Sustainable Agriculture.

Smart Food Growing (SFG) Technologies is the manufacturer of the “climate-smart” growing solution, the WickBox, which is designed to be good for the planet and people. Most are made from 70% recycled plastic, to promote a circular economy, and all make efficient use of water. The WickBox is an easy-to-use, self-watering vegetable and/or fruit tree planter, about 70cm long and wide and 45cm high, with a basal reservoir that can hold up to 30 litres of water. The WickBox flat-packs into the reservoir area, which allows it to be transported efficiently. SFG Technologies produces growing solutions suited to the Southern African market to promote food security in the region by enabling groups and individuals to grow their own nutrient-rich food with little effort and limited experience. More than 30 000 WickBoxes have been purchased by the department of agriculture in Mpumalanga, and donated to destitute households, schools and black emerging farmers. The boxes are being used with great success by the beneficiaries. More than 210 tonnes of waste plastic were used to produce the boxes. Andrew Potts, the chief executive of SFG Technologies, says to young people  about the importance of caring for the planet: “You will see many new opportunities emerge whereby you can turn what others thought was waste into something of true value.  Go forth and use your creativity and passion to cast into reality a range of products and services which are both good for people and good for the planet.”

Greatest achievements:

1. More than 30,000 WickBoxes have been purchased by the department of agriculture in Mpumalanga, and donated to destitute households, schools and black emerging farmers.  
2. More than 210 tonnes of waste plastic were used to produce the 30,000 WickBoxes.

What advice would you give to future generations?

You will see many new opportunities emerge whereby you can turn what others thought was waste into something of true value. Use your creativity and passion to cast into reality a range of products and services that are good for people and the planet.