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The Enterprise Development Programme (EDP) continues to play a transformative role in South Africa’s agricultural sector, particularly in the Western Cape and North West provinces. Designed to empower emerging producers, the programme leverages strategic partnerships with the Department of Agriculture and major stakeholders in the potato industry to ensure access to critical resources, mentorship, and reliable markets. By focussing on sustainable practices and commercial scalability, the programme addresses some of the most pressing challenges faced by small and medium-scale producers.
In the North West province, the EDP has significantly advanced the operations of Hunter Mucumi, owner of Matiti Training and Projects CC. Mucumi operates on over 1 500 ha of leased land near Ventersdorp, producing potatoes, grains, and livestock. A seasoned agricultural economist with over a decade of experience, Mucumi transitioned to farming in 2018 and has since become a key beneficiary of the EDP initiative.
Through the programme, he has expanded potato production to 40 ha, relying on irrigation systems and strategic off-take agreements with Frimax Foods, PepsiCo, and McCain Foods. These partnerships not only secure a stable market for his produce but also position him to further grow his operations, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability.
Geena farming success
The Western Cape, known for its diverse agricultural potential, is benefitting from the EDP through projects such as Geena Farming, led by Bradley Jeena. Operating on leased land at Winkel Haak Farm in the Witzenberg Local Municipality, Jeena has made significant progress in potato production using overhead sprinkler irrigation. Situated in the Koue Bokkeveld region, renowned for its unique microclimate and high-quality produce, the farm is ideally positioned for large-scale agricultural activities.
Jeena began operations in early 2021, initially focussing on onion production. With mentorship, funding, and access to advanced infrastructure, including irrigation systems and solar power, he has successfully diversified into potato farming. The farm’s four boreholes, supplying approximately 78 000 m³ of water annually, ensure a reliable water supply for current and future crops.
A recent investment of R1.5 million has supported irrigation development and the installation of solar panels, ensuring environmentally sustainable operations. Jeena also benefits from essential farming equipment, including tractors, boom sprayers, and potato harvesting and sorting machines, all provided through a rental agreement with his mentor.
The EDP’s support for Jeena includes plans to scale potato production over the next four years. This growth is made possible by strategic off-take partnerships that guarantee a market for his produce and enable him to reinvest in further development.
Situated in the heart of the Western Cape’s potato belt, Jeena’s farm demonstrates the region’s potential for high-quality potato production, bolstered by access to infrastructure, mentorship, and funding.
EDP impact
The success stories of Mucumi and Jeena showcase the transformative impact of the EDP in fostering agricultural growth and resilience. By partnering with the Department of Agriculture and potato off-takers, the programme ensures that emerging producers have the tools, resources, and market access necessary to scale their operations. Moreover, the emphasis on sustainability – using renewable energy, efficient irrigation systems, and crop rotation practices – ensures that these farming enterprises can thrive in the long term.
As the Western Cape and North West continue to benefit from the EDP, the broader agricultural sector stands to gain from these examples of innovation and collaboration. By empowering producers to reach commercial scale, the initiative not only strengthens local economies but also contributes to South Africa’s food security and rural development goals. – Rachichi Marokane, national transformation co-ordinator, Potatoes SA
For more information, email the author at rachichi@potatoes.co.za.