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.
JDK limits unnecessary driving (GPS installed in each vehicle with tracking device) and the farm has implemented a speed cap on their farm vehicles.
JDK uses water wisely through a scientific approach to irrigation by using DFM probe technology in the vineyards. Furthermore, JDK protects their natural resources and dams by ensuring alien vegetation is removed regularly.
Since 2015, JDK has focused on improving soil health by using compost and cover crops to build organic matter and enhance soil structure. The farm also allows beneficial weeds and natural vegetation to grow in the vineyards where they don’t compete with the vines. This approach has enabled JDK to significantly reduce its reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
JDK regularly removes invasive alien plants from their dams and from ravines on Paarl Mountain, thus contributing to biodiversity management.
Recycling of general waste is done on all JDK’s farms. All inorganic materials derived from packhouses are recycled. All proceeds from recycled waste are converted into funds for the community to purchase food vouchers.
