ML Binedell1, J Edmonds2, A Edmonds3, J Watson4 and D Wilkinson2
1South African Canegrowers, Box 888, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa; michelle.binedell@canegrowers.co.za
2South African Sugarcane Research Institute, 2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg, 3233 South Africa
3Donovale Farming Company, Private Bag X9118, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa
4Midlands Sustainable Supply Chain Collaboration, 2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg, 3233, South Africa
The sugarcane value chain in South Africa is complex due to several factors. One notable factor is the presence of multiple stakeholders, each with unique interests and priorities. This makes coordination and collaboration challenging. However, to address the many sustainability challenges facing all stakeholders within the value chain, a purposeful, collective, and impactful approach was necessary to steer the industry forward on the sustainability journey. This paper describes the unique characteristics of a regional Community of Practice (CoP) built around the South African sugar industry’s Sustainable Sugarcane Farm Management System (SUSFARMS®). SUSFARMS® is a framework that guides legally compliant, sustainable sugarcane farming practices. This initiative arose from an awareness of the increasing demands from consumers, regulatory groups, environmental lobbyists, and major industrial customers for sugarcane agricultural enterprises in South Africa to adhere to socially and environmentally responsible farming principles. The paper examines and presents the value derived from the collaborative efforts of the CoP, including the global recognition of the SUSFARMS® system, its alignment with sugar certification systems, tangible economic and social benefits, and increased awareness and protection of sensitive biodiversity hotspots.