As the world marks Earth Day on 22 April, The Original Grain Company (OGC) is calling for greater recognition of agriculture as a key driver of environmental sustainability.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Celebrated annually since 1970, Earth Day promotes environmental protection and conservation. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, highlights the role of collective action in addressing global environmental challenges.
According to Ryan New, managing director of The Original Grain Company, agriculture is one of the most influential, yet often overlooked, sectors in this effort.
“Earth Day is a reminder that sustainability starts on the ground,” says New. “Agriculture has the potential to either deplete natural resources or actively restore them. The decisions made at farm level have long-term implications for soil health, water resources, biodiversity and climate resilience.”
He notes that farmers are increasingly adopting regenerative practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping and crop rotation. These methods help rebuild soil health, reduce erosion, improve carbon retention and support biodiversity.
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Upfront Funding for Farmers
Beyond its environmental role, agriculture is also central to building sustainable food systems. With growing global demand for food, producers are under pressure to increase output while using fewer resources and reducing waste.
“Supporting agriculture is not only about food production but also about sustaining the systems that support communities,” New says. “Equipping farmers with the right tools, knowledge and partnerships enables them to farm responsibly and contribute to long-term food security.”
However, access to finance remains a major constraint, particularly at the start of the planting season. This often leaves large areas of land underutilised.
To address this challenge, The Original Grain Fund has developed its Advanced Agricultural Product Purchasing (AAPP) programme. Launched three seasons ago, the initiative provides upfront funding to farmers based on a per-hectare model at planting stage.
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Untapped Potential in the Agricultural Sector
The programme supports the full production cycle and includes a guaranteed buy-back agreement at harvest, with crops purchased at SAFEX-linked prices. This reduces risk for farmers while securing supply for the company.
The model also creates opportunities to bring underutilised land into production.
“There is significant untapped potential in South Africa’s agricultural sector,” New says. “With the right investment and partnerships, this land can be transformed into productive, sustainable farming operations that benefit both communities and the environment.”
The Original Grain Company, with headquarters in the Western Cape and offices in Johannesburg, Gaborone, Harare and Dar es Salaam, specialises in sourcing, trading and transporting grain across Africa.
New emphasises that environmental responsibility requires collaboration across the agricultural value chain, from farmers to financiers and logistics providers.
“Every part of the value chain has a role to play, from reducing food waste to improving supply chain efficiency,” he says. “Small, practical actions can collectively drive meaningful impact.”
As Earth Day highlights the urgency of environmental action, The Original Grain Company maintains that agriculture remains a powerful lever for change, capable of supporting livelihoods, strengthening food systems and promoting sustainable land use.
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