • Compliance relating to foreign workers • Why South African growers need to “live” compliance rather than prepare for it once a year • The strength of South Africa’s organised agricultural structures In the latter part of the conversation, Dicey also shares the remarkable history of his family in South African deciduous fruit production. A fourth-generation producer, he traces the Dicey family’s farming roots from the pioneering Cape Orchard Company era through to the family’s present-day fruit operations and discusses the possibility of another generation entering the business. It is a conversation about compliance, industry leadership, market access and the systems that have helped South African fruit agriculture build credibility internationally. 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/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

    Why Compliance Has Become Essential for South African Farmers | Ep. 163

  3. Oct 1

    HORTGRO’s Next Chapter: Anton Rabe Hands Over to Jacques du Preez | Ep. 162

    Episode 162 of the Lucentlands Podcast brings together Anton Rabe, outgoing CEO of HORTGRO, and Jacques du Preez, incoming CEO, for a conversation about HORTGRO’s leadership transition and the changing realities facing South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry. Hosted by Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie, the conversation looks back at Anton’s decades in the industry and the changes that followed deregulation, as well as the growth and development of HORTGRO, transformation, research, market access and the organisation’s expanding responsibilities. For Jacques du Preez, the transition into the CEO role is about continuity as much as change. He describes the approach as “evolution rather than revolution”, building on a stable foundation while ensuring HORTGRO continues to adapt to changing conditions. Among the major priorities discussed are market access and logistics. Jacques reflects on the importance of retaining existing markets while continuing to diversify South Africa’s export opportunities, while both guests discuss the serious logistical pressures facing growers, particularly through the Cape Town Container Terminal. The conversation also explores succession within HORTGRO, developing internal expertise, research capacity, transformation, industry funding, climate and production risks, and the importance of maintaining a strong collective industry structure for growers. Key topics include: • HORTGRO’s evolution following deregulation • Anton Rabe’s reflections on his career and the development of the organisation • Jacques du Preez’s move from market access into the CEO role • Market access and export diversification • Port and logistics challenges • Transformation and grower support • Building internal skills and succession within HORTGRO • Research, technology and production efficiency • Climate and production risks facing growers • The future role of HORTGRO in a changing fruit industry Anton may be stepping away from the day-to-day operational role, but the conversation makes clear that the knowledge and experience built over decades will continue to inform the industry. For Jacques, the task now is to build on that foundation while keeping HORTGRO ahead of changing local and global conditions. Subscribe to the Lucentlands Podcast for conversations with the people shaping agriculture, horticulture and the international fresh-produce industry. 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/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

    HORTGRO’s Next Chapter: Anton Rabe Hands Over to Jacques du Preez | Ep. 162

  4. Sep 22

    Building the Next Generation of South African Citrus | Ep. 161

    More than 400 young people have been supported through the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund over the past 20 years – but Jacomien de Klerk says the real objective has never simply been to help students obtain qualifications.It is about building careers and developing people who can make a long-term contribution to South Africa’s citrus industry.Recorded at the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, Jacomien joins Lucentlands Podcast hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie to discuss the development and impact of the Citrus Academy, its bursary programme and the wider initiatives being used to introduce young South Africans to opportunities across the citrus value chain.Since the bursary fund was established in 2006, more than 1,000 bursaries representing over R26 million in investment have been awarded. Jacomien says approximately 95% of funded students have completed the qualifications for which they received support, while around two-thirds remain involved in the broader agricultural industry.She explains why financial support alone is not enough. Citrus Academy students are given opportunities for vacation work, internships, graduate placements, industry events and additional training so that they can understand how their academic studies connect with the commercial realities of agriculture.The conversation also looks at the Citrus Secondary Programme, which is introducing high-school learners in citrus-producing regions to citrus production and the wider value chain. Around 19 schools and approximately 600 learners are currently participating.Jacomien also discusses the growing Citrus Student Community, which now has more than 2,000 members and extends access to training, work experience, networking and other Citrus Academy opportunities beyond students who receive bursaries.Topics include:• 20 years of the Citrus Academy Bursary Fund• More than 400 students supported through the fund• Over R26 million invested and more than 1,000 bursaries awarded• A 95% qualification completion rate• Building careers rather than simply funding qualifications• Internships, vacation work and graduate placement• Bringing young people into agricultural careers• The Citrus Secondary Programme in citrus-producing regions• Exposing school learners to farms, packhouses and nurseries• The Citrus Student Community and its 2,000+ members• Succession and transformation in South African citrus• Developing the next generation of researchers, growers and industry professionals• The need for additional industry partners to support bursary fundingFor Jacomien, sustainable human-resource development starts with creating the opportunity – and then giving people the support, exposure and industry connections they need to make something of it.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/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This 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/

    Building the Next Generation of South African Citrus | Ep. 161

  5. Sep 22

    What SA Citrus Must Get Right | Ep. 160

    Recorded at the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Hoppie Nel, Fruit Industry Consultant, about a career spanning decades in the South African citrus industry and the lessons that experience has brought. From his early career in soil science to managing major citrus developments and becoming closely involved in organised citrus industry structures, Hoppie has witnessed significant changes in South African citrus production, exports and industry cooperation. A central theme of the conversation is the industry's focus on volume. Hoppie argues that producing or exporting more fruit does not necessarily mean creating more value. The more important questions are how much fruit is exportable, what returns reach the farm and whether South Africa can position itself as a higher-value citrus exporter rather than simply pursuing ever-growing volumes. The discussion also looks back at difficult export seasons, including the collapse of the Japanese market in 2005, and how oversupplying attractive markets can have consequences across other destinations. Hoppie reflects on the development of the Citrus Growers' Association, cooperation between different citrus-producing regions and the importance of growers working collectively even when their immediate interests differ. They also discuss: • Why exportable quality matters more than headline tonnage• The risks of becoming too volume-driven• Grower returns and where value is distributed across the citrus supply chain• Lessons from previous citrus market downturns• The development of the Citrus Growers' Association• The importance of research and Citrus Research International• Cooperation between citrus-producing regions• The competitiveness and resilience of South African growers• Why difficult seasons need to be viewed within the longer agricultural cycle• Hoppie's advice to people entering the citrus industry For growers facing difficult conditions, his message is grounded in decades of experience: study the numbers, respect the environmental limitations of where you farm, and once the fundamentals are right, have faith and patience. 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/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This 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/

    What SA Citrus Must Get Right | Ep. 160

  6. Sep 22

    How South Africa’s Citrus Industry Supports Communities | Ep. 159

    Recorded at the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Sive Silo, Programme and Project Manager at Citrus Academy and Orange Heart Coordinator for the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA). Orange Heart is the CGA’s community-development initiative, providing a structured way for the citrus industry to support communities in and around South Africa’s citrus-growing regions. One of its key initiatives is the Orange Heart Fruit Drive, through which surplus citrus is distributed to established beneficiary organisations rather than going to waste. But its work extends much further.Sive discusses Orange Heart’s involvement in early childhood development centres, youth initiatives, after-school programmes, sports projects and other community-development projects across citrus-producing regions. She also explains how the initiative works with established organisations that already understand the needs within their communities. The conversation includes the story of a youth football programme supported by Orange Heart, assistance provided during the COVID-19 period and the 2021 KwaZulu-Natal unrest, and a more recent project addressing mental-health support for agricultural workers.Sive also reflects on the role growers themselves play in their communities — from supporting childcare facilities and schools to helping create environments in which farm employees and their families can access practical support. In this episode: • What Orange Heart is and how it developed • How surplus citrus is redistributed through the Fruit Drive • Supporting ECD centres and schools in citrus-growing communities • Youth development and after-school programmes • The role of beneficiary organisations in identifying genuine community needs • Community support during COVID-19 and the 2021 KZN unrest • Mental-health support for agricultural workers • How citrus growers can contribute surplus fruit, resources or funding • Sive Silo’s journey from a legal background into the citrus industry Sive also explains how growers who identify needs within their own communities can engage with Orange Heart to explore ways of providing support through established structures. About Sive SiloSive Silo is Programme and Project Manager at Citrus Academy. She also coordinates Orange Heart for the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa and serves as liaison for the Citrus Grower Development Chamber. 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/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This 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/

    How South Africa’s Citrus Industry Supports Communities | Ep. 159

  7. Sep 22

    Can Biological Products Transform Agriculture? | Ep. 158

    At the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie spoke with Debbie Matteucci, CEO of the South African Bioproducts Organization (SABO), about the growing role of biological products in agriculture and the challenges involved in moving towards more sustainable farming systems. SABO has grown significantly over the past two years, and Debbie explains how the organisation has expanded its focus beyond regulation to address the wider barriers to adoption across the agricultural value chain. The conversation covers: •The growing interest in biological products and bioproducts in agriculture •Why regulation and compliance remain important for the biological sector •The challenges farmers face when transitioning to different farming systems •Why biological products cannot simply be viewed as one-for-one replacements for synthetic pesticides•The importance of soil health, plant resilience and beneficial microorganisms •How integrated pest management fits into the transition •The role of biodiversity and natural predators such as bats, owls and other organisms •Why consumer education about food production and farming is important •The need for financing mechanisms to help farmers through the transition period •SABO's vision of becoming a trusted knowledge and industry hub for biological agriculture Debbie also discusses the importance of collaboration between growers, manufacturers, researchers, regulators, retailers, financiers and consumers if biological solutions are to become a more integrated part of modern agriculture. The conversation was recorded during the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, where the Lucentlands Podcast recorded a series of conversations with agricultural industry leaders. About Debbie Matteucci Debbie Matteucci is the CEO of the South African Bioproducts Organization (SABO), which focuses on naturally derived products and their use within agricultural systems. 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/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast 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/

    Can Biological Products Transform Agriculture? | Ep. 158

  8. Sep 14

    Ports and Fresh Produce Logistics | Ep. 157

    South Africa produces world-class fresh fruit, but getting that fruit to international markets requires a complex logistics network operating under immense pressure.In Episode 157 of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Delena Engelbrecht, CEO at GoReefers, about the evolution of South Africa’s fresh-produce logistics sector and the challenges facing exporters today. Delena shares how GoReefers began with three people in 2001, shortly after deregulation transformed the fruit industry. The company has since developed into an international logistics business handling more than 700,000 pallets annually. The conversation explores: •The logistical disruption that followed deregulation •How GoReefers grew by finding solutions during periods of change •Why fresh-produce logistics still depends heavily on people •The effect of port delays on growers, exporters and international customers •Why South Africa must improve the performance of its ports •The importance of protecting fruit throughout the supply chain •Leadership, workplace culture and empowering employees •Preparing employees for artificial intelligence and new technology •Opportunities for South Africa to become a larger contributor to the global food supply Delena explains that GoReefers approaches difficult decisions by asking one central question: What is best for the fruit? Her message to exporters is equally clear: “You pick, you pack and you sell — we will do the rest.” 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/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This 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/

    Ports and Fresh Produce Logistics | Ep. 157
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About

Welcome to the Lucentlands Podcast, your go-to source for all things related to agriculture. Our Agriculture podcast is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, trends, and insights on the agriculture industry from around the world. Hosted by Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie, two passionate professionals with years of experience in the media production industry, the Lucentlands Agriculture Podcast is the perfect platform for anyone interested in learning about the latest developments in agriculture.

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