Graaff Fruit’s Lushof, Romansrivier and Rietfontein farms have been recognised as Heroes for their contributions to sustainability in the following areas:
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 specialising 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.
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.
Graaff Fruit has invested in more efficient operations by upgrading to new-generation spray tractors with improved fuel consumption and integrated tracking systems to reduce unnecessary driving. Larger bins for stone fruit allow for more efficient harvesting with fewer trips, while lithium battery-operated forklifts offer a cleaner, more energy-efficient alternative to traditional models.
Over the past two years, Graaff Fruit has installed 30 soil moisture probes and trained staff to conduct soil feel tests, calibrated with probe data, weather insights, and crop records in consultation with a soil scientist. This helps fine-tune orchard-specific crop factors and improve irrigation efficiency—crucial in the drought-prone region. Better soil organic matter boosts water retention, while netting in some orchards further reduces irrigation needs and moderates the microclimate.
Graaff Fruit takes a precise, needs-based approach to tree nutrition, guided by leaf and soil analyses. Orchards are mulched on a three-year cycle, with selective weed control to boost organic matter and reduce fertiliser use. Natural groundcovers like barley and clover are being trialled, though dry conditions pose challenges.
IPM – SIT Cape Nature on Romansrivier Spekboom project – 1000 trees planted.
2L plastic bottles and glass are collected and stored in a dedicated area until it is picked up by waste contractor for recycling.
Carbon Heroes is an independent digital platform celebrating food and agri-businesses taking meaningful action across key areas of sustainability. From compliance, commitment, carbon and water to biodiversity and transparency, it recognises those going the extra mile to build a resilient future.
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