Growth of mushroom farm on the KZN South Coast shows now’s the time to invest in agriculture

Renowned for its fertile soil, subtropical climate, and ideal growing conditions, the KZN South Coast has long been synonymous with thriving sugar cane, banana, macadamia nut, and coffee plantations. Now, one intrepid local entrepreneur has shown the region’s incredible potential for another produce – mushrooms.

The 100 percent black, female-owned Oatlands Oyster Mushroom, which has its production headquarters in KwaNositha, has been growing fresh oyster mushrooms for local supply since 2018. The ongoing success of this farming venture has seen investment opportunities extend into alternative mushroom families, with owners looking to sell king oyster mushrooms, tashik mushrooms, as well as yellow and blue oyster mushrooms – in both the fresh and dehydrated forms.

“When I started, I didn’t have any background in agriculture, but I knew that was the industry I needed to be in because it’s where so much local income is sourced,” explained Oatlands Oyster Mushroom farm owner, Asanda Mkhize. “The Department of Agriculture trained us in how to grow oyster mushrooms, and I was intrigued by the fact that you can grow them almost anywhere, without needing a large space.”

Despite the challenge of Covid-19 and its impact on the local economy, Oatlands has continued to thrive – in part, from the support received from South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise’s (SCTIE) Buy Local initiative. Members enjoy significant benefits including marketing, networking, and insight into options for local government support. Mkhize says they joined the platform three years ago, and haven’t looked back since.

“We have continued to gain more customers through Buy Local, supplying more retailers, restaurants, hotels, and other tourism areas with our dehydrated oyster mushrooms,” she said. “There is definitely more potential for expansion in this industry such as more dedicated mushroom production buildings to support the six-week growth cycle, and the option of expanding into the global market. We’re also looking at diversifying our mushroom selection to reach new markets.”

Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE, says agriculture remains one of the KZN South Coast’s key economic drivers, with significant potential for investors to explore: “Those looking to leverage the favourable conditions for farming will discover the potential in various crops, as well as agritourism which is a growing industry on the KZN South Coast. The region’s position also has logistical advantages, from its ease of accessibility along national networks to forming a component of the Eastern Seaboard Development that further opens up the domestic market. The nearby Durban Harbour also allows for increased access to a global market as well.”

Now’s the time to invest in the KZN South Coast!

Find out more by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.

To find out more about these and more investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.

To purchase goods sold or secure services from these and other Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To make orders from Buy Local members or to join the campaign, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form.

Follow the hashtags #nowisthetime #nowisthetimetoinvest