Vhembe is a prolific fresh produce grower, with largescale exports testifying to the quality of production and the efficiency of many farmers. Vhembe produces no less than 4,4% of South Africa's total agricultural output, including 8,4% of the country's sub-tropical fruit and 6,3% of its citrus, according to Kayamandi Development Services which has drawn up Vhembe District Municipality's Local Economic Development Strategy.

Like so many other parts of South Africa, agricultural production in Vhembe is undertaken by a small number of relatively large, highly productive commercial producers and a multitude of fragmented, small-scale farmers.

Vhembe is becoming a base for lucrative exports of exotic trees and ornamental shrubs. Foreign investors, in partnership with a local community, have revived a run-down, 250 hectare tree and shrub cultivation estate near Thohoyandou with a view to serving landscaping markets in the Middle East which is experiencing a boom in property development.