Small-scale farmers in KZN could soon gain easier access to lucrative local and international fresh produce markets with the launch of Dube AgriZone 2 near King Shaka International Airport.

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The new 18-hectare agriculture-focused development by Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone is designed to support emerging farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and horticultural businesses by giving them access to infrastructure and logistics services that are often out of reach for smaller producers.

Located within the airport precinct in La Mercy, the expansion builds on the existing Dube AgriZone, which handled and produced agricultural goods worth more than R50m last year.

According to Nomaxabiso Majokweni, Dube TradePort’s Senior Manager for Investment Promotion and Facilitation, the aim is to help smaller growers participate more meaningfully in South Africa’s fresh produce economy, estimated to be worth more than R53b annually.

“Dube TradePort is addressing the real barriers that limit small-scale farmers by providing infrastructure and support services that unlock access to high-value perishables markets,” she said.

Many small-scale farmers across KZN continue to face challenges, including poor road infrastructure, unreliable water supply, limited cold storage and difficulty accessing major retail and export markets.

Dube AgriZone 2 is intended to tackle those challenges directly through facilities that include pack houses, cold storage, warehousing, logistics support and reliable utility services. Farmers and agri-businesses operating from the site will also benefit from established distribution channels supplying major retailers, as well as direct export access through the Dube Cargo Terminal.

The development is expected to attract investors and agri-processors looking to scale operations in the province. Development-ready sites ranging from 10 500 square metres to 30 000 square metres are already drawing interest, with multiple proposals submitted and two agribusiness ventures currently undergoing due diligence.

Majokweni said the project gives smaller producers “a real stake in a global-scale value chain”.

For KZN, the project is also seen as a step toward strengthening the province’s agricultural economy while creating more inclusive opportunities in high-value farming and food distribution.

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