As South African farmers face mounting challenges ranging from rising input costs and climate uncertainty to increasingly stringent export requirements, the need for reliable and sustainable production support has never been greater. Recognising these pressures, Sasol is positioning itself as a long-term partner to agriculture by helping farmers improve operational efficiency, strengthen resilience, and meet the evolving demands of global markets.
Speaking at the recent Grain SA NAMPO Harvest Day, Innocent Pereira, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing at Sasol, highlighted the critical role energy plays in modern agriculture and the company’s commitment to supporting farmers through practical, value-driven solutions.
“Energy is at the centre of a farmer’s ability to operate competitively,” said Pereira. “Our goal is to work alongside farmers, helping them remain productive while adapting to an increasingly complex agricultural environment.”
Supporting Productivity Through Reliable Energy
For farmers, equipment downtime can have immediate and costly consequences, particularly during critical planting and harvesting periods. Sasol believes that dependable energy supply, high-performance products, and operational consistency are essential to helping producers maintain productivity and profitability.
According to Pereira, agriculture is one of the few industries where timing is everything.
“When machinery stops unexpectedly, the impact is immediate. Our focus is on reducing that risk through reliable supply, product performance, and dependable service,” he explained.
Sasol’s local production capabilities have become a key advantage, enabling the company to respond quickly during supply disruptions and periods of market uncertainty. Recent geopolitical events and fuel supply challenges have further highlighted the importance of secure local production in maintaining uninterrupted farming operations.
Building Partnerships with Farmers
At NAMPO, Sasol used the opportunity not only to showcase its products and services but also to engage directly with farmers and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.
Interactive demonstrations focused on engine care, lubricant performance, and equipment efficiency, while family-friendly activities created opportunities to engage the next generation of agricultural professionals.
However, Pereira emphasised that the company’s presence at agricultural events goes beyond product promotion.
“We do not see ourselves as having all the answers,” he said. “The best solutions are developed through collaboration with farmers. Understanding their specific challenges allows us to create solutions that deliver real value on the farm.”
This partnership-driven philosophy reflects Sasol’s more than 75-year history of serving South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Renewable Diesel Creates New Opportunities
One of the most significant announcements from Sasol at NAMPO was the introduction of a certified renewable diesel product produced from sustainably sourced plant-based oils.
Unlike conventional biofuel feedstocks that may compete with food production, the renewable diesel is produced from non-food crops grown on non-agricultural land, supporting both sustainability goals and responsible land use.
The product has undergone independent testing and certification to verify its sustainability credentials and compliance with international standards.
For South African farmers targeting export markets, particularly in Europe, this innovation could provide a valuable competitive advantage.
Global buyers are increasingly scrutinising the carbon footprint of agricultural supply chains, creating demand for products produced using sustainable inputs and low-emission practices.
“Export markets are placing greater emphasis on sustainability and traceability,” Pereira noted. “This gives farmers an opportunity to improve the sustainability profile of their operations while potentially accessing premium market opportunities.”
Although renewable diesel currently carries a higher price premium than conventional alternatives, the company believes growing demand for sustainable agricultural products will continue to drive interest in lower-carbon production solutions.
Educating Farmers for the Future
Sasol believes farmer education will be critical as sustainability requirements become increasingly embedded in global agricultural trade.
Many producers are still learning how carbon footprints, sustainability certifications, and traceable supply chains will influence future market access. By providing information and support, Sasol hopes to help farmers prepare for these changes and position themselves for long-term success.
“We are not an agricultural company,” Pereira said. “But we can help create the conditions that allow farmers to operate more efficiently, sustainably, and competitively.”
Investing in Agricultural Resilience
Beyond energy products and services, Sasol continues to invest in initiatives aimed at strengthening South Africa’s agricultural sector and rural communities.
These include the Iphephe Programme, which supports more than 300 emerging farmers through skills development, market access opportunities, and sustainability initiatives. The company also invests in enterprise and supplier development programmes that support small businesses, local suppliers, education initiatives, and community development projects.
These efforts align with Sasol’s broader vision of contributing to food security, economic growth, and long-term agricultural resilience across South Africa.
A Long-Term Commitment to Agriculture
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, Sasol believes the relationship between farmers and energy providers must extend beyond product supply to include innovation, collaboration, and practical support.
The company’s strategy is centred on helping farmers navigate cost pressures, sustainability requirements, and operational risks while improving productivity and competitiveness.
“The goal is to stay close enough to the farmer to remain useful,” Pereira concluded. “If we are not helping farmers address the challenges they face every day, then we are not creating value.”
By combining reliable energy solutions, sustainability innovations, and long-term agricultural partnerships, Sasol aims to play a meaningful role in supporting the future growth and resilience of South African agriculture.