DULUTH, GEORGIA — AGCO has renamed its Zambia Future Farm as Martin Richenhagen Future Farm to honor the long-tenured chairman, president and chief executive officer who is to retire Dec. 31.
“Mr. Richenhagen has staked his legacy on the continent of Africa, from investing in our parts warehouse facilities, opening our headquarters in Johannesburg, launching our Future Farm concept, introducing the Farm in a Box, and creating the AGCO Agribusiness Qualification initiative,” said Gary Collar, AGCO senior vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific and Africa. “We are truly grateful for his vision to expand AGCO’s investments in the African continent and in turn, contribute sustainable agriculture solutions.”
The 150-acre Martin Richenhagen Future Farm was opened in 2015, with a mission to give African farmers access to the latest sustainable agricultural solutions while making farming profitable. In July 2019, AGCO announced a second phase of development to take this Future Farm to its next chapter as a growing learning facility for the next generation of African farmers.
The new features include 24-room student and staff accommodations and communal amenities, such as a canteen able to seat more than 80 people. An insaka homestead, a traditional complex of grass gazebos with a central courtyard, has been added to foster interactive learning. Renovations also include a new church and community center to serve the 200-strong Future Farm community.
“This is a great, unexpected honor, as the Zambia Future Farm is very dear to my heart,” Richenhagen said. “I look forward to being able to see the red soil of Zambia once again in person.”