On 19 August 2014 a group of 19 fruit farmers decided to launch a regional initiative for inclusive agricultural growth, job creation and improved social harmony in line with the National Development Plan. This was to become Partners in Agri…
Based on remarks by political economist Ronak Gopaldas at the Hortforum meeting, March 2026 By Elise-Marie Steenkamp Three weeks into the war in Iran, the world is grappling with a conflict that is far more complex — and potentially far…
In any given set-up, organisation, team or business, different threads connect all the right dots, making it work splendidly. At the farm Laastedrif, at the top of Bo-Swaarmoed in the Witzenberg District, one of these threads was woven by a…
“We are at a historical moment in time to turn the tide against the coronavirus pandemic. The central weapon to achieve this is through mass vaccination that will reduce mortality, protect the health care system from being overwhelmed, achieve adequate…
Nitasha Baijnath-Pillay, Hortgro Resource and Sustainability Manager, shares some tips for growers on how to develop a sustainable perspective on their farms. Having a long-term perspective: Long-term planning, continuous innovation, and sufficient investment in research and development, adopting new technologies and…
Ever heard of the Newton Apple, Northern Spy, Pomme de Neige, and Cox Orange Pippen? These are but a few of the near-lost apple varieties that are preserved in Tru-Cape’s Heritage Orchard on Oak Valley Estate in Grabouw, of which…
Omgewingsaktiviste is lief daarvoor om Landbou oor die gebruik van gifstowwe aan te vat, ’n sektor waarin besonders hoë veiligheidstandaarde geld. Die probleem lê veel eerder by onwettige ‘straatgifstowwe’. Veral in informele nedersettings is mense oningelig en onbewus van die…
The Transnet strike might be over, but the fruit industry is not out of the woods yet and the aftermath will be felt by all in the value chain for many weeks to come, but mostly on ground level by…
The South African stone fruit industry has lost one of its most dedicated champions with the passing of Grant Smuts, Hortgro Stone Director and esteemed Robertson stone fruit producer. Grant was more than a leader in our sector — he…
Nog ’n groep produksiebestuurders het hulle sertifikate ontvang na hulle leierskapsontwikkelingskursus wat deur Hortgro aangebied en deur Mazars gefasiliteer is. Dit is die tweede groep wat vanjaar die kursus voltooi het. Altesaam 16 produksiebestuurders van verskeie plase het aan die…
By Elise-Marie Steenkamp In an attempt to facilitate a safe, protected and secure agricultural environment and farming community, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDA) shared a 12-point rural safety action plan at a recent stakeholder engagement session. This action…
Hortgro’s newest board member, Unati Speirs, has built an impressive resume during her 20-plus years in agriculture. Hortgro sat down with the farmer and businesswoman to find out who she was away from the boardroom. By Kara van der Berg…