Responsible Farming
To ensure long-term sustainability, it is our goal to minimise our impact on the environment by designing our business to work in harmony with nature.
We follow a sustainable farming model to ensure that everyone on the farm has a long-term future. Our philosophy is to farm in harmony with nature. Thus, we implement environmentally friendly practices such as using weed mats (synthetic mulch) to cut back on herbicides. Solar panels to supply a big portion of our electricity needs and using the best available technology to ensure efficiency in all operations.
Solar
Our solar project consists of 693 panels and can generate up to 200kW. This system supplies an estimated 40% of the Packhouse’s energy needs.
Conserving Nature
Using resources efficiently is the key to conserving nature.
Utilizing weed mats and placing our irrigation system underneath the mats is one of the many ways we conserve water and incorporate conservation on the farm. This practice not only reduces herbicide usage but reduces evaporation, which in turn, leads to water conservation. That also ensures that the fertilizers we apply through the irrigation system don’t volatilize and pollute the atmosphere.
Water Sustainability
We store up to 700 000 litres of rainwater, harvested from the roofs of our facilities. As a result, we are almost self-sufficient in terms of domestic and Packhouse water needs.
Biodiversity
We allow other plant species to grow in the inter-row spaces of our orchards. These plants help build organic matter, prevent erosion, and help to keep dust under control. These plants increase the orchards' biodiversity and lures insects away from the Blueberries.
Training
Employees in need of training are enrolled with external training providers for courses ranging from:
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First Aid
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Fire fighting
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Health and Safety representative
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Junior Management
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Drivers Licenses
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Introduction to food safety and hygiene
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Pest Control
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HACCP
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BRC Food Safety Standards
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Global GAP
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Internal Auditing
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Agricultural workshops ranging from soil to harvesting of the product
Our People
South Cape Fruit provides learning opportunities through the group of companies. Internships are promoted for young graduates, fresh out of college and university. Whether it's seasonal work or just a few extra hands on the farm, we always welcome new staff to our team.