Driving Sustainability in the South African Pome and Stone Fruit Industry

As global challenges like climate change, increased population, environmental degradation and competition for natural resources intensify, industries worldwide are being called upon to rethink their practices.

For the South African pome and stone fruit sector, the need to embrace sustainability is not just a matter of responsibility but a critical factor for maintaining profitability and competitiveness in the global market.

Hortgro Resource Management and Sustainability (RMS) programme is at the forefront of this transformation, aiming to guide the industry towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Sustainable Education Concept Featuring Knowledge About The Environment And Ecology, Highlighting The Importance Of Eco Friendly Practices And Green Learning For A Better Future.

The Strategic Vision of RMS

At the heart of the RMS program is a clear strategic goal: to enable the sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring that pome and stone fruit producers can remain competitive, profitable, and environmentally responsible. This goal is supported by several strategic objectives, including:

Developing Strategic Water Resource Plans:

Collaborating with government bodies to create water resource plans tailored to each production region.

Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices:

Encouraging the adoption of water and energy-saving technologies aligned with environmental sustainability (ESG) principles.

Advancing Infrastructure Maintenance:

Lobbying for the maintenance of critical water and other infrastructure essential to the industry.

Climate Change Mitigation:

Implementing strategies to mitigate risks associated with climate change and extreme weather events.

Efficiency and Productivity:

Promoting gains throughout the value chain to counter rising input costs and sustain industry growth.

Webinars

The Hortgro Footprint Webinar Series aims to spotlight sustainable practices, mitigations, and risks in the SA deciduous fruit industry.

Focus Areas for RMS

Hortgro’s RMS programme identifies several key focus areas essential for achieving sustainability: 

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Compliance

Ensuring that all practices meet the necessary standards to maintain market access, particularly considering the evolving EU ESG requirements (such as the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies). 

Climate Change Adaptation

Developing responses to the impact of climate change, disaster risk reduction and building resilience, including the implementation of the Hortgro Climate Change Response Strategy (CCRS) for the Deciduous Fruit Industry and setting industry emissions reduction targets.

Innovative Technologies

Leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance agricultural practices, such as AI tools for yield determination, soil and leaf analysis, and CO2 sequestration measurement.

Water and Energy Efficiency

Fostering practices like needs-based irrigation, renewable energy adoption, and innovative water management techniques.

Plastics and Packaging Waste

Addressing the environmental impact of packaging and exploring sustainable alternatives.

Why Footprint? 

Hortgro’s RMS programme is more than just a strategy – it is a roadmap for the future of our South Africa’s pome and stone fruit industry. By embracing sustainability at every level, from water management to ESG compliance, the industry can not only survive but thrive in the face of global challenges. The journey may be complex, but with a clear vision and collaborative effort, a sustainable and prosperous future is within reach. One footprint at a time. 

For more information contact Hortgro Resource and Sustainability Manager, Nitasha Baijnath-Pillay nitasha@hortgro.co.za 

Contact:
Nitasha
Nitasha Baijnath-Pillay
Manager: Resource Management and Sustainability
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