SEED PRODUCERS in die Klein Karoo region took part in their first seed safari at the invitation of
KLEIN KAROO Seed Production.

During a round about trip 30 producers saw how other seed producers practise their farming. They exchanged best practices and had enriching talks about many aspects of this extraordinary and specialised branch of farming.

“It was hugely educational. I have been farming with vegetable seed for more than 25 years and learnt a few things from producers who have been farming with seed for a mere five years. I believe that we have to create more such opportunities to get all the seed growers together,” Johan Bekker from De Rust says.

According to Johannes Delport it was satisfying to experience other processing practices and irrigation methods. “It was especially valuable to talk to farmers who earn well from seed. It really was an interesting day.”

Johan van Wyk from De Rust said that interaction of this nature was always informative.

“As producer, information is important, albeit practical or theoretical in nature, to improve the cooperation that exists between the producer, the first buyer (KLEIN KAROO Seed Production) and another buyer (seed companies). I believe that it also ensures the sustainability of vegetable seed production.”

He thanked KLEIN KAROO Seed Production for the seed safari of 23 June.

Approximately 37 seed producers from Prince Albert took part in their first seed safari in conjunction with KLEIN KAROO Seed Production yesterday (1 July).

The Klein Karoo region is extremely suited to produce vegetable and lucern seed.

In particular the fertile soil, climate and low rainfall make this beautiful region an ideal seed cultivation area. The fact that we are situated in the southern hemisphere is conducive to making KLEIN KAROO Seed Production a strategic supplier of seed to companies in the northern hemisphere so they can supply seed to their clients throughout the year.

Seed producers cultivate vegetable seed on a contract basis to international clients and focus mainly on cultivating onions, spring onions, leeks, beetroot, carrots and radishes for seed purposes.

According to David Malan, managing director of KLEIN KAROO Seed Production, they have excellent seed producers without whom they would never have been able to conduct their business successfully.

“Seed producers do not only supply us with seed. They also contribute greatly to food production for the world market. There are many opportunities for producers to place greater emphasis on seed production. It is certainly a profitable field with numerous possibilities. There will always be a demand for vegetable seed.”