FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Paarl, South Africa — 22 May 2026 HORTGRO Appoints Jacques du Preez as New Chief Executive Officer Industry veteran steps up as founding leader, Anton Rabe, retires after decades of distinguished service HORTGRO, the leading statutory body…
Dr Minette Karsten shares how she went from researching black rhinos to studying Mediterranean fruit flies and other pome- and stone-fruit pests. By Anna Mouton. Hortgro has appointed Dr Minette Karsten to manage its crop-protection programme from 1 October 2024…
The prestigious Hortgro Awards in honour of deciduous fruit industry champions was held at STIAS, Stellenbosch last night. This is the first time that Hortgro held its award function in the new format with a focus on the Pome and…
Hortgro, the deciduous fruit industry body of South Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Unati Speirs as a new board director. She will be taking over the vacancy left by Dr Mono Mashaba who served the industry…
Stellenbosch, South Africa – August 20, 2024 – The South African deciduous fruit industry body, Hortgro, has spent more than R55m over the past decade on bursaries. The Hortgro Bursary Programme (HBP) aims to support and nurture the next generation…
Paarl — The South African deciduous fruit industry came together last night to honour excellence, innovation, and leadership at the annual Hortgro Awards 2025, celebrating individuals and organisations whose vision and dedication continue to transform the sector. The awards recognised…
This year Mandela Day focused on, amongst other goals, education, and literacy. In line with this initiative, Hortgro’s Book Donation Project reached a milestone by donating 2 tons of books to schools in the Langkloof area. The book donation which…
The Hortgro Chairman’s Award honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the deciduous fruit industry – either through long-term service or outstanding achievement in their fields. Winner: Lindi Benić Lindi is a worthy recipient of this award on both…
“We need you to start in January,” Gawie Roux said to his preferred candidate for the first SAAPPA Technical Manager post. The 29-year old gushed, “I can’t, I am getting married on 21 January.” And so young Richard Hurndall started at…
Dr Leon von Mollendorff, born and raised in Oudtshoorn, studied B.Sc. Biochemistry at the University of Stellenbosch. In 1991 he completed his doctorate. His research: Postharvest factors involved in the development of woolliness in nectarines is considered ground-breaking and for…
Kersie aanplantings het die afgelope vyf jaar met 54% toegeneem. Dit ten spyt, bly Suid-Afrikaners swak kersie eters, met die gemiddelde persoon wat slegs 18 gram kersies per jaar eet. Hierdie en ander interessante feite, is verlede week by die…
The deciduous fruit industry is one of the largest export sectors within the agricultural sector. It employs on average 63,145 permanent equivalent farm workers per annum with an estimated 252 579 dependents. The National Minimum Wage Commission recommended to the…