Highland Elite Seed Potatoes (Pty) Ltd Business Plan › Section 17 › Environmental and Social Responsibility

17.1 Environmental Management

Highland Elite is committed to environmentally sustainable farming practices. The Company will develop and implement a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) as part of the EIA process. Key environmental commitments include water conservation through efficient centre-pivot irrigation with variable rate application technology, integrated pest management (IPM) minimising chemical usage, soil health management through crop rotation and cover cropping, biodiversity conservation through the maintenance of buffer zones and natural vegetation corridors, waste management and recycling programmes, and renewable energy integration through solar PV installations.

17.2 Social and Community Impact

The enterprise will generate significant positive social impact in the Bethlehem and broader Free State region:

• Direct employment: 170 permanent jobs and 280 seasonal positions by Year 5

• Skills development: Investment of 3% of payroll in training programmes

• Community shareholding: 10% equity held by the Free State Rural Development Trust

• Local procurement: Target of 60% local and B-BBEE procurement spend

• Corporate social investment: 1% of net profit allocated to community development initiatives, focusing on education and agricultural training

17.3 B-BBEE Compliance

Highland Elite targets Level 2 B-BBEE certification under the Agri-BEE Sector Codes, achieved through 45.2% effective black ownership, 50%+ black representation in management, skills development investment exceeding the sector target, enterprise and supplier development programmes, and community social investment contributions.

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