INVESTMENT
Why SA farmers should be investing offshore
As the country’ s agricultural exports surge, more farmers are looking beyond local borders. Offshore investment offers opportunities to grow, protect income and build lasting family legacies – but only when structured correctly.
South Africa’ s agricultural export market continues to grow, cementing the country’ s position as a major player on the global field. In the first quarter of 2025, agricultural exports reached US $ 3.36 billion, a 10 % increase on the same period in 2024. In Q2, exports to the United States alone reached US $ 161 million – a surge of 26 % compared with 2024 – despite tariff challenges.
These figures highlight both the potential and the complexity of running a modern South African farm. While producing high-quality goods is one challenge, structuring a business to capture the benefits of international markets is another. Farmers are increasingly exploring offshore structures as a tool to support growth, manage risk, and plan for the long-term.
Brandon Voges, Business Development Manager at Sovereign Trust( SA), explains:“ South African farmers are resilient by nature, but being global suppliers brings new considerations. Offshore structures are no longer just about tax efficiency. They provide a framework for reinvesting profits, accessing international finance, and managing foreign exchange exposure.”
When done correctly, offshore structuring can help farmers protect export income, access capital to expand distribution networks, and build succession plans that secure the family legacy for generations. Voges emphasises the importance of integrating these structures with the realities of South African farming:“ Seasonal cash flows, regulatory requirements, and family dynamics all play a role. Offshore planning that ignores these realities simply will not work.”
78 sabusinessintegrator. co. za