Arable Farms
Feronia's plantations are divided into 2000 Ha farm units for ease of management. Local conditions allow for 3 crops per year grown in rotation. Feronia has mechanized the farms using imported 350 Hp tractor units and combine harvesters to maximise productivity. We have implemented a combination of Brazilian and US large scale agriculture systems for the greatest efficiency and economies of scale. We provide our workforce with ongoing training in modern agricultural techniques and developments as a means of achieving and surpassing our producitivity targets.
Soy
The versatility of the Soybean is its greatest attribute. With its suitability for direct human consumption or as an alternative feedstock for meat production, compared to traditional cereal grains, the demand for soybeans is set to continue growing. The expansion of the Biofuel industry has further stimulated the demand for soybean oil providing a multitude of uses and access to a global market.
The choice of variety is a key factor in the success of cultivating soybeans across Feronia’s highly varied geographic locations. Cooperation with Brazilian seed research institutes such as Embrapa and private agro-companies such as Monsanto have assisted in the discovery of tropical seed varieties with the necessary characteristics. A mixture of conventional and Genetically Modified seed technologies are utilised on Feronia projects as part of our crop rotation strategy.
Maize
A multi-functional crop with the capacity to thrive in almost any climate or location, maize has long been an established staple of human consumption owing to its capacity to be processed into varying products with a long storage life. Fed direct as a highly nutritious feedstuff for animals and now seen as an ideal feedstock for ethanol production the market for maize is ever expanding. It is this versatility that makes it a perfect product for Feronia.
Grown as a second crop behind the soybean the nitrogen hungry maize is able to assimilate the benefits imparted to the soil by the beans and therefore requires very little application of man-made fertilisers. Man-made fertilisers are particularly damaging to the environment given the high levels of fossil fuel derived electricity and high volumes of water required during the process. Transport of the products also requires the burning of further fossil fuels creating an ever larger carbon footprint.
By growing maize on a commercial scale in Africa where much food is imported from overseas Feronia aims to benefit the local and national populations with affordable food with a local origin. Where the opportunity and the excess of production exists, Feronia will be able to export a quality product to where it is required by the markets.
Rice
Rice has the potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable agriculture. Rice provides more than one fifth of the calories consumed worldwide by humans. Following the Brazilian methodology rice will be employed as the pioneer crop in many of Feronia’s projects. Preferring acidic soils with high organic matter contents, rice is the ideal primary crop after the land has been initially prepared.
Since the majority of rice in Africa is currently imported, Feronia will have a supply of product to meet existing local demand from the first year of investment. From collaboration with rice research companies such as Agro-Norte of Brazil, Feronia will look to establish the most productive varieties and maintain production.