The canola industry in the Western Cape is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by technological advancements and sustainable practices. This expansion not only strengthens local economies but also positions the Cape as a significant contributor to the global canola supply. With rising demand for healthy oils and biofuels, the industry is poised to reach its full potential.

On 27 August 27, Advanta Seeds, a renowned global seed company, hosted a groundbreaking field day for canola farmers in the Western Cape.

Canola is a vital crop in South Africa, particularly thriving in the Western Cape’s unique climate and soil conditions. This region is the country’s primary canola-producing area, accounting for more than 90% of national production. This success is largely due to the region’s climate, which offers cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers ideal for canola cultivation.

Farmers in the Western Cape have increasingly adopted canola as a rotational crop with wheat, helping to break pest and disease cycles, improve soil fertility, and enhance overall farm profitability. The Swartland and Southern Cape regions, including areas around Swellendam, Riversdale, and Caledon, are especially known for their extensive canola production.

The footprint of canola farmers in the Western Cape has expanded significantly, driven by the growing demand for canola oil and flour, used in food products and animal feed.

Events like the farmer’s day, a first of its kind, hosted by Advanta Seeds in the Swellendam area, play a crucial role in providing the latest knowledge, technologies, and best practices in canola farming. These events help farmers increase yields, make informed decisions, and improve sustainability.

Informed decisions for profitable canola farming

Abrie Carstens from Apeiro Ag explains to farmers the different trials planted on the site.

Abrie Carstens of Apeiro Ag explains that the purpose of the event was to examine different canola trials and compare various canola varieties to provide farmers with the information needed to make informed decisions about which variety will perform best in their specific environment.

He says: “We conduct numerous canola trials across the country, in total sixteen to be specific. We assess adaptability in each region, testing how each type of canola and variety performs in different climate zones.”

Canola is a vital rotational crop, especially in the Western Cape with wheat and barley. Abrie notes that canola is highly beneficial in a crop rotation system, helping with weed management, controlling fungal diseases, and suppressing disease cycles.

“The global demand for oilseeds is also increasing, which is particularly important for canola, known for its healthier oil type. In South Africa, approximately 150 000 hectares of canola are currently cultivated. The need to expand canola farming in the Northern Cape has also grown significantly.

“It is incredible to know that companies like Advanta are investing in the industry, willing to test new concepts, consistently raising standards each year, introducing new varieties to farmers, and making farming more sustainable and profitable,” concludes Abrie.

The importance of farming days like these

Lourens van Eeden, who farms canola on the farm Vleitjie in Swellendam, says he has been farming with canola since 1992 and found the day and the presentations by the various speakers very valuable.

Lourens van Eeden, who farms under the name LJ van Eeden Boerdery on the farm Vleitjie in Swellendam, has been farming with canola since 1992. He found the presentations by the various speakers very valuable. “It is wonderful to know that Advanta is doing so much research in the canola industry. Although we can testify that the climate conditions are changing drastically, genetic progress is still being made. It is an industry we can look forward to. Days like these give us the opportunity to talk about these topics and share thoughts. I am excited about the new season and the new cultivars,” he says.

Duan Viljoen, Business Manager of Advanta Seeds, welcomes everyone to the canola farming day just outside Swellendam.

The importance of partnerships

Piet Lombaard from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture believes that events like these give farmers the opportunity to see the various cultivars firsthand. He emphasises that they are fortunate to have a strong package of cultivars in the Western Cape. According to Piet, it is one thing to see the data on paper, but another to see how it adapts to and performs in your environment.

“For us in the agricultural industry, partners are of utmost importance. Advanta is undoubtedly one of the key players and partners for us in the canola industry. Over the past twenty years, we have doubled our canola yield per hectare in the Western Cape.”

He adds that the genetics Advanta introduces to the market significantly contribute to the growth and expansion of canola farming.

“Common questions are about the future: Is there enough genetic material, and will this trend of growth and increase be sustainable? But with the assurance of leaders like Advanta in the industry, we do not need to worry. I am very positive and excited about the canola industry in the country and the road ahead,” Piet concludes.

The future looks bright for Advanta

Gert Els from Advanta Seeds says: “Today we had several of the major role players in the industry here, and everyone brought truly valuable input to the table. We are very privileged that we could showcase all three of the major canola classes – the clearfield, triazine, and then the double-gene clearfield triazine which is combined, as well as the conventional varieties, which gives the farmer the choice to see which type and appropriate herbicides can be used. We are especially proud of our blackleg resistance* in our varieties.”

*Blackleg is a serious disease caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans, a difficult pest that has caused significant damage to canola in countries like Australia (and almost everywhere canola is grown).

Supply of seed

Although there is always significant demand and concern regarding the supply and availability of seed, there is promising news on the horizon: Advanta has now begun local production of seed to accelerate its distribution to farmers. The team is very excited about the positive outcomes seen so far.

For more information about Advanta and their canola varieties, please visit the link: https://linktr.ee/advanta_seeds.