The farm has been recognised as a Hero for its contributions to sustainability in the following areas:
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.
Many Everseason producers are investing in solar energy, with at least 2.4MW of solar panels and 3MW of battery storage already in use. One producer operates entirely on renewables, while another has cut grid electricity use in the de-greening process by 50%. Several farms now power offices, housing, packhouses, cold stores, and workshops solely with solar, reducing reliance on the grid and diesel generators during loadshedding.
Everseason encourages producers to invest in solar energy instead of relying on generators, especially during loadshedding. Those using solar can maintain normal operations without disruption. Diesel and petrol use – mainly to manage loadshedding – are the largest and most avoidable sources of emissions. However, Everseason recognizes that fossil fuels are still necessary for machinery, farm management, labor transport, deliveries, and exports.
Water is increasingly scarce in areas like Citrusdal and Clanwilliam, which receive only 332–621mm of annual rainfall. Since the Western Cape’s rain falls mainly in winter, Everseason producers focus on water storage and reduced usage as essential for farming. Key water-saving measures include rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation (drip/micro), timed watering, matching rootstocks to water availability and soil conditions, licensed water extraction, mulching, and redesigning dams to reduce evaporation.
Soil health is key to plant nutrition and crop quality, so Everseason promotes reducing chemical use and synthetic fertilisers. Producers are encouraged to use organic fertilisers, compost, and mulch to boost soil organic matter and adopt integrated pest management to build healthier, more sustainable soils.
Everseason’s producers farm in the fynbos biome of Citrusdal and Clanwilliam, home to endangered ecosystems like Swartland shale renosterveld and Leipoldtville sandstone fynbos. Everseason promotes the protection of these natural areas and commits to conserving water and other resources, rehabilitating damaged ecosystems, avoiding the development of virgin soils, creating wildlife corridors, managing soil and water sustainably, collaborating with conservation groups, and following all environmental laws and agreements.
Everseason discourages burning waste, promoting landfill only as a last resort. All packhouses recycle packing material. Everseason is committed to minimizing waste, sorting it for proper disposal, reusing or upcycling where possible, making recycling mandatory where resources allow, preferring landfill over burning, and encouraging composting of organic waste for soil health.
