Growing more than crops: How Pannar invests in South Africa’s communities

One of the defining strengths of South Africa's farming communities is their commitment to supporting one another. Farmers invest in local schools, agribusinesses help sustain rural infrastructure, and commercial producers share knowledge and resources with emerging farmers. Agriculture has always understood a simple truth: no one succeeds alone.

Founded by KwaZulu-Natal farmers nearly 70 years ago, Pannar was built on these same values. As a company rooted in agriculture, we know that long-term success depends not only on productive fields, but also on thriving communities and access to opportunity.

For decades, Pannar has partnered with farmers to improve productivity and strengthen food security. Beyond the farm gate, we continue to support initiatives that create meaningful impact across South Africa.
 

Supporting farmer development through Project Hope

Launched in 2018, Project Hope is one of Pannar's most significant farmer development initiatives. Through the programme, Pannar has committed tens of millions worth of hybrid maize seed to farming projects across South Africa, helping emerging farmers gain access to improved genetics and modern seed technology. The programme aims to improve maize yields, strengthen food security and support farmer development through technical and agronomic guidance.

Pannar works with a diverse range of beneficiaries including commercial and emerging farmers; youth- and women-owned agribusinesses; agricultural cooperatives, input suppliers and retailers; development agencies; agricultural finance institutions; and agricultural consultancies and training organisations.
 

Creating opportunities for future agricultural leaders

Through its long-standing partnership with the Harry Gwala Agri Learn Programme, Pannar helps young people gain the practical experience needed to build careers in agriculture.

Since 2018, Pannar has funded in-service training opportunities for 20 students annually, enabling them to obtain the workplace experience required for graduation while learning directly from commercial farmers.

To date, 164 students from 24 tertiary institutions have participated in the programme, with more than 70% of alumni employed, pursuing further studies, completing internships or running their own businesses.
 

Nourishing communities through StartWell

Pannar's commitment to social impact extends beyond agriculture through its partnership with the StartWell Foundation, which works to combat child malnutrition and reduce stunting among vulnerable children.

Through the Pannar Nourishing Project, launched in 2026, an average of 8,500 meals are provided each month, supporting up to 445 children across 14 Early Childhood Development centres in KwaZulu-Natal. Early results have shown a 25% reduction in children exposed to stunting, highlighting the impact of targeted nutrition interventions.

To mark Mandela Day, Pannar Seed and Corteva Agriscience partnered with the StartWell Foundation and Singakwenza Early Childhood Education to host more than 270 children from five ECD centres in Shakaskraal, KwaZulu-Natal. The event focused on education, nutrition and early childhood development, and included donations of educational resources and classroom improvements.
 

Grain SA Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP)

Grain SA's flagship farmer development programme, Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP), supports black grain farmers from subsistence production through to commercial farming. Through mentorship, access to inputs, markets, finance and advocacy, PGP helps farmers build sustainable businesses and strengthen their role in South Africa's agricultural sector.

In 2025, PGP launched the inaugural Ukukhula Conference and Day of Celebration at NAMPO Park, creating a platform for farmers to share experiences, engage with industry stakeholders and celebrate success. Pannar is a proud PGP partner and will sponsor the Potential Commercial Farmer of the Year category at the 2026 Ukukhula Conference and Day of Celebration.

Pannar's support extends beyond these flagship programmes. Across South Africa, we contribute to local initiatives that strengthen farming communities, including schools, farmer associations, agricultural events and community organisations.

Agriculture's strength has always been rooted in community. Whether supporting emerging farmers, developing future agricultural leaders or improving childhood nutrition, these initiatives reflect Pannar's commitment to investing not only in agriculture, but also in the people and communities that make it possible.