This six-day Prophyta short course is designed to provide an understanding of horticultural processes in tree growth and development, scientific irrigation management, nutrition, and the implementation of good soil health and soil science practices. The goal of producing high tonnages…
In industry, formal independent fruit cultivar evaluation by Provar is supported by various in-season ‘Fruit Tastings’ to showcase the latest cultivars and selections belonging to IP representatives and fruit breeders. Provar, as the host for these industry tastings, invites all…
Deur Kara van der Berg Die 2021/2022 pruim seisoen was die slegste wat die Suid-Afrikaanse steenvrugmark in jare beleef het. Om hierdie aan te spreek en die pad vorentoe uit te lê, het Hortgro in Augustus vanjaar ’n pruim-en-nektarien-indaba by…
The International Prune Association (IPA) recently planted a young prune tree on the grounds of a farm school, Botha’s Halte Primary School, in the Breede River Valley, a couple of kilometres from where the most successful South African prune variety was first discovered in the 1960s.
From fairytales to great works of art, the perfect red apple is a placeholder for a wide range of human emotions. With its recent improvements, the Fuji variety is set to continue its rise. Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, the largest exporter…
The Jobs Fund Project on track: The technical advisor took one look at the sad trees in front of him. “Remove the old wood from the trees,” he commanded. Ricardo du Preez did not question him. He realised that to…
Dr Ilse Trautmann, Deputy Director General: Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, delivered a keynote address at a CropLife Information Day held in December last year. Here is a summary of Dr Trautmann’s speech. In an…
The South African stone fruit industry continues to demonstrate that strong export performance and responsible production go hand in hand. As the 2025/26 stone fruit season unfolds, early compliance data indicate a sector that not only meets international social and…
Focus on women in agriculture: Words: Carmé Naudé The saying goes, behind every man, there is a strong woman, and within agriculture, there are multiple strong forces to be reckoned with. One such force is Retha Louw the CEO of…
Ricard Myburgh, a 27-year old apple and pear farmer from Vyeboom in the Western Cape, received the Young Entrepreneur Award from the Jobs Fund last week. Myburgh, who has been farming on the family farm, Cortina Farms, for the past…
Richard Hurndall recently received the Hortgro Chairman’s Award for 35 years of service to the industry. He is also a squash master and believes in work-life balance. Elise-Marie Steenkamp spoke to him shortly before his retirement. “We need you to…
Hortgro Agritourism Series Driving from Worcester to Ceres on the R43 would just not be the same without Rietdakkie Farmstall offering a great stop-over. It seems like it’s been there forever. But it almost didn’t make it. Until famous artist,…