Establishing an Agave americana industry in South Africa

Agave americana is the plant species that gave the world tequila – that fiery Mexican alcoholic party drink. While it is not indigenous to South Africa, it was introduced to the Karoo in the early 1900s and took to its new region in much the same fashion that salt and lemon took to tequila. Fortunately for the people of the poverty stricken Eastern Cape, there is much more to Agave than just tequila. The secret lies in its long, blue-gray, spiny, fibrous leaves.

Much like sisal, its fibres were traditionally used for cordage such as baler twine and are even used in carpets. The CSIR’s research has established that the fibres from Agave can also be used for non-woven products such as composite materials for the automotive industry and geotextiles (permeable fabrics which can be used, for instance, to strengthen the soil or help drain excess water from soil. It is often used in engineering projects). This research has, in fact, led to a luxury motor vehicle manufacturer using it in the production of its car seat covers.

Plans and funding are now underway to plant Agave for the next fifteen years on a 1000ha plot near Graaff-Reinet, specifically for the harvesting of its fibre. The CSIR is also looking to expand this project to other arid regions of the Karroo while it will be focusing on developing fibre spinning and weaving skills within small companies in these communities in order to help them create products for the local as well as export markets. An Agave working group comprising the Eastern Cape Departments of Economic Development & Environmental Affairs and Agriculture, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Cacadu District Municipality, Camdeboo Local Municipality and private farmers has been established to drive this initiative.