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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Kobus Pienaar, Technical Manager for Regenerative Agriculture at Woolworths, about the evolution of sustainable farming and the reality behind food production in South Africa.

Kobus shares his journey from growing up on a Free State farm to working across fertilizers, commercial farming, and eventually joining Woolworths, where he helped develop the pioneering “Farming for the Future” programme.

This conversation goes far beyond sustainability buzzwords. It unpacks the real challenges farmers face, the science behind responsible farming, and the complex relationship between consumer behaviour, food production, and environmental impact.

The discussion also explores why organic farming alone cannot feed a growing population, the importance of systems thinking in agriculture, and how retailers like Woolworths are shaping long-term sustainability through practical, data-driven approaches.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “Farming for the Future” was developed and how it differs from certification-based systems

• The importance of measuring soil, water, biodiversity, and waste to improve farm performance

• Why synthetic inputs are still necessary, and how misuse leads to resistance and long-term damage

• How consumer choices directly influence farming practices and environmental outcomes

• The hidden cost of cheap food and its impact on health, climate, and the food system

• Why South African farmers are among the most resilient and efficient in the world

• The need for systems thinking to understand how agriculture, economics, and society are interconnected

• Key challenges facing agriculture: finance systems, government alignment, data management, and industry collaboration

Kobus also shares a powerful message: “You cannot manage what you don’t measure.”

And for consumers: Ask yourself what story lies behind the food you buy.

This episode is essential viewing for anyone interested in agriculture, sustainability, food systems, or the future of farming.

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