Andermatt and Novonesis join hands to launch Cell-Tech® for soy farmers in Africa.

During March 2024, the Andermatt in Africa team travelled to Kenya to ‘look, listen and learn’.

South African farmer, James Leslie formed part of the touring party. James proudly pioneers regenerative farming practices at Sesisonke Farms, in the Free State province of South Africa. Focusing on key staple crops; potatoes, wheat, beans and maize, Sesisonke believes premium foods and brands should be available to more than just the wealthy few:
“It is our aim to make a positive difference to the world by offering our consumers high quality, nutritional food at affordable prices, farmed and produced in a sustainable manner.”” – Sesisonke Farms

James is no stranger to Andermatt. A chance meeting with Andre Fox, founder of South African based Andermatt Madumbi in 2005 laid the platform for a longstanding friendship and partnership. The Sesisonke team have trialed and tested almost all Andermatt products, providing constructive and practical ‘on farm’ feedback on application, efficacy and value.

Combining the practical know-how of an established farmer with the scientific expertise of the Andermatt team, proved to be a powerful combination. As the party visited Kenyan farmers, invaluable practical insights, challenges and success stories were shared, discussed and debated.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to Andermatt’s Crop Demo site at Andermatt Kenya’s Naivasha offices.

The crop demo site established in 2023, by CEO Hamish Ker, provides a visual platform to demonstrate the positive impact of natural products on key Kenyan crops, both in small scale and commercial production. Currently in its 3rd planting, each crop is grown with a replicated variation of Andermatt crop production treatments, showing the impact in comparison to a standard treatment (compost and DAP applications).

The key outcome of the trip:

The biological industry is changing. Growers recognize the value biologicals offer; but the knowledge transfer of practical application and integration into existing IPM programs is poor. Andermatt in Africa, is looking to address this.

James Leslie, Sesisonke Farms

““It is our intent to grow better and healthier crops, and to give the consumer top-quality produce. Sesisonke Farming is completely focused on continually developing and improving our sustainable agriculture system and the way we do things.”

– James Leslie

AKE Crop Demo