Crop solutions that ensure growth – the Novon difference

Any farmer will tell you that crop farming is not as simple as putting a seed in the ground and adding water. Before you can start planting, the soil must first be worked and prepared. This is exactly where Novon Retail Company RF (Pty) Ltd comes in.

Novon is a crop-input supplier that distributes agricultural chemical products, but they are much more than just that.

Danie Marais, CEO of Novon, explains that they are agricultural experts who support farmers throughout their journey.

“We don’t simply hand you a container of chemical products and leave it at that. We walk the road with you – from soil preparation to plant health and ultimately completing the harvest,” he says.

The company has been in business since 2003 and supplies crop solutions with a wide range of products from major brands, such as UPL, UPL-NPP, Rovensa Next, ICA, Farm-Ag, Corteva, FMC and Introlab. They have 27 agents serving the entire Limpopo region as well as the Mpumalanga Lowveld. Their focus is on citrus, macadamia nuts, avocados, potatoes, field crops and subtropical vegetables and grains.

The Novon difference

Novon stands out in the market due to the added value they bring to farming operations. With a team of experts who have years of experience in agriculture, they are involved in crop planning from the beginning.

From product supply to technical support and problem identification, Novon is there to help.

“We try to understand the farmer’s crop. We give advice on their programmes, focus on their expectations and help them achieve them.

“In other words, if a farmer says he wants to export his products, we know we must approach his crops differently from someone who only wants to send his produce to the market or supply locally,” Danie explains.

As part of these services, Novon provides training for workers on the Global GAP standards they must comply with. Novon agents are also in the process of preparing for PCO accreditation and are already making good progress.

Novon by your side every step of the way

Danie explains that the first step is soil health. They examine the farmer’s soil together with the farmer in order to make soil corrections. This is not merely about fertiliser, but rather an in-depth soil analysis.

“When a farmer’s soil balance is right, the farmer starts off right.”

The next step is the plant’s structure and health. Plant health includes two stages: protection and improvement. Protection against diseases, pests and insects – and improvement through biostimulants to enhance foliar nutrition and plant growth.

Novon believes in sustainability

Novon has been a pioneer in the world of biological solutions for plants since 2003. The company is also the exclusive supplier of UPL products in their region (including UPL’s NPP natural products).

Because of this, they are ambassadors for UPL’s Carbon Smart programme, where farmers are encouraged to transition to regenerative farming practices so they can earn income from carbon credits.

Novon is selective about the products they distribute. A product must first be presented to the product committee, after which Novon determines whether there’s a real need for such a product in the market.

“If they bring something new to the table, we ask them for data,” Danie says.

Novon also conducts its own field demonstrations to gather the company’s own research and data. In this way, Novon can truly see what the product can do in the field and provide a platform to show farmers how it works.

“We also share ideas with some suppliers or ask them to provide new, updated data. We are often in conversation with our distributors. Because we are a relationship-based business, we want to maintain good relationships with both clients and suppliers,” says Danie.

The future for Novon

Over the next five to 10 years, Danie hopes to see the business become a respected role player in agriculture, known for its reliability and creditworthiness. They want to grow their market share and be the first call farmers make, even before the planting season begins.

Novon’s slogan – “from soil to plate” – is more than just a saying. It is something they live out through their products, their knowledge, their relationships, and their support for every farmer.