South Africa's agricultural community is currently dealing with the loss of Vito Rugani, a prominent figure in the sector, recognized as the nation's leading carrot producer. Rugani, who passed at the age of 64, played a critical role in the transformation of a small-scale farming operation into the successful Greenway Farms.
Under the guidance of Rugani and Vincent Sequeira, Greenway Farms adopted innovative Australian farming techniques, focusing on the integration of modern technology and efficiency, which significantly contributed to its status as a leading carrot producer and the establishment of Rugani Juice. This venture marked a pioneering step in the industry by introducing a novel method of juice extraction from "second grade" carrots, enhancing sustainability and efficiency.
Following Rugani's passing, Leona Archary, CEO of the Agricultural Development Agency (Agda), and Eric Mauwane, managing director of Oneo Farms, highlighted Rugani's influential role as a mentor and visionary in the field. Archary emphasized Rugani's perseverance and humility, while Mauwane shared personal anecdotes of Rugani's guidance, particularly his advice on product specialization and market focus, which has left a lasting impact on Mauwane's farming approach.
Source: foodformzansi.co.za