Barberton berry venture sets sights on global markets

A blueberry farming venture in Barberton has reached its initial 120-tonne commercial harvest target, demonstrating the potential of agriculture to diversify the local economy.

Barberton Blue, a partnership between Pan African Resources and agricultural specialist Primocane Capital, currently operates across approximately 15 hectares, producing blueberries for premium international retail markets, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Middle East and Asia.

Nwabisa Dana, a farm manager at Barberton Blue, said the milestone reflected the commitment of the people working on the farm: “Barberton Blue is designed to build sustainable economic opportunities for the town that will endure long after the life of mining in the region has passed.”

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She added that achieving the initial commercial yields demonstrated the region’s agricultural potential.

The farm currently supports 22 permanent jobs and hundreds of seasonal harvesting positions, with recruitment drawn from surrounding communities. It also hosts career days for learners from nearby schools to introduce young people to agriculture as a possible career path.

Dana said that although plans have been set out to expand the farm from 15 to 45 hectares, the immediate priority is to ensure that the existing plantings reach their full production potential.

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The farm has faced challenges associated with frost in recent seasons, prompting a focus on cultivar selection, pruning schedules, crop management and on-site weather monitoring.

According to the farm’s management, timelines and investment figures for the proposed second and third phases have not yet been finalised.

“Once the current plantings are fully established, the farm will evaluate further development opportunities, which could increase production and create additional employment for surrounding communities,” Dana said.

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