Northern Cape Community-Owned Raisin Farm Grows Revenue to R17.4 Million
Northern Cape Community-Owned Raisin Farm Grows Revenue to R17.4 Million. Elmboog Organiese Boerdery, a community-owned organic raisin farm in Onseepkans in South Africa’s Northern Cape, increased its annual revenue to R17.4 million in 2024/25, up from R7.9 million in 2022/23.
The enterprise is owned by 114 local landowners through a beneficiary trust and was established through the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s land redistribution programme.
According to information supplied by the business, revenue rose to R11.9 million in 2023/24 before reaching R17.4 million in 2024/25. Production also increased over the period, from 204 tonnes in 2022/23 to 452 tonnes in 2023/24 and 514 tonnes in 2024/25.
The farm manages 94 hectares under irrigation and produces organic raisins for local processors and international markets. Its organic certification through Ecocert in 2022 helped the business access premium export markets.
Elmboog supplies processors including RedSun Raisins, with its produce reaching international buyers. The information supplied identifies global food companies such as PepsiCo among the end buyers.
The enterprise employs more than 360 people in permanent and seasonal positions across planting, harvesting, processing and logistics. A profit-sharing scheme allocates 10% of profits to farm workers, while landowners receive combined annual rental income exceeding R2.5 million.
The business also provides training in organic agriculture, leadership, governance and business management.
Its development has received technical assistance, blended finance and socio-economic support from organisations including the Scatec Solutions Broad Based Trust and Blue Sky Impact Investments. Their support has included assistance with governance, operational development, access to finance and risk mitigation.
Beyond raisin production, Elmboog supports initiatives to remove invasive alien plants, create employment and improve waste management and recycling in the community.
