Successful land claimants who were given farms in Levubu could soon see themselves smiling all the way to the bank. This comes as a result of a meeting held between the new emerging farmers and giant retail company Pick n Pay and a marketing company, Purefruit.

The meeting was held at the 210 Sibasa Hotel last Wednesday evening. Represented communities at the meeting came from Mauluma, Tshiitwa and Tshakhuma.

In an interview, Mr Ameer Maharaj, HOD-Africa/Sustainability/Transformation at Pick n Pay Retailers said it had always been their commitment to grow local businesses. "We are here to get firsthand information about the produce in this area, with a view to buying as much produce as possible from the emerging farmers. What we have observed during our fact-finding visit is quite encouraging regarding the high-quality produce and the professionalism at which these businesses are run," he said.

He added that they would assist the farmers in terms of skills development and in the introduction of new exciting varieties that would stimulate the market. He said they had projects throughout the country and Limpopo was the only province left.

Purefruit's Imraan Moerat said  they had been working with Levubu farmers since last year. "Since we started, we have managed to link farmers with many giant retail companies and we are very excited with our new deal," he said.

He also mentionede that they would ask Pick n Pay to assist farmers by starting certain projects that would enhance their produce to meet international standards.

An excited Chief Tshifovhedze Madzivhandila of Tshakhuma Farming said there was the propect of increased volume margins. "We are very happy and we are looking forward to supplying the best to Pick n Pay," he said.