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…
The First International Symposium on Plant Propagation, Nursery Organisation and Management for the production of Certified Fruit Trees was held in Locorotondo (Bari) Italy. This ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science) was attended by Hugh Campbell in his capacity as…
Dr Sifiso Ntombela, chief economist of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) was recently also appointed as Deputy-President of the Agricultural Economics Association of SA. What are agriculture’s biggest challenges a) locally b) in Africa c) the rest of the…
By Lucille Botha Six years after its debut on the international stage, South Africa’s homegrown apple brand, Flash Gala, has reached a remarkable milestone. Over one million cartons of this sought-after variety were exported for the first time in a…
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…
Please find below PDF’s from our past Fresh Quarterly publications: False codling moth is an indigenous pest to South Africa that can damage fruit and lead to serious cost implications for our industry. For an update on its identification…
Farming is a labour intensive operation and there where you have lots of people together, there is always social pressure. Not coping with the pressure leads to social deterioration. And handling social deterioration becomes a social responsibility. To cope, you…
Text: Elise-Marie Steenkamp Almost 23 years ago Willem Booise fell in as a general agricultural worker on the farm Bergendal on the Paleisheuwel Road near Citrusdal. At the time, it was just another job. But soon, Booise realised that he…
After 44 years in the deciduous fruit industry, Hugh Campbell retires as Hortgro Technical General Manager to begin a new career phase. He spoke to Anna Mouton. On a Sunday afternoon in 1976, a young Hugh Campbell lined up with…
Every season, tonnes of food end up as waste. What if it can help curb hunger instead? By Gerrit Rautenbach Under normal circumstances, feeling hungry can be quite a positive thing. It generates anticipation, making one wonder what’s for dinner…