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.
The 4Rs are used to keep nutrients where they are needed – on and in the field. Right time means matching the application of nutrients with crop demand. Right rate refers to aligning the amount of fertilizer with crop nutrient uptake. The right source takes into account the type of fertilizer chosen and whether it has an improved efficiency technology such as inhibitors, slow or controlled release and right place is the precise placement of fertilizer such that crops can successfully access nutrients.
Furthermore, the farm plants trees and shrubs. Apart from carbon sequestration and storage, these provide shade which reduces heat stress and also have aesthetic value. Adopting Renewable energy not only positively impacts the farm’s carbon footprint but it also saves money. Investing in modern, fuel-efficient tractors, irrigation systems, and processing equipment lowers operating costs and environmental impact.
Lushof has a solar power plant that generates 75000-80000 kWh of electricity per month to contribute to the energy needs of the farm and packhouse.
2L plastic bottles and glass are collected and stored in a dedicated area until it is picked up by waste contractor for recycling.
The following is being trialed: natural weeds, barley, red clover, fescue grass. What has been noted is that dry areas struggle with keeping cover crops alive. Net structures in certain areas which result in less irrigation and creates a less harsh climate.
IPM – SIT Cape Nature on Romansrivier Spekboom project – 1000 trees planted.
Through this digital recognition platform, we celebrate the Carbon Heroes taking part in the Confronting Climate Change (CCC) Initiative for their considerable effort in calculating and understanding their carbon emissions.
Each Carbon Hero has their own digital QR code that can be displayed on their website and other marketing material, linking directly to their individual profile on the Carbon Heroes website.
The QR code provides a simple and innovative way for customers to learn about each Carbon Hero’s carbon offsetting and other sustainability initiatives, as well as engage with them on social media and other marketing channels.
With the Carbon Heroes QR code we aim to support a global transition towards sustainable development by recognising and celebrating the positive environmental impact of each Carbon Hero. By having a transparent display of their commitment to reducing emissions, Carbon Heroes demonstrate their dedication to a sustainable future, while building trust in their brand.
Find out more about the Carbon Heroes and CCC
Carbon Heroes is a recognition platform built on the ethos of transparency and trust. While only emissions datasets graded by Blue North qualify for the platform, we do not independently verify all the information our Heroes choose to post. By signing up to the platform each Carbon Hero acknowledges that they are responsible for the information they share and that, by sharing their sustainability credentials, their information is in the public domain and open to be scrutinised. We welcome such scrutiny. We have a clear set of guidelines for the use of the platform and the qualification for the various digital labels, and reserve the right to revoke the use of the platform where it is found these guidelines are not being followed and/or the information posted is misaligned with the stated ethos. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity of the Carbon Heroes platform and our efforts to promote greater transparency and sustainability.
