Umvangazi Farms is a second-generation family farming business situated in the subtropical areas of Kiepersol, Mpumalanga, and Tzaneen, Limpopo. The climate and soils are perfectly suited for the cultivation of Macadamias. Umvangazi Farms started converting gum plantations, avocado and banana orchards to Macadamias 30 years ago.
CCC is a starting point for us to make sure we continually measure and improve our carbon footprint – Umvangazi Farms
Umvangazi Farms has been focusing on reducing their need for chemical fertilizers and herbicide by embracing their philosophy of farming the soil back to health. In the past 10 years Umvangazi Farms has seen a marked improvement in soil health and sustainable yields, and, as a result, the significant cost-saving benefit of reducing chemical fertilisers. Umvangazi Farms incorporates large volumes of organic material back into the orchards. The organic material is derived from pruning on the farms as well as the husks that are removed after harvesting then composted and used on the orchards.
Umvangazi Farms is currently exploring the option for solar power.
Driving speeds are limited at Umvangazi Farms.
All pruning and husk material is composted, analysed once a year and incorporated into the fertiliser program.
Irrigation is done using Irricheck, which incorporates soil moisture readings, crop factors and current weather conditions into an irrigation program.
All organic material is composted. All old oil is sold to lubrication businesses.
Umvangazi Farms makes use of mulching and composting and allows indigenous grasses to grow between rows in the orchards.
All Umvangazi Farms’ farms have established indigenous corridors between orchard blocks. Indigenous game was re-introduced onto the farms. All invasive aliens are removed. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are implemented as well as the use of biological control agents when necessary.
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.
