Farming in Grahamstown
by Nicholas Neveling

Forced to adapt to unpredictable weather and lengthy dry spells, Albany farmers have always been prepared to experiment with unconventional projects. This has resulted in the diverse and interesting types of farming in the area, including johoba oil, tropical fish, and a herb farm.
  There are also more standard ventures in the region. Stock farming is the most popular with meat and skins from cattle, boer goats and sheep being distributed to local agents and centres. Wool of the highest international quality for export is farmed on the Highlands Ridge. Ostrich farmers have tapped into the international market too. There is a tannery and an abattoir in town exclusively set up to process ostrich products, with the meat exported to Europe and skins to Japan. There is also a state of the art fish farm which breeds 80 species of the most expensive and exclusive fish from the East African Lakes. These fish are highly sought after overseas and are exported to Germany and the Far East.
  Due to the unreliable rainfall and poor soil quality, crop farming occurs on a smaller scale, with pineapple and chicory being the most successful. The Eastern Cape is the second largest and most southerly pineapple producing region in the Southern Hemisphere.
  The burgeoning eco-tourism industry flourishes in the Grahamstown region. Many farmers have opened guesthouses for those tired of hotel franchises and flashy cities. The untouched beauty, tranquil atmosphere and personal attention offered on farms give visitors a unique holiday experience. Certain ostrich, dairy and pineapple farms run tours where visitors can experience the processes involved in day to day farming first hand. See the Adventure Guide details of farm tours.