Hortgro interns explore the opportunities behind South Africa's deciduous fruit industry
Thirty-five young agricultural interns recently gained valuable insight into the research, technology and business opportunities supporting South Africa's deciduous fruit industry during a special educational tour organised through Hortgro's Mentor and Internship Programme.
The initiative forms part of a much broader industry effort to develop young talent, open doors to agricultural careers and equip the next generation of professionals to contribute to the future of the country's pome and stone fruit industries.
The group visited three facilities in the Western Cape, each representing a different aspect of modern fruit production and the expertise required to maintain South Africa's position in competitive international markets.
Their first stop was the Pro-Hort testing orchard at Boland Agricultural High School near Paarl. Established in 2018, funded by Hortgro and managed in collaboration with Provar, the independent facility evaluates deciduous fruit varieties under local growing conditions. The visit introduced interns to the scientific research and cultivar development that help growers make informed investment decisions.
At FruitFly Africa's production facility in Stellenbosch, the interns learned about large-scale biological pest control and the importance of phytosanitary management in protecting international market access.
The final visit to Babylonstoren demonstrated how innovative farming practices, careful orchard management and agritourism can create additional business opportunities alongside commercial fruit production.
Although the visits provided valuable technical knowledge, their significance extends beyond the day's educational activities.
Creating opportunities for young agricultural professionals
The tour forms part of Hortgro's established Mentor and Internship Programme, which addresses a critical challenge facing many agricultural students: finding practical workplace placements required to complete their qualifications.
Students from technical universities and TVET colleges are placed on farms, in packhouses and at other agricultural businesses, where they gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge.
Importantly, the programme combines workplace training with structured personal mentorship, helping young people develop the confidence, communication skills and professional attitudes needed to succeed in the workplace.
Many participants come from backgrounds where access to professional networks and employment opportunities is limited. For them, an internship can be the crucial link between years of studying and the possibility of a meaningful career.
The programme also benefits the industry by introducing young professionals to the diverse career opportunities available across the fruit value chain, from production and research to technology, marketing and management.
Hortgro's commitment to this initiative has already delivered encouraging results. In a 2025 report, the organisation recorded that 31 of the 36 participants from its 2024 mentorship group had secured permanent employment or extended internships.
For South Africa's pome and stone fruit industries, developing skilled, motivated young professionals is an investment in their long-term sustainability. Through initiatives such as these industry visits, Hortgro is helping young people discover the opportunities available in agriculture while building the knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm needed to become its future leaders.
Sources:
HORTGRO
https://www.hortgro.co.za/news/making-magic-with-mentorships