How FPEF Is Building the Next Generation of Fresh Produce Leaders | Ep. 166

How do you transform an industry in a way that creates lasting change? In Episode 166 of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Johannes Brand, Transformation Manager at the Fresh Produce Exporters Forum (FPEF) and Agribusiness Consultant, about developing people, creating career pathways and building capacity across South Africa’s fresh-produce export sector. Johannes has spent around 20 years working in fresh-produce exports and later moved into agribusiness consulting and transformation initiatives. A major focus of his work with FPEF is the organisation’s Graduate Placement Programme, launched in 2016 to place graduates into long-term careers rather than simply provide short-term industry exposure. More than 115 young professionals have been placed through the programme, working across logistics, commercial fruit trading, post-harvest quality management and data-related roles. Around two-thirds of participants have subsequently received full-time appointments. The conversation also explores the FPEF Young Professionals Network and the Harvest to Home programme, which provides training across the fruit value chain – from research and farming through packing, post-harvest management, logistics, compliance and international fruit marketing. More than 1,500 people have been trained through the programme. Johannes also discusses: • Why practical industry experience is critical to meaningful transformation • The complexity and risk involved in fresh-produce exporting • Why misunderstandings can develop between growers and exporters • Helping growers understand export markets, costs, risks and commission structures • Why export marketing agents remain an important route to market for many growers • FPEF’s Post Harvest Innovation programme and postgraduate research support • Agribusiness consulting, business valuations, due diligence and feasibility studies • Transformation initiatives within the South African macadamia industry • Why agricultural businesses cannot afford to settle for average performance For Johannes, transformation is not about a quick solution. It is about developing people over time, allowing them to build knowledge, networks and experience until they can take increasingly influential roles within the industry. His message to the next generation of farmers is equally clear: sustainable agricultural businesses must continually optimise, improve and maximise both productivity and quality. Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm\_source=lucentlands&utm\_medium=referral&utm\_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/