Woolworths has expanded its Living Soils Community Learning Farm to Gauteng, creating new opportunities for aspiring young farmers through practical training in regenerative agriculture and food production.
The retailer has partnered with fresh produce supplier HarvestFresh to establish a new learning site in Meyerton, building on the success of its Stellenbosch programme, which has been developing emerging farmers for the past seven years.
The expansion comes as youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s greatest challenges. According to Statistics South Africa’s first quarter 2026 employment data, unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 stands at 60.9%, while the rate for those aged 25 to 34 is 40.6%.
The new Gauteng programme has enrolled 17 agriculture interns, including 10 young Black women, bringing the total number of students currently participating in the Living Soils programme across both provinces to 37, up from 20 last year.
Living Soils provides final-year agriculture students with practical experience in regenerative farming, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and commercial agriculture while preparing participants for careers in farm management and agribusiness.
Beyond skills development, the programme also contributes to local food security by donating a significant portion of its harvest to surrounding communities.
For former intern Mandla Ntshane, the programme became the foundation of a successful agricultural career.
After completing his internship at the Stellenbosch Living Soils Community Learning Farm, he attended a Woolworths Farmers Day networking event, where he connected with commercial farmers and secured a junior management opportunity. Today he serves as Production Manager at Wasi Berries in Hoedspruit.
Joy Lange, General Manager of Woolworths’ Community Inclusive Justice Institute, said expanding the initiative to Gauteng marks an important milestone.
“Our objective has always been to create a replicable model that strengthens community food systems across South Africa, while equipping young farmers, particularly women, with practical skills in regenerative agriculture.”
She said the programme aligns closely with Woolworths’ Farming for the Future initiative, which promotes soil health, biodiversity, sustainable land management and responsible farming practices throughout its agricultural supply chain.
HarvestFresh has dedicated three hectares of land on its Meyerton farm to the programme, providing interns with access to commercial farming operations and modern agricultural technologies.
During the 12-month programme, students receive classroom instruction, leadership development and practical field experience covering crop production, food safety, quality assurance, traceability, distribution and retail supply chains.
Participants also gain exposure to HarvestFresh’s commercial nursery, hydroponic farming operations, packhouse facilities and high-care processing plant that prepares fresh salads and vegetable products supplied to Woolworths stores.
HarvestFresh Managing Director George Maxted said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainability and people development.
“We are proud to support a programme that combines regenerative farming techniques, technical excellence and real employment pathways for young South Africans, while meaningfully contributing to more resilient communities that ultimately strengthen South Africa’s food system.”
By investing in practical agricultural skills, regenerative farming and employment pathways, the Living Soils programme is helping cultivate a new generation of farmers while strengthening food security, sustainable agriculture and rural economic development across South Africa.
