Proactive fruit farming techniques
Oak Valley Estate in the Elgin Valley grows apples and pears, among many other product lines, on a commercial scale. Key to the farm’s production for the export market is proactive fruit farming techniques, including extensive forward planning and constantly refining farming practices ahead of necessity.
Secrets of a visionary fruit farmer
Western Cape fruit farmer Aat Hoekstra (85) recently received the South African fruit industry’s OSH Reinecke Industry Leader Award for 2015. The British Journal of Fresh Produce has also referred to him as South Africa’s fruit-breeding pioneer. He shared his wisdom with Glenneis Kriel.
Sharon fruit in SA – growing local and export sales
Exotic Sharon fruit was introduced to South Africa in the late 1990s, but it took years to establish in which regions the trees would produce optimally. Over the past five years, the industry has been consolidated and is now taking advantage of new export markets.
Making organic fruit farming work
Organic farming is risky and difficult, but Jannie Nieuwoudt of Jamaka Organic Farm in the Cederberg believes the risk is justified by the rewards.
Macadamia nuts – a growing market
if a farmer willing to wait seven years for a return on investment will find that money does indeed grow on trees.
Moringa makes an easy meal with a nutritious punch
There are many pots on the boil on the farm of DAFF’s Best Female Entrepreneur of the Year, but the main course is based on Moringa.
Challenges facing SA fruit farmers
Hannes Toua (34) is the Agri Western Cape/Santam Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year 2013. He spoke to Denene Erasmus about some of the challenges and opportunities facing South African fruit farmers.
A look at South Africa’s pomegranate production
Pomona is the largest pomegranate producer in South Africa and one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. Jay Ferreira spoke to founding member and CEO Brent Geddes about the operation’s beginnings, challenges and future.
A look at the South African Apple industry
The eastern Free State’s apple orchards are doing well with a small edge in marketing time over the more established orchards of the Western Cape. Lloyd Phillips talks to Charles Smith of Fyvie Farming.
