Letter From Our Founder | 2025 Q1

The House is in Order - Now, Let’s Grow

Dear Stakeholders, Partners, Clients,

As we step into a new financial year, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going. 2024 was a year of resilience. Some farmers in South Africa faced the impacts of climate shocks, crop diseases, and trade disruptions. With US-SA tensions escalating, a post-AGOA world looms large, more critical for some production areas. By September 2025, our grape and citrus producers could be navigating a very different export landscape.

But there’s reason for optimism in general agriculture. 2025 is set to be a recovery year—exports are up 3%, and La Niña conditions suggest better yields ahead. Instead of reacting to geopolitical turbulence, we must double down on supply chain efficiency, protect key trade relationships, and carve out new opportunities with BRICS+ partners. There's still a cloud hanging over the EU, much like a weatherman who can't decide if it's going to rain or shine. But the good thing about farmers is that they're resilient and if the forecast keeps changing, they’ll find another way to make things work. 

Industry Wins & Challenges

This past year proved that agility is everything much like South African farmers. Despite uncertainty, South African agriculture delivered strong export numbers, a testament to the grit and innovation across the sector.

• Trade resilience: Even with a volatile global market, agricultural exports hit $13.7 billion.
• Sustainability & compliance pressure: ESG compliance is no longer optional - it’s a competitive necessity.
• Market shifts: The EU remains a crucial partner, but diversification is key. 
• Tech adoption: Digital transformation is no longer a buzzword; it’s the foundation for efficiency and growth. You can either embrace it or fall behind.

There’s no denying the headwinds we will face this year, but the industry’s ability to adapt and innovate is stronger than ever. With some hope pinned on the GNU government.

Looking Ahead - Key Focus Areas for 2025 that we will be focusing on while building our software and looking externally

• Navigating trade volatility – Proactively preparing for post-AGOA while strengthening global partnerships.
• Unlocking new markets – Expanding trade opportunities beyond traditional strongholds. New ways of running and managing this. 
• Driving supply chain efficiency – Finding ways to streamline processes and reduce friction. How do we automate and use new modern technologies?
• Leveraging AI & automation – Using data-driven insights to power smarter decision-making. IE more connectivity and less modular design.

Behind every major shift in agriculture - whether it’s tackling climate challenges or embracing digitisation - are the people making it happen. The resilience, adaptability, and collaboration we see daily across the sector are what move us forward.

So, here’s to another year of pushing boundaries, embracing change, and making smart, strategic moves for long-term success.

A special thanks to some of our clients, including Mooigezicht, Unifrutti, Schoonbee Boerdery, Pitto, Orvi, Freshworld, RSA Group, Schoeman Boerdery, Limpopo Citrus, Alicedale Nottingham Estates, Rederberg, RSA Group, Sitrusrand, CPJ, Halls Group, Olympic Fruit (Fruitful Ventures), Hill Fresh, Groep 91, Denau, Mahela, Komati, SRCC, Mouton Citrus, Two-A-Day, Kromco, and Swellenfruit for their continued support. 

Wishing our citrus producers a strong season ahead! It was great engaging with so many growers during this year’s CGA Citrus Summit in Gqeberha and congratulations to Justin Chadwick on 25 years of leading the citrus industry to incredible heights. Wishing Dr Boitshoko all the best as he takes on the baton of CEO at CGA, may this new chapter be filled with success and great achievements!

Let’s make 2025 a year of strategic growth and stay tuned for more frequent newsletters, statistics, and views.

Warm regards,
Greg Whitaker
CEO, AgrigateOne (AG1)