By Kara van der Berg Education is a basic human right enshrined in the South African constitution. However, children of farmworkers often struggle to access schools, owing to a range of factors, including the distance of farms from schools, the…
The South African stone fruit industry is preparing for the 2025/2026 export season with optimism, thanks to favourable weather conditions during winter and blossoming, which led to good fruit set and fruit quality across most production regions. Overall export volumes…
NEW SERIES: AGRITOURISM AND BUSINESS INNOVATION IN THE DECIDUOUS FRUIT INDUSTRY Farming is ceaselessly evolving. At first, it was all about food for survival for the farmer and his family. Today, farming is big business. Scientifically and economically speaking. Yet,…
Why the deciduous-fruit industry must factor hydroclimate whiplash into long-term planning. By Anna Mouton. On average, the Earth has warmed by at least 1.5 °C, and, on average, South African pome- and stone-fruit growers can expect reduced winter chill, more…
Earlier this month the Global Cold Chain Alliance held a panel discussion in Cape Town about ‘Fire Risk Insurance Challenges for Refrigerated Warehouses’. The panel discussion was arranged to share information on property insurance and risk challenges related to fire…
Runaway veld fires move through landscapes at an astonishing pace, destroying property, natural habitats, and sometimes even lives. Over the past year, several of our production regions were decimated by wildfires. As summer approaches, local fruit producers should fine-tune their…
In die Warm Bokkeveld lewer eeu-oue Forelle-bome uit die vormingsjare van ons vrugtebedryf steeds elke jaar getrou hulle oes. Deur Anna Mouton. Daar is vele Metusalems onder Suid-Afrikaanse peerbome, maar dié is nietemin spesiaal. Hulle deel hul geskiedenis met bedryfsvaders…
Although Hein Punt was born in and did cut his teeth on apples in the Western Cape, he is today well-rooted in the Eastern Free State at Maluti Fruit near Bethlehem. He talked to Gerrit Rautenbach about the differences and…
A group of high-ranking government officials from the Free State government and a team from the Remmoho Group, visited Hortgro early in August to explore possible collaboration and get a better understanding of the deciduous fruit industry in South Africa…
The Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF) is a voluntary, non-profit organisation with more than 160 members who must adhere to a strict Code of Conduct to ensure that only competent and reliable marketing agents, grower-exporters and other service providers are…
Maréze Smit is a great example of how Hortgro invests in human capital to ensure a better future for deciduous fruit in South Africa. But making it happen is also about being in the right place at the right time…
Paarl, 8 November 2024 — Transnet’s Cape Town Terminals, including both the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) and the Cape Town Multi-Purpose Terminal (CTMPT), are preparing for a successful deciduous fruit export season with a fleet boost of over 70…