Philip Howes
Managing Director, Senior Executive, Agricultural Consultant
Fisherhaven
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven agricultural executive with over 30 years of leadership experience across international fruit farming, advanced packhouse operations, and pioneering horticultural consultancy. Recognised for spearheading large-scale, high-yield fruit operations and innovative solutions in blueberry cultivation and medical cannabis agronomy. Adept at leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex greenfield projects, and delivering sustainable, high-profit outcomes. A strategic thinker with robust corporate governance expertise, outstanding stakeholder engagement skills, and a passion for sustainable agriculture.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
3
3
Languages
Work History
Managing Director
Yummiberry Projects (Pty) Ltd
01.2004 - Current
- Founded and lead a pioneering agricultural consultancy specialising in blueberry and medical cannabis industries
- Successfully introduced 19 commercial blueberry cultivars to South Africa, establishing nursery capacity for 400,000 – 700,000 plants annually
- Advised international growers on horticultural practices and market strategies
- Senior lecturer at Cheeba Cannabis Academy (2020–2021), specialising in medical cannabis production
- Designed sun-grown organic genetic evaluation sites to promote low-carbon, sustainable cannabis farming
- Annually test over 30 cannabis strains globally, optimising genetics for Southern African conditions
- Advocate for sustainable farming, reducing production costs while enhancing crop quality
Technical Director
Blue Forests LLC
01.2013 - 01.2025
- Led all horticultural operations across two pioneering organic blueberry farms, including a rooftop farm in Manhattan
- Developed proprietary organic fertigation and plant protection programs
- Achieved triple the average industry yield while reducing water use by 45% and land use by 75%
- Managed precision irrigation systems and optimised production cycles
- Led harvest operations with a team of 45 seasonal staff, maintaining high efficiency
- Built strong stakeholder relations with USDA and university researchers
CEO / Managing Director
Amathole Berries
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Oversaw the full spectrum of operations at a large-scale hydroponic blueberry farm, managing 150 hectares under shade netting
- Directed strategic planning, budgeting (R12m annual), and operational leadership
- Managed 847 permanent employees and multiple administrative teams
- Increased yields to 1500 tons forecasted within six years
- Spearheaded marketing strategies and global partnerships
- Liaised with governmental bodies for compliance and community engagement
Managing Director
Changing Tides (Pty) Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Developed mobile fruit packing solutions for small-scale farmers
- Designed and commissioned state-of-the-art mobile packhouses
- Managed full operational and financial functions, achieving R4m turnover
Managing Director
Blue Sky Packing Co.
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Established and led a fruit packing company serving multiple farms
- Directed operational and financial management, generating R1.5m EBITDA
- Expanded production to over 4,900 tons of fruit annually
- Set up a successful citrus packing facility in China, operational within 9 weeks
General Manager
Timberlea Farm
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Led packhouse operations and farm management across multiple sites, achieving high profitability
General Manager
Voorstevlei Farms
01.1992 - 01.1997
- Managed 300ha of deciduous fruit orchards, driving exports to top UK retailers
Education
MBA / MDP -
University of Stellenbosch Business School
01.1998 - 01.1999
B.Sc. Agric - Horticulture & Soil Science
University of Stellenbosch
01.1988 - 01.1991
B.Sc. Agric - Animal Husbandry & Genetics
University of Pretoria
Diocesan College (Bishops) - undefined
Diocesan College (Bishops)
01.1974 - 01.1986
Skills
Executive Leadership
Certification
South African ID, 690304 5283 081
Timeline
Technical Director
Blue Forests LLC
01.2013 - 01.2025
CEO / Managing Director
Amathole Berries
01.2007 - 01.2013
Managing Director
Changing Tides (Pty) Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2007
Managing Director
Yummiberry Projects (Pty) Ltd
01.2004 - Current
Managing Director
Blue Sky Packing Co.
01.2000 - 01.2006
MBA / MDP -
University of Stellenbosch Business School
01.1998 - 01.1999
General Manager
Timberlea Farm
01.1997 - 01.2000
General Manager
Voorstevlei Farms
01.1992 - 01.1997
B.Sc. Agric - Horticulture & Soil Science
University of Stellenbosch
01.1988 - 01.1991
Diocesan College (Bishops) - undefined
Diocesan College (Bishops)
01.1974 - 01.1986
B.Sc. Agric - Animal Husbandry & Genetics
University of Pretoria
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