Up close and personal with Raymond Koopstad – African Farming

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Make the best use of every opportunity you get.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY IF YOU COULD?

To be honest I cannot really say. I’ve been blessed, so I guess not.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?

To realise that I have the ability to produce a quality product in a very competitive marketplace.

WHO HAS MADE THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR SUCCESS SO FAR?

My partners, the Wolfaardts and their sharp team, the industry body Hortgro and FNB. I couldn’t have asked for better. It’s an absolute pleasure to do business with them.

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS? WHAT ROLE HAVE THEY PLAYED IN YOUR BUSINESS?

My closest neighbours are Mario du Plessis and Louis Prins. We have a great and open relationship and constantly discuss matters of shared concern. We help each other; it’s a two-way street.

WAS IT A STRUGGLE TO SECURE FINANCING? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR EMERGING FARMERS IN NEED OF FUNDING?

A good business plan and model, as well as the support and reputation of my partners and mentor helped me to get access to decent financing.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ROLE OF INPUT SUPPLIERS IN YOUR BUSINESS?

They play a critical role. Getting the right product and service at the right time is essential to make a success of my business.

IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO OFFER THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE SOME ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Cut the red tape and much ado about nothing. Improve the roads, create better water infrastructures, make an effort to create new markets and give attention to rural safety. Most importantly, give incentives – like tax relief – to people going the extra mile in respect of land reform.