This was according to Clayton Swart, communications manager at South African Table Grape Industries (Sati).
“The Great Fruit Adventure was founded by two UK explorers, Max MacGillivray and Gareth Jones,” Swart explained.
It was launched after MacGillivray became aware that six out of ten children from the UK had no idea where the fruit and vegetables they were eating came from.
The initiative began in November 2016, when the pair set out on a three-month long motorbike trip across Europe and Africa. They reached South Africa mid January and visited places like Modjadjiskloof, Tzaneen, Letsitele, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Hazyview, Bethlehem, Harrismith, Durban and the Sunday’s River.
Swart said they are excited about how the stories of SA producers will be told. The team will also take with them fresh produce provided by Fruit SA.
When the bikers return to the UK, they plan to visit schools and colleges and attend events to educate students about their journey.
“They plan to journal their story by taking videos and pictures of farmers, showing how farmers grow their produce and how farming is increasing livelihood in communities,” explained Swart.
Gareth, who runs a milk delivery service with his brother, supply milk to over 3 000 customers, said he was most surprised by the size of the farms in South Africa.
“When you have not seen 900ha of citrus before, it is pretty mind-blowing.”
Follow Max and Gareth on Twitter, Facebook and visit The Great Fruit Adventure website for more information.
