Hortgro Transformation Award: Witzenberg PALS (Partners in Agri Land Solutions)

Partners in Agri Land Solutions (PALS is a private land reform and development initiative established in 2015 in the Witzenberg (Ceres) area by farmers in partnership with local communities and all three spheres of government (district, provincial and national).

PALS aims to create an enabling environment and thereby implement innovative land reform and inclusive agricultural growth that is in line with the Constitution and the National Development Plan.

The PALS initiative is based on sound business principles, solid legal structures, mentoring and training emerging black producers and agripreneurs to become successful business owners while addressing issues of sustainability, mistrust, unequal relationships and exit strategies.   Therefore, focus not only on economic levers for change but also include socio-economic aspects, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to land reform and inclusive agricultural growth and development.

Through this, PALS has succeeded in carrying out several projects, not only in the stone and pome fruit sector but also in other agricultural enterprises. Some of the pome and stone fruit industry successes include Eyethu Intaba, Kaja Farming, Thebelitsha Farming, Dwarsberg Farming, Bambisane, TSR Farming, La Vouere and KLP Agri to name but a few.

PALS initiatives have a lasting and far-reaching impact on the individuals and businesses established and clearly demonstrate their commitment to sustainable Agricultural development.