Situated near Tulbagh, La Rhone Agri is a family-owned farming business with 115 hectares of stone fruit in production. The Du Toit family takes an active role in the farm and strives to balance productive agriculture with the responsible management of water, soil, natural vegetation and biodiversity.
La Rhone Agri practices several sustainable initiatives on the farm.
Approximately 280 hectares of the farm’s 595 hectares consist of natural vegetation, including a mountainous area that will remain undeveloped. La Rhone Agri monitors plant and animal species and protects important habitats, including the Kleinberg River. River rehabilitation, invasive alien plant management and carefully timed chemical applications help protect water resources, pollinators, Blue Cranes and other species.
Cover crops are maintained between orchard rows to reduce soil disturbance and erosion, helping to protect the habitat of beneficial soil micro-organisms. Mulch made from chipped trees and pruning cuttings is also applied in orchards, where it supports soil moisture retention and provides a suitable habitat for essential micro-organisms.
La Rhone Agri uses water carefully by storing it in farm dams and monitoring orchard requirements so that irrigation is applied only when necessary. Mulch made from chipped trees and pruning material is used in orchards to improve water retention. The farm also monitors its impact on the Kleinberg River and has taken steps to support the long-term health and functioning of this important freshwater ecosystem.
The use of recyclable packaging material and the responsible disposal of waste is a high priority to management. Trees and pruning cuttings are also chipped and reused as mulch in the orchards, helping to retain water, reduce waste and support beneficial soil micro-organisms.
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