Arendsnes, Norriseep, Noudonsies, Oorkant and Valam have been recognised on Carbon Heroes for their contributions to sustainability in the following areas:
Capespan is a leading global producer, marketer, and distributor of fresh fruit, specializing in the year-round supply of citrus, grapes, and pome fruit. Capespan grows and sells fruit according to the highest quality and ethical standards. As such, we support all aspects of food safety, regulatory requirements and environmentally sound practices in fruit production.
To achieve this, Capespan promotes ethical fruit production, ensures worker health and safety and the fair treatment of farm and pack house workers, maintaining traceability of products from orchard to store. Capespan is defined by the quality of our fruit. We care for the people who nurture and produce it – our employees. To this end, Capespan funds the Capespan Blue Hand we care initiative. This non-profit public benefit organisation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the people living and working on Capespan’s farms. In addition, Capespan supports local community projects by endorsing and sponsoring projects that are aligned with this mandate.
Capespan practices several sustainability initiatives on its farms and in its packhouses.
Capespan’s farms and packhouses have designed its infrastructure to operate during off-peak periods, reducing demand on the grid. When they install new equipment, they ensure that it can manage variable demand and that it produces less waste.
Capespan is actively reducing their fuel consumption and carbon footprint by optimising logistics, using precision farming, and upgrading cold storage infrastructure. Key initiatives include using advanced technology for route planning to cut transport emissions, implementing energy-efficient, variable-demand equipment, and exploring renewable energy alternatives to decrease their dependency on traditional power sources.
Capespan farms use soil probe technology to make sure that they don’t irrigate any more than necessary and avoid run-off waste. Soil probes enable them to schedule irrigation scientifically, according to the plants’ specific needs. They carefully calibrate their spray equipment to use the minimum necessary water per square metre of our orchards and vineyards.
Soil samples are continually analysed in labrotories to ensure optimal application of macro- and micronutrients. Capespan newer use chemicals that could damage the soil and use of bacteria is prohibited. They apply best practices, such as proper drainage and cover crop management, to avoid erosion.
Capespan farms promote biodiversity and sustainability by integrating Integrated Crop Management (ICM) systems, prohibiting harmful chemicals, and utilising soil probes for precise water usage, ensuring ecologically sound fruit production. They maintain strict environmental standards by vetting suppliers, conducting environmental impact studies, and restoring indigenous vegetation.
Capespan food security practices apply the stipulated regulations of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Logistical Practice (GLP) for the production, handling and packaging of fresh produce applicable to the relevant export countries. From our supply base, we encourage implementation of Integrated Crop Management (ICM) as part of the crop protection strategy.
