La Rhone is a family owned business with 115 ha stone fruit in production. In order to reduce carbon emissions, transfer to solar energy is currently investigated. The use of recyclable packaging material is high priority to management, as well as responsible disposal of waste.
Founded in South Africa, Halls is a global fresh produce supplier trusted for over 130 years. Halls strives to be responsible stewards of the land entrusted to them. From soil to shelf, Halls has five environmental goals: responsible water use, improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, reduced carbon footprint and waste reduction.
Paul Clüver is a family business dedicated to producing world-class wines and fruit, whilst being mindful of our impact on the environment and community. Set within the Kogelberg Biosphere, half of our estate is under conservation in perpetuity. Preserving our natural heritage is part of who we are, and we strive to lead sustainable farming for the future.
United Exports was initially established as a stone fruit export business in 2002 and has since entered all facets of the production process: from breeding and planting, to packing, sales and delivery of blueberries and stone fruit. United Exports currently has 10 Carbon Heroes production sites in South Africa and Zambia. Each business has its own profile here to give recognition to each and every Carbon Hero.
Located in the Western Cape, Hex Berries is a pioneer in optimizing its water-use efficiency and carrying out trials with innovative technology. The farm also clears invasive alien plant species, accompanies plant trials with pollinators and trials soil moisture probes.
Located in Wellington, Western Cape, the management team at Indigo strives to be informed about sustainable farming and the positive impact this style of farming has on the environment. The farm, including resident employees, is an active member of the Drakenstein recycling scheme and spearheads a riparian area reforestation project.
Situated in the Waterberg Mountains, Limpopo, Lepalala Berries is passionate about conservation, working proactively with specialists to preserve the ecosystem and enhance biodiversity. Soil erosion is addressed through new technology and beneficial insects are used as an alternative to agrochemicals. Additionally, the farm supplies 120 residents with energy from a hybrid solar solution.
Lulamanzi Berries, near Randfontein, Gauteng, uses biological products as much as possible, and manages pesticides carefully, avoiding the unnecessary application of pesticides and their impact on pollinators and other non-target species. Solar panels have been installed for the farm and its residents, and used paper towels are innovatively used to create fire bricks.
Metsi Berries, Limpopo, is as passionate about biodiversity and sustainable farming as they are about producing top-quality blueberries. The farm is completely off grid, with solar panels and invertors for storage of solar battery backup, and actively encourages natural pollinators and beneficial insects in their conservation areas.
Nyami Berries is adjacent to the Magaliesberg biosphere, and a portion of the land is dedicated to the protection of indigenous plant species and wildlife. Water efficiency is one of their key performance indicators, and preparations have been made for solar panels, which will supply over 60% of the energy demand.
Waterberg Berries is situated in the majestic Waterberg range of Limpopo, South Africa. “Customer First” is our motto. Using the latest technology and the best consultants and knowledge, we strive to achieve optimal production with the least impact on the environment. We love what we do – sustainably produce superior quality blueberries.
Wolseley Berries in the Western Cape embraces sustainability by reducing herbicide usage and ensuring that the Sandspruit River, which flows through the farm and hosts many insect, amphibian and bird species, is kept in its natural state. The management team prioritises plant health and the present biodiversity.
Located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, the United Exports Packhouse embraces a circular waste economy and implements various initiatives to reduce, re-use and recycle waste. The packhouse also supports a local community crèche and retirement home through donations.
Achtertuin Farm was established in 1917 and is situated in the Ceres region. Achtertuin is passionate about sustainability and have implemented biological practices for the past 20 years. This approach has increased soil carbon significantly. To reduce energy use, they have retrofitted VSD starters to all pumps and installed grid tied solar panels that generate 15% of their annual irrigation demand. They are investigating an off grid, hybrid solar system to increase their renewable energy component.
Dutoit Agri owns 26 farms which are situated in the Langkloof and Ceres area. Du Toit packs their own fruit and vegetables. The farm does the Farming for the Future audit, and their carbon footprint for fruit and vegetables on both farm and packhouse levels. Du Toit is serious about saving water by using the best scientifically proven practices. The farm also does soil and leaf analyses to determine which fertilisers are needed, and IPM principles are followed in crop protection. Solar panels have also been installed for the packhouses.
The Komati Group is a family business that originated in 1954 when Theodore Maximillian Thalwitzer (Snr) bought his first farm along the banks of the Letaba River in Letsitele. The initial 100 hectare citrus farm has since been expanded. Today, the Komati Group consists of a number of farms, packhouses, and a citrus tree nursery, in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. They pack and export over 7 million cartons of citrus annually to 30 countries worldwide.
The Karsten Group is a leading agri-business respected both locally and internationally for the excellence of their products, innovation, and integrity in its dealings with staff, service providers and customers. Karsten has 13 business units who are Carbon Heroes. Each business unit will have its own Carbon Heroes profile soon.
Naranja Packers is a specialised citrus packhouse situated close to Burgersfort. They pack fruit produced by Indigo Fruit Farming in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, as well as fruit for other farmers within the Burgersfort region. Every year Naranja sets their environmental goals and targets according to their CCC carbon footprint report. They are currently in the process of installing solar panels, which will lead to significant reductions in their carbon footprint.
Denbi Fresh Produce is located near Mookgopong in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Denbi Fresh Produce produces Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and Gooseberries. Their motto is sustainable agriculture and to farm with nature; planting directly into the soil and covering the beds with mulch produced on the farm. The farm also plants green cover crops between rows to use as mulch. The carbon content in the soil is carefully monitored and regular microbial activity analyses are done to enhance the soil and root health.
J&L Construction CC Mooihoekspoort Bessies is located near Mookgophong in Limpopo. The farm currently produces OZblu blueberries on 16 ha of land. All plantings are done directly in the soil.
Misgund Boerdery is situated in the Tulbagh region and has 69.7 hectares in production. Misgund exports Pome & Stone fruit. The farm obtains water from the Witzenberg Mountains. To be more sustainable, no electricity is used to pump water to orchards – Misgund rather makes use of gravity. To avoid polluting water sources on the farm, there is one filling point where a French drain has been implemented.
The Kirsten family has been farming table grapes in the beautiful and historical town of Paarl since 1916. This legacy, which spans over a century, continues today with the fourth generation currently at the helm of the business. Brothers Altus and Niël Kirsten both have equal shares in JDK, which currently consist of four production units. Together they follow in their late father JD’s footsteps in further growing the JDK brand with a continued focus on quality and sustainability.
Francois Joubert bought his farm in the Schoemanskloof Valley, Mpumalanga province, in 1966. It was called Geluk (“Luck” in English). In 1990, the first citrus orchards were established. A total of 1605 Midknight Valencia trees were planted which are still in production today. The two Joubert sons, Kobus and Francois (jnr), continue to grow their father’s legacy and are one of the biggest citrus producing farms in South Africa. They have partnered with Croplife and Buhle Waste to guide them towards a more sustainable and carbon friendly business.
Over the past 80 years, Fyvie Farming has transformed from a traditional Eastern Free State farm into an extensive, modern family-in-business enterprise. Fyvie serves the local and export market for apples, berries, pure juices, maize, wheat, minimum-till cropped soya beans, as well as Bovelder Cattle of the finest stock. The farm approaches every element of their family-run farm with meticulous attention. Fyvie are innovators who work hard and with precision to achieve consistently efficient and sustainable production. This ensures premium-grade products, which adhere to their personal standards of excellence.
Orange Falls is situated next to the lower Orange River, Augrabies, Northern Cape. Orange Falls grows and supplies a variety of Table Grapes and Pecan Nuts internationally and locally. Table grapes are packed in the farm’s own packhouse, and certified by multiple certification organizations. Orange Falls is trying to reduce their carbon footprint by using low carbon energy, choosing energy efficient appliances, and reducing, reusing, and recycling their waste.
Mont Rouge is located in the Winterhoek Mountains in the Tulbagh area. It is a beautiful family fruit farm, including guesthouses and a wedding venue. Mont Rouge believes that the little things matter, like closing a dripping tap or recycling empty wine bottles after a wedding. Mont Rouge makes use of solar panels at their packhouse, and all lights have been replaced with LEDs. Environmental conservation is very close to Mont Rouge’s heart, and they try to preserve the natural vegetation where they can.
KMI Farming is a 230-ha farm, situated in Karino in the Lowveld. KMI produces soft citrus and macadamia. The business has been operating for 6 years.
Namoneng farm is situated along the banks of the Vyeboomhoek and Kaspersnek annual streams about 20 km north of Ohrigstad in the Mpumalanga province. 237 hectares of land are planted with mandarins, clementines and oranges, with 69 hectares under net. A further 85 hectares will be planted over the next two years. The Lona Group is responsible for exporting Namoneng’s fruit. Namoneng Citrus (Pty) Ltd is a proud CCC user who puts in considerable effort in calculating and understanding its carbon emissions.
The New Dawn farm group is spread over various portions west of Hoedspruit in the Limpopo province. The 585 hectares of orchards on the farms comprise of 360 hectares of citrus and 225 hectares of mango. The Lona Group packs and exports New Dawn’s fruit and provides loan funding as well as administrative support. New Dawn Farming Enterprise (Pty) Ltd is a proud CCC user who puts in considerable effort in calculating and understanding its carbon emissions.
The Zalo Beleggings farm is located 17 km south of the town of Burgersfort in the Limpopo province. 142 hectares of mandarins, satsumas and oranges are planted, with 53 hectares under net. The Lona Group is responsible for the exporting of Zalo’s fruit. Zalo Beleggings is a proud CCC user who puts in considerable effort in calculating and understanding its carbon emissions
Laeveld Boerdery Trust (LBT) produce and export quality avocados and macadamias. LBT’s history goes back to 1935, when Merensky High School opened its doors as an agricultural school in Tzaneen. The school and the farming land they use belong to the state, and LBT, created in 1996, manages the farm on behalf of the school. Since LBT started using the CCC carbon calculator they have become much more aware of the impact fuel use and fertilisers have on their carbon footprint.
At Bosman Adama near Wellington, we believe that our natural environment is integral to the sustainability of our community, and that the responsibility for pro-active care and conservation rests with each one of us. From the propagation of grape vines in our nursery, to the growing of grapes on our land, and ultimately the making of Bosman Family Vineyards wines in our cellar, we consciously employ practices at every level that will conserve our resources, reduce waste, facilitate growth and promote regeneration.
Platkloof Boerdery is a well-established table grape farm located 137km from Cape Town, South Africa, outside of Piketberg. The farm has been owned by the Kotze family for over 200 years with table grapes in production from 1993. Platkloof Boerdery prides itself on its four red, four black and three white seedless varieties.
Droomland Landgoed is situated in the Tulbagh region of the Western Cape province, South Africa. The farm consists of 35.3 hectares producing stone and pome fruit. Droomland Landgoed works toward reducing their carbon footprint every year. Their aim is to be fully off the grid in the future and to use only reputable service providers. Droomland Landgoed strives for a greener more sustainable planet.
Since Southern Farms began in 1996, a pledge to “farming in harmony with nature”, and their commitment to responsible farming methods, have always been the driving force in their operations. Today, Southern Farms’ stringent environmental scorecard reflects: responsible water usage and waste management; monitored electricity control backed by solar support; a move towards eco-friendly packaging where possible; carefully maintained soil and plant health; and reducing their carbon footprint, to name a few. Southern Farms is honoured to be a Carbon Hero.
Alicedale Berries is situated in the Buffelspoort Valley in the Northwest province of South Africa. Alicedale is a blueberry farm and packhouse where different blueberry varieties are cultivated for local and export markets. Alicedale’s mission is to add value to their suppliers, shareholders, customers, and country by taking care of their produce and its needs in time. They recognise that to achieve their mission they have a responsibility to conserve their environment and natural resources, and to protect the surrounding ecosystem; ensuring the sustainability of their operations.
Glentana Citrus Estate is a 3rd generation family run citrus farm in the fertile Sundays River Valley of the Eastern Cape province. Glentana aims to reduce their carbon footprint over time to ensure the sustainability of the business and look after the environment. The farm has partially converted to renewable energy sources (30% of all energy is off-grid), reduced their inorganic fertiliser applications, and moved towards the use of organic fertilisers and biological products.
Located on South Africa’s Garden Route, in the gentle dairy and nursery stock growing area of George, Haygrove Eden is situated about 350 km from their Hermanus site. The farm began operating in 2010 to spread weather- and drought-risk and to meet a growing South African berry demand. In addition to raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, Eden also focuses on growing strawberries all year round.
Green Farms Nut Company is a macadamia processing and export company. The company currently has three processing facilities in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal with more in the pipeline, serving over 450 growers across Southern Africa. Green Farms Nut Co. have a healthy sales spread, supplying macadamias to all major continents. Their focus has always been the kernel market and Green farms Nut Co. continuously increases their capacity to be able to crack their entire intake, while not neglecting the inshell market.
Unifrutti SA: Blyderiver Farms, is situated in the Greater Kruger to Canyon Biosphere near Hoedspruit in Limpopo, South Africa. Four farms were acquired from the Van den Berg Family in 2004, which now comprise Blyderiver Farms. With 574 hectares of citrus production, including lemons (166ha), grapefruit (108ha), and oranges (301ha), citrus are exported to various international markets through Unifrutti South Africa’s marketing division. Approximately 527 workers are employed during the season at Blyderiver Farms.
Unifrutti SA: Dunbrody Farm is located in the heart of the Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This was the first investment the Unifrutti Group made in South Africa. Dunbrody Farm consists of 1230 ha of land, of which 604 ha consists of citrus orchards, mainly for export. Dunbrody makes use of their own export company which form part of the Unifrutti Group worldwide. Currently holding silver carbon footprint status, Dunbrody Farm strives to conserve and enhance the environment.
Unifrutti SA: Matroozefontein is part of the International Unifrrutti Group and produces exceptional quality table grapes and citrus. Unifrutti SA bought the farm Matroozefontein, nearby Redelinghuys, in 2004. Based in the rugged Sandveld in the Western Cape, nature motivates Matroozefontein to focus on sustainability. Solar energy supplements about 20% of the farm’s needs and a well-designed grey-water system ensures that all water is utilised optimally. Matroozefontein invests in people, reduces chemical usage, and recycles 60% of all household waste.
Amandalia Farm is a family owned farm producing stone fruit, wine grapes, olives and almonds, lying against the foothills of the Langeberg mountains. Amandalia is committed to managing their natural asset with a strict alien clearing programme, solar power supply for their brewery and by respecting their natural resources.
Mouton Citrus is proudly owned by the Mouton family and its empowerment partners, including Mgro – a company representing Mouton Citrus’ employees. The farms are situated around Citrusdal, along the Elephants River and flanked by the imposing Cederberg Mountains. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for the production of novel varieties and citrus of the very highest standards. The region is free of phytosanitary citrus pests such as Citrus Blackspot, Greening and Citrus Canker.
The Rabiesberg farm, Leipzig, is situated in the Nuy Valley just outside Worcester. The farm has been in the Rabie family for six generations. It spans 804 ha, with 91 ha under irrigation. Rabiesberg cultivates 48 ha of wine grapes, 18 ha of plums, and 25 ha of citrus. The farm delivers their wine grapes to Nuy Winery.
Agristar, a fourth-generation farming business was founded in 1948, starting with Sugarcane and Subtropical fruit in the eastern regions of Mpumalanga. Today they specialize in growing, processing and marketing tree nuts of the highest quality. The founder of their company was one of the first farmers to plant Macadamia nuts in Mpumalanga. In addition to this, he is a founding member of SAMAC. According to Agristar, the business has enjoyed contributing to South Africa’s tree nut industry for more than half a century and they continue to support this growing and prosperous industry.
AP Vos & Seuns is a family business that was first established in 1953. The third generation is currently in management and the fourth generation has recently started getting involved. The farm is situated in Mpumalanga in Kiepersol, about 20km from Hazyview and 60km from Nelspruit. The farm produces Macadamia Nuts and all the trees are bearing.
Groep 91 Uitvoer is a family-owned grower and exporter of citrus and macadamia nuts from Letsitele, South Africa. The business was founded in 1984, but the operating company was only established in 1991, which is where the “91” in the name originates from. Today, Groep 91 is owned equally by 4 family members, with the second generation having been involved in the executive management of the company since 2010. Total citrus under irrigation is 760 hectares, while macadamia plantings total 180 hectares.
Goede Hoop Citrus’ journey began in Citrusdal in 1926, nestled in the Olifants River valley just 165km from Cape Town. Goede Hoop Citrus established themselves as a world class citrus packing facility and their expansion over the years reflects not only diversified interests but also a modern management style dedicated to incorporating the latest technological advances. Goede Hoop places a strong emphasis on sustainability, implementing practices that prioritize environmental and community well-being.
Mayo Macs is a South African Macadamia processing, marketing and distribution company. Mayo Macs owns and operates two state-of-the-art Macadamia processing facilities located near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, and Paddock, Kwazulu-Natal south coast, with depots located in Empangeni, George and Levubu. The company is wholly owned by Mayo Macs’ growers, supplying the highest quality Macadamias worldwide.
Umvangazi Farms is a second-generation family farming business situated in the subtropical areas of Kiepersol, Mpumalanga, and Tzaneen, Limpopo. The climate and soils are perfectly suited for the cultivation of Macadamias. Umvangazi Farms started converting gum plantations, avocado and banana orchards to Macadamias 30 years ago.
Boplaas 1743 Landgoed is the parent company of a wholly owned group of export fruit producing farms and agriculture-related enterprises located in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Boplaas Farm, which stands as a pioneer in this agribusiness, was established in 1743 in the Koue Bokkeveld near Ceres, approximately 200 km north-east of Cape Town. This farm has remained under the ownership of the Van der Merwe family since its inception. Renowned for producing world-class export apples and pears, it holds the distinction of being South Africa’s oldest family-owned business. With a heritage spanning ten generations of Van der Merwe farmers and entrepreneurs, Boplaas Farm embodies enduring success and upholds a legacy of knowledge and commitment on its picturesque, fertile terrain.
Resting at the feet of the Magaliesburg Mountain Range, in beautiful South Africa, Cherry Ridge’s cherry farms are uniquely situated at 5000 feet. At this altitude, Cherry Ridge are one of the earliest Southern Hemisphere cherry producers in the world, harvesting cherries for their customers to enjoy in October.
Avinier is a leading blueberry producer dedicated and driven towards continuous improvements and achieving top quality standards in providing their global partners with premium quality fruit. Avinier started to plant blueberry plants in 2015, and has been producing top quality fruit ever since. Avinier continues to be one of the leaders in South African and International farming whilst creating numerous jobs and making a sustainable impact in their surrounding communities, as well as the environment.
Exportadora El Parque was established in 2004 and is located in Chile and Peru. The main business is to export top quality, sustainably produced and processed, fresh fruit to the best markets all around the world. Exportadora El Parque is specialized in avocados, with their own and external production, and they also export blueberries, cherries, and citrus, such as lemons, oranges, murcotts and grapefruits. Exportadora El Parque’s commitment is to always act responsibly when it comes to the environment, society and internally as a company.
Doornkraal Agri, based in South Africa, is a forward-thinking agricultural enterprise dedicated to sustainable farming practices. Specializing in high-quality crop production, Doornkraal Agri integrates advanced agricultural techniques with eco-friendly initiatives to minimize environmental impact. Committed to innovation and sustainability, the company strives to enhance food security while promoting carbon neutral farming methods to protect and preserve our planet for the future generations.
In 2006 a group of Citrusdal growers (Western Cape, South Africa) came together to start a more direct approach to Citrus marketing. The approach was to manage the logistical chain to deliver fresh fruit as quickly as possible to customers all around the world. This developed into a fully operational export company that now supply various Citrus (Clementines, Mandarins, Lemons, Oranges & grapefruit) as well as various Stonefruit. (Nectarines, Peaches & Apricots) to supermarkets, wholesale markets and importers in various countries. Social responsibility and sustainability are high priority for the group. All necessary actions are taken to comply to supermarkets expectations. GlobalG.A.P., SIZA Social and Environmental and BRC certification are some of the accreditations in place across the board. Carbon footprints are monitored, and all measures are in place to reduce on a yearly basis. Farms are 4th and 5th generation ownership, and in most cases, the operating staff and workers are also 4th and 5th generation.
Everseason further believes in high family values and building the business with the people involved.
Chennells Farm Holdings is a citrus farm situated in Nkwalini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, producing grapefruit lemons and oranges. The farm has been in existence for 30 years, owned by Mr P.M Chennell. Chennells Farm Holdings are an exporter and producer of citrus with an onsite packhouse.
San Clemente S.A. is a family business that started in 1984 with the purpose of contributing to a healthy lifestyle by providing wholesome, fresh and high quality food products. San Clemente’s holding is composed of Agrícola San Clemente, Exportadora San Clemente, San Clemente Foods, Central Frutícola San Clemente and Conservera San Clemente; business units that continue to grow and develop in order to adapt to an increasingly complex and demanding market.
Morester Farming is a table grape farm with diverse varieties in black, red and white seedless cultivars. Morester Farming is situated west of Piketberg, about 140km from Cape Town. Table grapes have been grown on the farm since the early 1990s and the farm was recently handed over to new owners.
Suiderland Plase is a leading producer, packer, distributor and exporter of top-quality citrus fruit and table grapes. Suiderland Plase sells their own fruit, as well as other producers’ fruit, locally and globally, conveniently packed and ready to sell. Suiderland Plase’s fruit offering is produced and packed across South Africa, with most of the farms and packhouses located in the Western Cape.
Suiderland Plase’s roots go back to the late 1940s. Over the years the company has grown steadily and has maintained a commitment to world-class quality, despite the challenges typical to the agricultural industry.
Sustainability is a core part of Suiderland Plase’s business strategy. Suiderland Plase actively pursues ways in which their business can be conducted – from growing and processing to distributing fruit – in a socially responsible, sustainable manner that reduces the impact on the environment. This is achieved by continuously monitoring and improving farming practices and environmental performance.
Suiderland Plase was initially established as a family enterprise and despite their extensive growth, they still believe in the importance of a human touch. While the business priorities are delivering high-quality fruit, being as efficient as possible and growing profit, Suiderland Plase also values people and communities.
Suiderland Plase has 14 business units who are Carbon Heroes.
Hoedspruit Berries is located in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. The first Stella Blue Blueberries were planted in 2018 and has since expanded to include the Rosita cultivar. Hoedspruit Berries also produces Englich Cucumbers and has a Citrus tree nursery.
Graaff Fruit is a family-owned farming operation that produces pome fruit, stone fruit, and cherries. The Graaff Family bought Lushof, situated in the Warm Bokkeveld, in 1968, and Robert Graaff started farming on it in 1998 with 80ha of pears and only 20 employees. The packhouse was built on Lushof in 2002 and the farm started specializing in stone fruit. Graaff Fruit subsequently expanded with two other production units: Romansrivier in Wolseley, that produces early stone fruit and pears, and Rietfontein in the Koue Bokkeveld, that produces mainly apples and pears.
