Platkloof Boerdery is a well-established table grape farm located 137km from Cape Town, South Africa, outside of Piketberg. The farm has been owned by the Kotze family for over 200 years with table grapes in production from 1993. Platkloof Boerdery prides itself on its four red, four black and three white seedless varieties.
By using techniques across the whole farm, Platkloof Boerdery minimises its impact overall. The farm has practices implemented for weed management, chemical advisors, electronic irrigation systems, use of motorcycles and solar power. The dam is treated for the nutrification of heavy metals resulting in better water quality. A water plant is currently being built that will enable the farm to maintain the PH level of the irrigation water, which will ensure a 25% decrease in all chemicals used.
Solar power is used in conjunction with Eskom power. Additional power generated is pushed back into the grid.
Unnecessary driving is limited both on site and for trips to town. Key personnel make use of motorcycles instead of vehicles. Logbooks are kept of all Diesel used and data is scrutinized to ensure no overuse or stealing is taking place.
Soil analysis is done biannually, and with the results and consultation of advisors the fertilizer regime is planned. Pruning waste is used for mulching.
Electronic irrigation system is in place to give accurate water. Probes and profile holes are used to ensure that blocks are not over/under watered. Forecasts are checked regularly to ensure that the farm only irrigates when it is required, and rainfall is also recorded. All the initiatives together allow the Platkloof Boerdery to farm water-wise and only irrigate as required.
All organic waste is delivered to a wine cellar in the neighbouring area. This helps minimise the amount of fruit flies on the farm as no product is left in the vineyards. Packaging material that is not fit for use is recycled by the box folding company.
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.
