The farm has been recognised as a Hero for its contributions to sustainability in the following areas:
Amidst the ‘The Land of Rooibos and Citrus’ and merely 30km from Citrusdal, Western Cape, you will find Wilgerbosdrif Boerdery. This 5th generation farm is a proud producer of citrus, organic rooibos tea and fynbos cut flowers. In addition to the implementation of sustainable initiatives and good quality produce, the natural biodiversity and habitats of species are considered of high value. Indigenous species are plenty and left undisturbed while all hands are on deck working together to achieve production targets. Wilgerbosdrif Boerdery is not just a location, it is an experience!
Solar panels are installed. It provides electricity to worker housing. It also provides electricity to the irrigation systems of almost 75% of the citrus orchards. All worker houses have solar geysers installed. Workers are also encouraged to use electricity wisely by means of our monthly newsletter- especially during the winter months.
Daily fuel records are kept to track the usage thereof. All vehicles are serviced regularly to ensure their effectiveness. More fuel efficient vehicles, like two wheel motorcycles, are used on the farm for activities that requires more travelling such as irrigation management. Trips into town are usually combined with farm and personal errands to limit unnecessary fuel usage.
A well known irrigation program is used to determine water needs by means of probes indicating the live status of the various areas. We are systematically shifting from micro irrigation to drip irrigation with 100% of the fynbos cut flowers and 26% of citrus already being irrigated by means of drip irrigation. Rooibos tea is solely dependent on annual rainfall. Irrigation records are kept daily and summarised monthly.
Rooibos fields are being rotated according to a schedule- resting fields are planted with cover crops to restore nutrients and prevent erosion. Several erosion practices are in place such as weirs, run off groves and minimum soil disturbance in general. Healthy crop residues are mulched and together with chaff, distributed in orchards to minimise evaporation and increase organic carbon. Soil analyses are done every 2-3 years to track soil health.
Uncultivated land is left as is, leaving the natural biodiversity undisturbed. Several indigenous species, including plants, mammals, reptiles and birds, are present on site. Invasive alien species are not a current concern while the low volume of present species are being monitored accordingly.
A recycling initiative was launched in June 2025 after the opening of a local recycling company in town. We started with the recycling of glass and aim to also recycle plastic by the end of 2025. Paper and tin will follow in 2026. In the meantime, employees residing on the premises are encouraged to make their own compost in their gardens using suitable household waste. Empty chemical containers and oil are also being removed and recycled by accredited companies as needed.
