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Our Story

From humble beginnings - from a swimming pool to a thriving organic farm

Founded by Tanya van Stade, who inherited her love for farming from her grandparents in Stellenbosch, Seeds for Life was built on generational knowledge, resilience, and innovation. When space became a challenge, we moved to a family member’s backyard, turning an ordinary urban space into a thriving backyard farm. What started as a small garden plot quickly became a lifeline for fresh, organic produce, proving that even in the heart of a residential area, regenerative farming could flourish.

Without formal agricultural training but driven by passion and necessity, we nurtured every seed with care, slowly transforming a humble backyard into a fully certified organic farming cooperative. Our journey is a testament to the power of community-driven agriculture, proving that even the smallest spaces – when fuelled by determination and purpose can create sustainable food solutions, thriving businesses, and a blueprint for urban farming success.

Tanya

Yumnah

Quality Over Quantity

Milestones & Accomplishments

1

Access to Land

Despite not having a large farming property, we expanded by collaborating with emerging farmers and sourcing produce from small-scale growers committed to organic methods.
2

Market Barriers

Our breakthrough was obtaining SA Gap food safety certification, enabling us to supply formal markets and potentially export to the EU and Africa in the future.
3

Processing & Value Addition

Recognizing the need to reduce waste and increase profitability, we secured funding to establish a micro processing facility, allowing us to diversify into dehydrated vegetables and organic powders.
4

Fully Organic Certified & SA GAP Certified

Ensuring compliance with the highest food safety and organic farming standards.
5

Certificate of Acceptability (COA) for Food Premises

Meeting the legal requirements for food handling and processing.
6

3rd Place Winner in the Seda Business Woman Coaching Programme

Competing against 30 female-led businesses.