Eastern Cape Maize Project Set to Expand Sevenfold to 350 Hectares

Eastern Cape Maize Project Set to Expand Sevenfold to 350 Hectares. An Eastern Cape communal maize project involving 70 farmers is set to expand from 50 hectares to 350 hectares for the next planting season, with an estimated harvest of 2,450 tonnes valued at approximately R10 million, according to The Original Grain Company.

The Mcambalala Maize Project is being highlighted during South Africa’s Food Security Month in October as an example of how investment and partnerships can support local food production.

The planned expansion would increase the cultivated area sevenfold. At full scale, the project is expected to produce approximately 2,450 metric tonnes of maize, with an estimated harvest value of around R10 million.

Ryan New, managing director of The Original Grain Company, said food security depends on more than food production alone and requires farmers to have access to productive land, capital, knowledge, operational support and markets.

The project brings together several components of the agricultural value chain. The Original Grain Fund provides planting-season finance through its Advanced Agricultural Product Purchasing programme, while The Original Grain NPC facilitates community partnerships, practical training and agricultural development.

The Original Grain Company provides a route to market by purchasing harvested maize at SAFEX-linked prices.

According to the company, the approach is intended to bring previously underutilised communal land into production while creating opportunities for participating farmers and the wider community.

Megan Wadge, programme and operations director of The Original Grain NPC, said farmers are active participants in the project and can gain practical experience and agricultural skills through their involvement.

The project also highlights the role of investment beyond traditional agricultural funding. According to The Original Grain Company, corporates, mining companies, donors and philanthropists can support agricultural development through initiatives focused on skills, infrastructure, productive land use and food production.

Section 18A certificates will be available for eligible contributions to The Original Grain NPC.

The planned expansion is expected to increase maize production on the participating communal land while providing farmers with opportunities to take part in the agricultural process.