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Off topic / Re: CrowdFarming and Private Investors for Farms in South Africa
« on: February 04, 2019, 06:00:28 pm »Hi there are several crowd-farming ventures in SA, following on from US and European models. I haven't participated but the idea is neat, assuming you live nearby. Very similar to CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Here in SA we are light years behind these developments, still relying on the entrenched big farms, big logistics, big warehousing and economies of scale etc. The majors clearly have the most to lose from direct farm to consumer type ventures. However, there is an app called Khula which is trying to bring farmers and consumers together, providing the logistics. It's not a bad start. There is also the OpenFoodNetwork and several boutique farm to consumer retailers.
In terms of your insto investors, no-one is going to be interested to fund a greenfields farm in this environment. Your best bet is to know some high-net worth who wants to take a punt on poultry - brave indeed... Land Bank provides loan finance but with all the normal corporate finance / senior debt issues.
My own personal project on the backburner is to create a digital currency (or voucher) for enabling CSA. Could be a real game changer in SA. I'm happy to chat more on the various issues. You can contact me via www.thrivecentre.co.za
Hi Bevan,
That was a comprehensive round up on what is on the ground in SA. I think starting small with consistent aim at direct marketing/selling to consumers is the way forward. Do you think from scratch interest can be generated in a CSA type venture? I am visiting your site now and will reply soon.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply