Black Agricultural Commodities Federation- BACF

Black Agricultural Commodities Federation- BACF A Federation of 9
Agricultural Commodities: Grain, Meat, Poultry, Farming, Live stock, Fruit & Game.

22/05/2026

The Sweet Sorghum and Castor Bean Workshop in Partnership with ADVANTA seeds brought together farmers, researchers, and industry leaders to engage on agricultural value chains and opportunities within the sector.

Bacf Deputy Chairperson, Mr Mike Gcabo highlighted the importance of focusing beyond primary production to processing and value addition linked to sweet sorghum and castor bean.

“This is a workshop, not a talkshop — real work gets done,” he said, applauding farmers who participated in BACF seed trial programmes.

Dr Nonyameko Sincadu from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shared insights on South Africa’s biofuel industry, noting that the Eastern Cape was among the first provinces to pilot biofuels. She explained that the biofuels policy, first passed in 2007 and revised in 2020, focuses on bioethanol and biodiesel production, while also stressing the importance of ensuring that Black farmers are included and actively participate in the sector.

Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Researcher Mr Klaas-Jan Leeuw also highlighted the animal feed potential from sweet sorghum by-products, showcasing the crop’s value beyond biofuel production.

We would like to give a special thanks to our colleagues at the Eastern Cape Daily News and Mr Lindelani for the wonderful work and support. Covering the relevant news for farmers

Dr Nonyameko Sincadu highlighted the powerful role of biofuels.With her extensive background as a Biofuels Manager at CE...
20/05/2026

Dr Nonyameko Sincadu highlighted the powerful role of biofuels.

With her extensive background as a Biofuels Manager at CEF (Central Energy Fund) and a deep passion for agricultural innovation, Dr Sincadu highlighted the powerful role of biofuels, agro-processing, and value‑added opportunities from indigenous, climate‑resilient crops like sweet sorghum and castor bean.

It’s a powerful reminder that the future of farming lies at the intersection of science, energy, and economic empowerment.

Reviving an indigenous forgotten crop for rural prosperity!On 19 May 2026, the Black Agricultural Commodities Federation...
20/05/2026

Reviving an indigenous forgotten crop for rural prosperity!

On 19 May 2026, the Black Agricultural Commodities Federation (BACF) , in partnership with Advanta, hosted a practical, hands-on workshop at Debe Nek Sports Ground and we got straight into the value chain of sweet sorghum and castor bean.

Why sweet sorghum?

Once a staple of African farming, sweet sorghum is now a forgotten indigenous crop – yet it holds the key to biofuels, food, feed, and circular economies. This workshop wasn’t just theory. We walked through every step of the value chain:
From seed to by-products:
· Grain → food & malting
· Stalks → sugar-rich juice → bioethanol / biofuel
· Bagasse (residue) → organic fertilizer & animal feed
· Leaves & green matter → fodder for livestock
· Whole plant → circular economy solutions (zero waste)

Castor bean value chain:
· Seeds pressed for high-grade oil → cosmetics, skincare, biolubricants
· Seedcake residue → organic fertilizer
· Potential for biofuel blending

⛽ The bigger goal:
Sweet sorghum is a climate-smart biofuel crop – lower water and input costs than sugarcane or maize. For rural farmers, that means:
✅ New market opportunities (sell stalks for bioenergy, grain for food, leaves for feed)
✅ On-farm processing (small-scale juice extraction, animal feed production)
✅ Job creation along the value chain (harvesting, pressing, transport, briquetting)
✅ Energy independence (farm-scale biogas or bioethanol)

We also heard powerful discussions on how these crops support health and wellness – especially for those living with asthma, cancer, and diabetes – through traditional medicine and nutrient-dense food.

To every rural and township farmer:
Sweet sorghum and castor bean are not just crops. They are value chain opportunities from soil to shelf.

Together, we’re putting an indigenous crop back where it belongs, at the heart of a greener, wealthier, and healthier South Africa.

Day 2 of the National Rural Development Indaba 2026 – Honourable Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered a powerful an...
11/05/2026

Day 2 of the National Rural Development Indaba 2026 – Honourable Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered a powerful and urgent message on transforming South Africa's rural economy.

On ending the dualistic economy:
"We must link subsistence farmers to markets, foster partnerships, and build value chains that unite rather than divide."

On rural safety as a foundation for growth:
"Without safety, there is no stability; without stability, there is no investment; and without investment, there is no renewal."

He made it clear that development cannot succeed where people live in fear. True rural renewal requires secure land tenure, post-settlement support, and an integrated approach that connects towns and villages to economic opportunities.

Honourable Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso reinforced this vision, calling for improved rural infrastructure – roads, bridges, and market access systems -agricultural production.

The Black Agricultural Commodities Federation (BACF) fully supports Honourable Deputy President Mashatile and Honourable Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso's call to action. We are committed to ensuring disadvantaged farmers across all commodities have secure land tenure, real market access, and a seat at the value chain table.

Day 1 of The 2026 National Integrated Rural Development IndabaThe Black Agricultural Commodities Federation is honoured ...
07/05/2026

Day 1 of The 2026 National Integrated Rural Development Indaba

The Black Agricultural Commodities Federation is honoured to participate in the National Rural Development Indaba 2026, where critical conversations on rural and township development are shaping the future of our communities.

We are using this platform to raise the real challenges faced by farmers especially rural and township farmers including access to land, agricultural inputs, funding, infrastructure, sustainable economic opportunities, and employment creation for rural and township youth.

The fight against poverty starts with empowering communities to fully utilise land for food production, agro-processing, job creation, and economic growth. Together, we can build stronger, self-sustaining rural economies and create opportunities for future generations.

🌾 From the success of our December conference to the fields of the Eastern Cape – the journey continues! 🚜We are excited...
04/05/2026

🌾 From the success of our December conference to the fields of the Eastern Cape – the journey continues! 🚜

We are excited to invite all rural farmers to our Sweet Sorghum Empowerment Workshop – taking place in the heart of the harvesting and trial season. It is time to come together, learn, and prepare for what’s next.

This hands-on workshop will cover:
✅ Practical demonstrations using processing equipment
✅ Human consumption, animal feed & bio-fuel production from sweet sorghum
✅ Best practices during harvesting and trials
✅ Empowering farmers with knowledge and skills for real impact

📘 Registration Fee: R150 per farmer
This includes:

· Workshop materials & manuals
· Meals for the day

Let’s grow together – from trial to harvest, from knowledge to action. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot early!

📲 To register or for more info, contact: [email protected]

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nBbsfzjq6JxABlmwRd36_t1remnwa1_dMgN_Qv1CLfY/edit

👉 Share this post and tag a farmer who needs to be there!

Crisis in the cane fields is no longer a warning it’s a reality. The situation at Tongaat Hulett threatens thousands of...
20/02/2026

Crisis in the cane fields is no longer a warning it’s a reality.

The situation at Tongaat Hulett threatens thousands of growers, jobs, and the future of the 2026 harvest. With milling disruptions and mounting financial pressure, the cost of inaction could be devastating for rural communities.

Black Agricultural Commodities Federation calls for urgent intervention to stabilize operations and protect livelihoods before it’s too late.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:be686889-ed5c-4da4-8959-d6fbdc49acee

Official Bacf Tongaat Hulett Crisis Press Statement.The ongoing challenges facing Tongaat Hulett continue to raise serio...
20/02/2026

Official Bacf Tongaat Hulett Crisis Press Statement.

The ongoing challenges facing Tongaat Hulett continue to raise serious concerns for South Africa’s sugarcane industry. The situation highlights the need for stability and sustainable solutions to protect farmers, jobs, and the broader agricultural value chain.
🌱

A Day 2 recap of the Sugarcane, Sweet Sorgum, Bio-Ethanol and Bio-Fertiliser Production Conference & Worshop ...
14/12/2025

A Day 2 recap of the Sugarcane, Sweet Sorgum, Bio-Ethanol and Bio-Fertiliser Production Conference & Worshop

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