The Untold Story of How Science Saved South Africa’s Fruit Industry | Ep. 96

Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Hugh Campbell, former Hortgro Science General Manager, to reflect on his remarkable career and the evolution of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry.Hugh shares his journey from farming and international experience in the U.S. and U.K. to decades of leadership in Hortgro, where he played a pivotal role in shaping research, grower support, and technical innovation. He discusses the importance of building research capacity, the role of statutory levies, how science underpins market access, and why mentorship and bursaries are vital for the next generation of agricultural leaders.From cherries in Michigan to managing Vergelegen Estate, to guiding Hortgro Science through transformation and strategy, Hugh’s story is one of vision, collaboration, and commitment to growers.Key Takeaways:•Why research funding is the foundation of a sustainable fruit industry•How Hortgro Science built world-class systems linking growers, researchers, and markets•The importance of bursaries and mentorship in developing future agricultural talent•Challenges of balancing commercial vs. grower interests in industry structures•How science and innovation continue to transform fruit quality, yields, and market accessConnect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/