TRENDSETTING STARTS WITH CHEFS - SA Fruit Journal...TRENDSETTING STARTS WITH CHEFS. CONTENTS VOLUME 17 | PART 3 ELKE UITGAWE EVERY ISSUE BEDRYFSNUUS INDUSTRY NEWS Redakteursbrief 3

D I E J O E R N A A L V I R D I E V R U G T E B E D R Y F I N S U I D - A F R I K A J U N I E / J U L I E ‘ 1 8

VRUGTEPRODUSENTEMAAK HARTE EN SLUISE OOP

OPENING THE GATES TO EIKENHOF DAM BREEDERIVIERVALLEI

SE TAFELDRUIFPLASE

PRODUKSIE VAN SITRUSIN DIE LAEVELD

TRENDSETTINGSTARTS

WITH CHEFS

CONTENTSVOLUME 17 | PART 3

ELKE UITGAWEEVERY ISSUE

BEDRYFSNUUSINDUSTRY NEWS

Redakteursbrief 3

SA Fruit Journal Boardof Directors 4

Foreword 5

Spoeg 'n Pit 7

Fruitful Ideas Beautiful, fragrant Quince - Autumn's Secret 78

Last Word 80

Boost for black-owned business in fruit packing sector in Western Cape 40

Rosyntjies steek by Aussie kers op 8

Vision and staying power are guarantees for future success 12

SAWWV kenTafeldruifbeurs toe 13

CITRUS GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION (CGA)

Southern African Citrus Export Outlookfor 2018 Season 14

Focus on rail transportation from the northern citrus production areas is now more important than ever 16

Changes and new appointments on the Citrus Growers' Association’s Board 20

Special Export Programme Changes for 2018 20

New director on the CGA Board - PieterEngelbrecht: Second Director for Senwes 21

HORTGRO

NEXT GENERATION SERIES Fountainof Youth 22

Eerste Sagtevrugtemuseumop Bokveldskloof 24Belê in mense . . . Pluk dan vrugte 26

The Jobs Fund (JF) project 28

Tesco takes Stone Fruit Retailer of the Year Award 30

ARC and Culdevco partners again 31

What are your water risks? Pome Fruit Packhouse & Cold Storage 32Water het Waarde 35

Trendsetting starts with Chefs 36

‘First apple’ picked in SA back on home ground 38

Agri's got Talent is sy Wortelstelsel 39

2 SA VRUGTE JOERNAAL | JUNIE/JULIE 2018

RESEARCH &TECHNOLOGY

Design and layout by Colleen Goosen

[email protected]

Printed and bound by Novus Print Solutions

ADVERTORIALSPROMOSIE ARTIKELS

Mpact opens state-of-the-art corrugated plant in Port Elizabeth 54

New NOVAP Water Saving Technology 63

SOUTH AFRICAN TABLEGRAPE INDUSTRY (SATI)

Michael Laubscher, Tafeldruifboer 42

Local and global trade salutesMichael Laubscher 43

Tienie du Preez – respected as faras Chile 44

What does BREXIT mean for South Africa & the rest of the world? 45

The Philippines market for Table Grapes 47

Besigheid groei uit vennootskappe 51

TO SUBSCRIBE: See rates on page 18Filda Booysen | [email protected] | 021 870 2900

HORTGRO SCIENCE

Is a push-pull strategy forwestern flower thrips feasible? 58

Which carbon calculator to use formy farm or agri-business? 60

10TH CITRUS RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM 29 - 22 AUGUST 2018Register on www.citrusresearchsymposium.co.za | Contact [email protected] or 013 759 8003

CITRUS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL (CRI)

Extension Briefs for June & July 2018 64

Excellent results in the control of false codling moth in field trials using entomopathogenic nematodes 68

10th Citrus Research Symposium 71

Produksie van Midknight Valencia in die Nelspruit / Karino area 72

Create Soil pH that Ensures Long-termCitrus Orchard Performance 74

Excellent Participation at 2018CRI Postharvest Workshops by All Postharvest Role Players 76

3JUNE/JULY 2018 | SA FRUIT JOURNAL

EDITORIAL

Take action through coalitions

GLORIA WEARECGA 031 765 [email protected]

TSHIDI RAMABUCRI 013 759 8013

[email protected]

CLAUDIA WALKLETTFPEF 021 526 [email protected]

CLAYTON SWARTSATI 021 863 0366

[email protected]

ESTÉ BEERWINKELHORTGRO SCIENCE 021 870 2900

[email protected]

ELISE-MARIE STEENKAMPHORTGRO 021 870 2900

[email protected]

[email protected] 948 1644

For excellence in future we need to redesign and change constantly. New ideas. Relationships. Growth. Engagement. Knowledge. Creativeness. Attitudes. Constructive forces are needed in these arias in order to make South Africa a better

place. Every day, every step, every deed and every thought are the result of free will and the choices we make. There are people who want to build a better future and then there are those who want to destroy, with toxic intentions, acting only in self-interest. Politicians are often masters in using these two opposite poles to their advantage and in the process harming everyone. I believe the majority of people only want good for everyone. Anarchism simmers and bubbles over on the surface and is seemingly gaining more field - causing enough devastation and negativity to ignite hostility and demoralizing cultures. Fortunately there are wonder-ful stories of how good intentions, relationships, attentiveness and mindfulness are also gaining field, maybe not with so much aplomb as its opposite, but with enough impact to positively moti-vate people. Draw the line and walk assured, with dignity, trust, hope and goodwill into the future. Read about inspiring people in this edition of the SA Fruit Journal.

On page 40 you can read about Derich Priga and how he is chang-ing the face of fruit packing in the heartland of the South African apple and pear industry. He did so by entering the export value chain in a ground-breaking new development which leads the way in transformation in the fruit packing sector. Participation of black ownership in the value chain of fruit exports has always been a topic of debate. Rather, the lack of it, because fruit packing, logistics and marketing have been somewhat lacking in the transformation

which is generally desired in the South African industry.

Read about the “Dry-on-Vine”(DOV) practice on page 8 - a practice gaining more and more field in Australia and in the USA. More or less 80 percent of the Australian and 50 percent of the USA yields are handled this way. Dried fruit Technical Services (DTS) and producers are in a process of comparing different systems in order to develop a system or systems for the South African industry.

On page 12 you can read about the impact of vision and staying power on future success. Sara Pandle’s life story is an example of how a dream can come true when pursued with good intentions, vigour and perseverance.

You can read on page 54 how good relationships, engagements and attitudes means business when land reform beneficiaries and the right partners work together. Vergelegen Packing in the Breede river Valley shows others what can be done.

Strive after excellence! CHRISTA

“Optimism is the belief that things are going to get better. Hope is the belief that we can make things better. In the face of often incredible suffering, it takes courage to hope. When the chips are down, and when we need a powerful shot of motivation to help us find new ways to reach our goal and push us forward towards its achievement, there is no substitute for hope.” REACHFORADREAM

4 BEDRYFSNUUS | JUNIE/JULIE 2018

ANTON RABEExecutive Director, HORTGRO

JUSTIN CHADWICKCEO, CGA

ANTON KRUGERCEO, FPEF

WILLEM BESTBIERCEO, SATI

KONANANI LIPHADZICEO, Fruit South Africa

SAFJ BOARD OFDIRECTORS

SAFJ SHAREHOLDERS

SAAPPA • SA APPLE & PEARPRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION

Tel: 021 870 2900 • Fax: 021 870 2915258 Main Street, Paarl • PO Box 163, Paarl 7620

[email protected] • www.hortgro.co.za

CGACITRUS GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION

PO Box 461, Hillcrest 3650 • Tel: 031 765 2514Fax: 031 765 8029 • [email protected]

www.cga.co.za

SATISOUTH AFRICAN TABLE GRAPE INDUSTRY

63 Main Street, Paarl 7646 • Tel: 021 863 0366 [email protected]

SASPA • SA STONE FRUITPRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION

Tel: 021 870 2900 • Fax: 021 870 2915258 Main Street, Paarl • PO Box 163, Paarl 7620

[email protected] • www.hortgro.co.za

FPEF FRESH PRODUCEEXPORTERS’ FORUM

Private Bag X5, Century City 7441Tel: 021 526 0474 • Fax: 021 526 0479

www.fpef.co.za

IGNATIUS VLOK 082 331 2127 | [email protected]

Opinions expressed in advertisements and promotional articles are not

necessarily those of the SA Fruit Journal. We do not accept responsibility for damage or injuries

which may arise from possible inaccuracies. All rights reserved, none of the contents may be used

in any other media without the prior consent of the SA Fruit Journal (Pty) Ltd.

SA FRUIT JOURNAL ISSN: 1683-4577


FOREWORD

Taking things for Granted

At a recent 60th birthday celebration, guests were asked to contribute to a list of 60 things they know about the person whose birthday it was. Initially it was thought that it would be difficult to obtain input, but, on the contrary, the list filled

up quite quickly. The completed list was interesting, especially the things people wrote down which the person had either forgotten about and/or was unaware of - things that had been noticed by people and which also had an influence on relatives and friends.

That made me think about our industry. If we were to jot down a specific number of things (say 50) about the South African Fruit Industry, what would such a list look like - and would the balance be more towards positive or negative aspects? Will we focus on threats, constraints and challenges or on solutions and opportuni-ties?

How many items on the list will be about things over which we do not have any control and would those things be viewed as oppor-tunities?

At the time of writing this piece, the drought is still very much affecting certain areas in the country. There is uncertainty about

some crucial government policies and constant changes in the international trading environment - to name a few. At the same time, forecasts for production and export of the majority of our fruit are positive (in some cases a record crop is predicted), and as an industry we are well organised and have structures in place to engage with government.

On a personal level, some of us are going through difficult times with regards to health, relationships and finances, etc., however we are also able to enjoy good times with family, loved ones and friends. We are blessed to have food on our tables and we have the ability to write, read, study, work (and have a job!).

In compiling such a list, one also realises that the person, as well as the industry, is continuously busy to create a legacy that can be a leading light for future generations. Our industry, with its big impact on the country’s economy due to a long-term vision and history, as well as the way of operating is truly a prime example of leaving a legacy. So, start compiling the lists!

ANTON KRUGERCEO, FPEF

www.asiafruitlogistica.com

together with同期举办

5 –7 Sep 2018Fairpros Ltd.P.O. Box 803 ∙ Port Louis ∙ MauritiusTel +27 (0)21 3007652 ∙ Fax +49 (0)30 [email protected]

ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA

Asia’s fresh produce trading hub AsiaWorld-Expo,Hong Kong

亚洲新鲜果蔬行业贸易中心2018年9月5 –7 日中国香港亚洲国际博览馆

6 BEDRYFSNUUS | JUNIE/JULIE 2018�0

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SPOEG 'N PIT

Smouspraatjies

HERMAN JONKERSPOEG 'N PIT Rubriek

“Ek is in landbou,” antwoord die man met die aapbaardjie toe ek hom vra wat hy doen.

“O,” sê ek, “boer jy?”

“Nee.” Hy trek sy kraag reg. “Ons verskaf strategiese logistieke oplossings aan die agri-sektor op die produsent/verspreiding toepassingsvlak.”

“O,” sê ek.

Agterna hoor ek hy doen eintlik bemarking vir sy broer se vervoer-besigheid.

Ja, partykeer sukkel ‘n mens om dié kopkultaal waarmee dinge deesdae aangebied word te verstaan. Maar eintlik is dit niks nuut nie. Oor die jare het selfs bemarkers se posbeskrywing draaie gegooi.

Eers was daar die smous.

‘n Smous het die platteland deurkruis met sy wa en voorraad. Van plaas tot plaas het hy verkwansel wat op sy wa was en terselfdertyd aangekoop wat hy teen ‘n billike prys kon verkry. Maar toe paaie, treine, spoorweglorries en die poskantoor kom, was dit nie meer nodig om smousgoed saam te karwei nie. Hy kon net bestellings neem. En homself ‘n agent noem.

Ek is spyt ek het nooit ‘n regte smous geken nie. Hulle was voor my tyd. Maar die ‘aginte’ het ek wel beleef. Oom Goesie was een.

‘n Gentleman, kon jy sommer met die aankom sien. Sy ligblou Zephyr het geskitter en wanneer hy wuif het ‘n goue mansjetknoop uit sy baadjiemou geflits. Hy was altyd gebaadjie, altyd galant, en altyd gereed om prys te maak op ‘n vrag Windmeul kunsmis. (Hy het dit nooit gwhano genoem soos baie van die boere nie - altyd gepraat van kunsmis, met so ‘n gepoetste ronding op die u.) Dan het oom Goesie sy bril opgesit en ‘n Van Rijn aangesteek, en sorgvuldig sy somme gemaak met ‘n Parker vulpen uit sy binnesak.

Maar ook die agent het uitgesterf. In sy plek het die verteenwoordi-ger gekom.

Die verteenwoordiger het met ‘n Peugeot 404 of ‘n Valiant op jou werf kom stilhou. Sy ge-oliede hare was met ‘n reguit kantpaadjie gekam en by sy kortbroek safaripak het hy ‘n paar Buccaneers of Grasshoppers gedra met lang kouse wat tot onder die knie opgetrek was.

Hy sou sy Lexington dooddruk, sy viniel aktesak ooprits en ‘n pryslys uithaal wat op wasvelle getik en afgerol is. Daarop het hy dan ‘n paar items onderstreep en vir jou ‘n sakboekie present gegee met tabelle wat ponde, sjielings en pennies omgereken het na Rand en sent, myle na kilometer, pond na kilogram, en gellings en pinte na liters.

Later het die verteenwoordiger ‘n rep geraak.

Die rep het ‘n knap kortbroekie aange-had en sy hare lank gedra met lang sidies en ‘n druipsnor. Sy Big Six Cortina of Datsun SSS het ‘n kassetspeler gehad en skaapvel oor die sitplekke.

‘n Rep het Lucky Strike plain gerook en balpuntpenne en lisensie-plakkers uitgedeel met die maatskappy se naam daarop. As jy ‘n goeie kliënt was het jy ‘n A4 dagboek gekry met die woorde van Die Stem voorin. Die rep was ook ‘n baanbreker van tegnologie. “Laat ons kyk wat sê die sompompie,” sou hy sê en dan ewe vernaam ‘n Casio sakrekenaartjie uit sy hempsak haal om sy berekeninge op te doen.

Na hom het die bemarkingskonsultant gekom.

Die bemarkingskonsultant het ‘n maatskappypet gedra en ‘n kort-mouhemp met sy naam op die een sak gestik en die produk se logo op die ander. Sy Hilux bakkie het ‘n sleepstang gehad om naweke ‘n rubber duck te sleep en hy was lief om elke tweede sin te begin met “op die einde van die dag”. Hy het pette en baadjies uitgedeel en as jy gelukkig was het jy ‘n persoonlike uitnodiging gekry na die maatskappy se losie op Nuweland.

Die bemarkingskonsultant het op sy beurt weer ‘n uitvoerende bemarker geraak.

Met sy netjiese strepieshemp en kakiekleurige chino broek het hy ‘n mens nogal aan oom Goesie herinner, al het hy nie ‘n das gedra nie. Hy het nie veel by hom gehad as hy uit sy blink SUV klim nie, maar hy was kort-kort op sy foon om te reël dat ‘info’ vir jou aangestuur word. Hy het gefrons wanneer jy rook en nee dankie gesê vir koffie as hy sien dis Ricoffy wat jy aanbied en nie latté nie, maar hy het jou darem genooi vir ‘n gholfdag.

Ja, die bemarkers. Alombekend, maar terselfdertyd ‘n bedreigde spesie want in die koue kloue van die Web is die eens gerekende amp besig om stilweg te muteer tot ‘n virtuele trollieof ‘n App.

Gesigloos, snorloos, Lexing-tonloos en, helaas, karakterloos.

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Aan die hand van hierdie groeiende tendens (DOV), het Droëvrugte Tegniese Dienste (DTD) vir Ivan Shaw, ‘n kundige oor verskeie aspekte van verbouing,

droging en meganisering van rosyne, en ook ‘n praktiese produsent, onlangs na Suid-Afrika genooi om sy kundigheid eerstehands met plaaslike produsente te deel. Hy het by verskeie geleenthede in die Olifantsrivier- en Oranjerivierproduk-siegebiede voor produsente opgetree, die beginsels verduidelik en gedemonstreer.

Ivan Shaw het vir ongeveer veertig jaar as produsent verskeie aanpassings aan sy produksiestelsels gemaak om arbeid te vergemaklik, oesopbrengs te verhoog, risiko van oesskade te verlaag en gehalte te verhoog. Sy eerste doelwit was om ‘n opleistelsel te ontwikkel wat die groeisone en die drasone skei sodat langdraers meganies gesny kan word en die druiwe aan die opleistelsel bly hang om te droog (sien foto regs).

Dit spaar die koste om droogfasiliteite op te rig en ook die arbeid om druiwe daarheen te vervoer. Die sny van die langdraers het die bykomende voordeel dat korrels dan stywer aan die tros bly sit, veral onder swak, reënerige en vogtige weerstoestande om die oes sodoende te red. Die trosse is baie beter deurlug en droog gouer af na reën wat swamgroei aansienlik beperk en selfs voorkom.

In die vroeë 1980’s het die Sunraysia Horticultural Centre in Australië die Irymple opleistelsel ontwikkel. Dit was ‘n goeie konsep, maar baie duur en onprakties. Uit hierdie stelsel is die “Shaw Swingarm” -opleistelsel ontwikkel met die volgende voordele:

• Dit maak voorsiening om die baie lote

FOTOS DEUR IVAN SHAW (2018)

DAPPIE SMIT & FERDIE BOTHA

Droog aan die stok, of “Dry-on-Vine”(DOV) soos dit meer algemeen bekendstaan, is ‘n groeiende tendens veral in Australië en die VSA.

Onderskeidelik word meer as 80% van die Australiaanse- en 50% van die VSA-oeste reeds op die wyse hanteer.

Die praktyk spreek nie net die geweldige hoë arbeidskoste van die verskeie produksie-lande waarna verwys word aan nie, maar verskans produsente ook teen reën- en voedeselveiligheidsrisiko’s.

Links: Alternatiewe dra-sone.

9JUNE/JULY 2018 | INDUSTRY NEWS

wat deur groeikragtige geënte stokke geproduseer word, te benut om vrugte te dra.

• Trosse kan meer eweredig versprei en deurlug word om droging te versnel – skep ‘n goeie mikroklimaat vir droging.

• Maklik om dralote met die hand of selfs meganies te knip.

• Die geknipte lote kan maklik in die winter verwy-der word. Die aksie kan selfs gemeganiseer word.

• Duidelike skeiding kan gemaak word tussen dralote en vernuwingslote.- Trosse kom in ‘n bepaalde, beperkte sone voor.- Ongeknipte lote is maklik identifiseerbaar, deurdat die blare groen bly.- Duidelike skeiding kom voor tussen gedroogde en vars druiwe langs die kordon.

Wanneer langdraers geknip is, kan die trosse met ‘n loogmengsel benat word, terwyl dit aan die stok bly hang, om droging te versnel. Indien geen loogmengsel aangewend word nie, sal die korrels rosyntjies begin word aan die stok wat op enige stadium gepluk kan word en op bane geplaas word om vinnig verder te droog. Indien die druiwe sonder behandeling aan die stokke gelaat word om natuurlik te droog, kan die proses baie lank neem. Korrels stort nie geredelik van die tros af, soos wat gebeur wanneer dralote nie geknip is nie.

Hoewel die “Swingarm” -opleistelsel redelik duur is, kan die opbrengs op die belegging hoog wees. In Australië word geredelik nege plus ton rosyne

per hektaar van hierdie stelsel geoes. (dus 36 of meer ton vars druiwe/ha.). Daar is ook bereken dat die arbeid aan wintersnoeiwerk 33% is van dit wat vereis word op ‘n T-stelsel. Somersnoei op ‘n “swingarm” stelsel benodig slegs 20% van die tyd wat op ‘n T-stelsel vereis word. Om so vinnig somersnoei te kan toepas, is ‘n geweldige voordeel as ‘n oes gered moet word in tye van naderende onweer. In gunstige jare kan die oes gelaat word om hoë suikervlakke te bereik, voordat dralote geknip word en dus goeie droogverhoudings behaal word. Tans word meer as 80% van die totale Australiese rosyntjies volgens hierdie stelsel geproduseer.

Hierdie stelsel bied die opsie om alle aksies soos tans, tradisioneel uit te voer, maar meeste aksies kan ook gerede

lik gemeganiseer word, soos deur Ivan Shaw tydens sy besoek breedvoerig met videomateriaal geïl-lustreer is. Hy het vir etlike jare, eiehandig 15 ha sultanadruiwe verbou en gedroog en het volgens hom, slegs sy vrou se help nodig het, om leë kratte tydens oestyd aan te ry, omdat dit baie tydrowend is. Hy het ook self ‘n oesmasjien ontwikkel om rosyne effektief van hierdie opleistelsel te oes. Hy het die oesmasjien verder aangepas om twee naasliggende rye van die “swingarm” opleistelsel gelyktydig te kan oes. Die oesmasjien

Links: Druiwe bly hang aan die opleistelselom te droog.

Onder: Ivan Shaw het by verskeie geleenthede in die Olifantsrivier- en Oranjerivierproduk-siegebiede voor produsente opgetree, die beginsels verduidelik en gedemonstreer.


het ‘n roterende kop met stawe wat die rosyne in ‘n matige aksie van die lote af kam in plaas van die normale skud-aksie. In die winter word die stelsel omgeswaai sodat die vernuwingsone wat boontoe gegroei het in die volgende somer aan die ander kant, afwaarts hang en die drasone word. Die nuwe groei uit die lote wat in die vorige somer geknip is word nou die vernuwingsone, wat boontoe groei, vir die volgende jaar se oes.

Rosyne so geproduseer is baie skoon omdat dit nooit met ‘n droogoppervlak in aanraking hoef te kom nie en minimale hantering van die produk vereis (dus word voedselveiligheidrisiko’s verlaag). Dit skep ook die geleentheid om meer druiwe, vir rosyne te produseer sonder om die koste aan te gaan om droogfasiliteite uit te brei. Daar heers baie belangstelling in verskeie fasette van hierdie

produksiestelsel en ontwikkeling word met belang-stelling dop gehou.

Die Shaw Swingarm is ‘n opsie vir DOV. Die VSA stel-sel vir DOV maak, gebruik van ‘n dakprieël opleistel-sel (soos voorgestel hieronder en op bladsy 8).

Daar word tans werk gedoen deur DTD en produ-sente om verskeie stelsels met mekaar te vergelyk, om sodoende ‘n sisteem (of sisteme) wat sal werk vir Suid-Afrika te kan ontwikkel vir die toekoms.

DTD bedank die volgende borge wat Ivan se besoek ‘n werklikheid gemaak het: ABSA, African Drone Solutions, Agri-Infinity, Agri-Mark, CBLP, Dege Trekkers, GWK, InteliGro, Karabos, KLK, Oranjerivier Oesbeskerming, Oranje-Meganisasie, Upington Trekkers en Van Zyl Agri.

Die 'Swing-arm' wentel om die vastepunt, met vernu-wingslote na bo en draende lote na onder. Die opleistelsel laat toe dat twee rye met een aksie gelyktydig hanteer kan word.

Dakprieëlstelsel 'Overhead pergola'.


Santam is ’n gemagtigde finansiële-diensverskaffer (lisensienommer 3416).

Die moderne boer staar talle uitdagings in die gesig en moet verskillende baadjies dra om hulle te oorkom. Jy sien om na jouplaas, jou werkers, jou bates, jou huis en jou gesin. Santam verstaan hoe baie van jou verwag word en daarom neem ons’n wetenskaplike benadering tot die beskerming van jou oeste, sowel as jou persoonlike en boerderybates. Want ons glo jyverdien uitsonderlike versekering. Santam. Regte, egte versekering.

Bel jou makelaar of gaan na www.santam.co.za/products/agriculture vir meer inligting.

VANDAG SE BOERE IS MEER AS NET BOERE.

KIN

GJA

MES

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We visited the inspirational Sara Pandle in May 2016 and were so impressed by her determined self-improvement and dedi-

cation to being of service to others and her goal to become a nurse that we asked to meet again, almost two years later. “I’m helping people now with their doctor’s letters,” she tells me. Let’s take a moment to measure how far Pandle has come.

“From about the year 2000 at Ouplaas farm in the Witzenberg Valley which grows Tru-Cape apples and pears I developed my pruning skill and become familiar with dealing with late developing branches. I found myself drawn to the training centres and community development as I knew that I wanted to work with the community. Actually, my dream was always to become a nurse but as I had to go out to work and help support my family at a young age, I wasn’t able to complete my schooling as a teenager living in Calvinia.”

“Currently I am principal of the farm créche at Ouplaas and responsible for looking after about 20 children. I work on creating activities and educational programmes for them. I also work to raise funds for the créche by putting on community events. During harvest I still work as a senior Quality Controller on the farm and, because of my Level Three First Aid qualifications, I’m also the person that our workers come to with problems,” she says.

Calla du Toit, a third generation grower at Ouplaas and still in the business with his father Joshua and wife Orla, says that what makes Sara’s story so inspi-

rational is that she is entirely self-motivated: “Sara’s decisions and determination to improve herself are hers alone even though her committed relationship with God helps guide her in the right direction. Not only does she ask for what she needs but she also finds a way to make it happen - from improving her ability to communicate by learning to speak English and IsiXhosa to raising the money she needed to complete the First Aid courses herself.”

Pandle explains: “I understand people’s problems as I’ve faced most of them myself. I know what it is like to be under pressure. I’ve been depressed in the past and then Johnson, my husband, has really helped me. I’ve made peace with it that this is my work and my calling.”

She says her typical day begins at 06.15 before opening the Quality Control rooms at 07:30 where she checks that everything is ready for the day’s harvest. When she isn’t at the créche or in the QC room, she is helping farmworkers purchase electric-ity tokens and assists with letters from the doctors and what steps need to be taken next. “For the moment this is about as near as I am to my dream of being a nurse,” she says and mentions that she needed to get eye glasses before qualifying for a public driving permit license with which she is still in progress.

She says she gets home to her husband and children at about 18:15. “It is then when my job as a mother, wife and housewife starts.” There may be a community meeting as she is one of the commu-nity representatives and before getting to bed at around 22:40," she says, “I bake bread.”

Pandle is currently busy arranging a community visit to the aquarium as well as a sports day.

Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing managing director Roelf Pienaar says that Pandle’s story serves as inspirational proof that vision and staying power are guarantees for future success and is a good example of the many positive stories coming from Tru-Cape growers.

BRIAN BERKMAN

Vision and staying power are guarantees for future success

“Sara’s decisions and determination to improve herself are hers alone even though her committed relationship with God helps guide her in the right direction.

Not only does she ask for what she needs but she also finds a way to make it happen - from improving her ability to communicate by learning to speak English and IsiXhosa to raising the money she needed to complete the First Aid courses herself.”

Sara Pandle from Ouplaas farm.


Die Suid-Afrikaanse Wingerd en Wynkunde Vereniging (SAWWV) het vanjaar ‘n beurs aan Vivian White toegeken. Dit is ‘n poging van

die SAWWV om by te dra tot die uitbreiding van die kundigheidspoel in die wingerdbedryf.

Hy is 'n afgestudeerde BSc.Agric Grondkunde met

akkerbou-student wat tans besig is met sy MSc.

Die titel van sy projek is: "Improving phosphate fertilizer recommendations using soil phosphorus buffer capacity and evaluation of various phos-phate extraction tests on a variety of South African soils".

Vivian White (MSc student, US) – vanjaar se tafeldruif-beurshouer.

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MAF RODA AGROBOTIC_FRUIT JOURNAL_Half Page_Insertion June-July 2018 issue.indd 1 09/04/2018 16:52:13


Valencia Overall exports from the southern African regions at 53.93 million cartons (15 kilogram equiva-lents) are almost unchanged from last year’s 53.95 million cartons.

Letsitele, which accounts for almost a third of the volume attributed their region’s eight percent anticipated growth to 15.2 million cartons to very good growing conditions and recovery from the drought. Typically, a medium-heavy crop in the past has resulted in medium-small fruit. The second largest player, Sunday's River Valley sees a recovery to seven million cartons in 2018 approaching 2015 levels after two years in the six million cartons range. Senwes’ production volume is the same at six million cartons, but quality is better. Nelspruit experienced hail damage and although they have normal sized production they expect thirty four percent less exportable fruit to be packed this year. Western Cape volumes are seven percent down on last year due to dry conditions whilst sizes are uncertain due to weather conditions. Patensie also expect a drop in volume due to a poor fruit set. Northern neighbours Swaziland expect a good crop with fruit on the small side, whilst Zimbabwe anticipate ten percent growth and very good internal quality due to hot, dry condi-tions but adequate irrigation. Their sizes will peak on 72 due to young trees yielding bigger fruit.

In the European market, Spanish Valencia faced splitting challenges and drought conditions. Oranges and soft citrus were expected two weeks earlier out of market Egypt had a massive Valencia harvest but small sizes. In Russia, oranges were in the highest demand with leader in this segment being Egyptian Valencias. There was limited stock of Moroccan oranges in the Russian market and Turkish orange supplies ended mid-March. There was an also increased amount of small sized Egyptian Valencias in the Middle Eastern market.

The Chinese market is maturing, taking a wider range of counts and grades. Navels from Spain and Egyptian oranges were in the market in mid-March. Sweeter

SOUTHERN AFRICANCITRUS EXPORT OUTLOOK

FOR 2018 SEASON

Valencias Grapefruit Navels Lemons Soft Citrus Total Citrus

2015 52.7 m 15.7 m 24.5 m 15.1 m 10.0 m 117.9 m

2016 42.1 m 13.8 m 26.2 m 15.1 m 12.2 m 109.4 m

2017 54.0 m 15.6 m 21.1 m 19.0 m 13.4 m 123.0 m

2018* 53.9 m 16.8 m 25.6 m 20.6 m 14.7 m 131.7 m

Grapefruit A good crop is expected, with exports from southern Africa estimated at 14.8 million cartons (17 kilogram equivalents), eight percent up on last year’s 13.7 million cartons. Pigmented varieties account for the bulk of the export with an expected 14.8 million carton crop; eight percent up on last year. White grapefruit volumes are up two percent to 1.7 million cartons. For the bigger producing regions, Letsitele expects a medium to heavy crop, fourteen percent up on last year’s to 4.3 million cartons, and normal fruit sizes. Hoedspruit expects a seven percent increase over last year to 3.8 million cartons, recovering from their 2.4 million cartons drought and hail induced disaster in 2016. Limpopo River expects the same volume as last year with fruit size improving with late rains. Swaziland start select picking mid-March whilst Zimbabwe start in week 14, which is normal.

An early look at the markets indicated low star ruby stock levels with strong consumption in the EU creating an opportunity for southern African Star Rubies.

The grapefruit market in Russia was dominated in March by Turkey with pomelos from China also available.


local Chinese oranges are competing with less favoured Egyptian navels. There was surplus stock of Egyptian and USA navels in the Chinese market with the first arrivals of Valencias. Bangladesh is becoming an important market with South Africa increasing orange exports by one million cartons last year.

Navels The estimated navel export volume returns to normal from last year’s disastrous 21.1 million cartons with 25.58 million cartons expected in 2018. This is still two percent down on 2016’s volumes.

It expected that future growth in this commodity will come from late maturing varieties with early maturing orchards being taken out.

Senwes is the biggest exporting region showing five percent growth to 6.5 million cartons attributed to less hail damage this year. They had 100 mm to 150 mm less rain than last year so fruit is one size smaller and good internals are expected. Timing will be the same as last year. Sunday's River Valley’s navel export crop recovers to 6 million cartons but fruit sizes may dull their export potential. Staying in the Eastern Cape, Patensie are 18% up on in comparison to last year’s poor season. The Western Cape at 6.2 million cartons are seventeen percent up on last year, but dry conditions have tempered their recovery.

Lemons Lemon exports approach the 21 million cartons mark as new orchards come into production. The 20.6 million cartons estimate is eight percent up on last year’s final volume. Sunday's River Valley expect to increase four percent on last year to 8.5 million cartons. Second largest lemon producing region, Senwes continue their strong growth to 4.5 million cartons. Sizing is expected to be slightly smaller than last year, averaging 113/138. Likewise, Hoedspruit grows nine percent to 1.45 million cartons. Letsitele and Limpopo River regions experienced some fruit drop due to Endoxerosis but volumes are not down on last year. The Boland region in Western Cape expect the same 1.25 million cartons with the drought effect being offset by new orchards coming on stream.

In the European markets; Spanish lemons were expected to finish three to four weeks early. The first RSA lemons arrived in the Russian market in March, competing with Turkish lemons which dominate this segment. In the Middle East the lemons market was

already under pressure and they are expecting increased lemon volumes from South Africa and Argentina. South African lemons are earlier this year and competing more with Egyptian and Turk-ish lemons. The Turkish lemon quality is good this year.

Soft Citrus As in the case of lemons, soft citrus’ upward trajec-tory continues. With an update following the CMF meeting the Soft Citrus Focus Group revised their projection further to indicate an overall growth of nineteen percent to 15.9 million cartons. Growth is driven by the late mandarin types, increasing twenty four percent to 6.9 million cartons.

The Boland region expect a similar 3.3 million cartons to last year with the growth from new orchards coming on stream countered by the drought effects.

Western Cape (2.6 million cartons) mandarins are around thirteen percent up with a good crop except for Morr and Orr which are down. Nelspruit (2.2 million cartons) experienced a lot of hail damage which hampered their growth. They anticipate one size smaller on all counts. Letsitele late mandarins show a big growth in volume and smaller fruit, which is good. The Eastern Cape Midlands (1.1 million cartons) expect good season with good sizes and excellent quality. Sunday's River Valley (1.6 million cartons) show a general increase of thirteen percent with young trees coming into production. Their counts are one size smaller than 2017.

Patensie (2.6 million cartons and 24% growth) have new trees that are coming into production with Novas, late mandarins and even Satsuma hectares on the increase.

Southern Hemisphere Satsuma volumes are eagerly awaited in the U.K. There is a relatively high stock level for Lemons in the market, from Spain and Turkey. Demand is not currently very high. In Russia, the soft citrus market is dominated by Morocco with a premium price paid for late maturing mandarin varieties. Last year Bangladesh was an important market for soft citrus; more than doubling their imports from South Africa.

JOHN EDMONDS

Overall, the South African soft citrus outlook is that of growth in volumes due to new plantings

coming into production, being temperedsomewhat with drought in key growing areas.


Citrus production in the northern areas (comprising KZN, Swaziland, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Zimbabwe) is anticipated to grow by 22% in 5 years’ time, from producing a combined 72.5 million cartons in 2017 to an estimated 88.5 million cartons by 2022 (See table below).

This immediately raises concerns regarding the demand and supply of road transportation to these areas. During the 2017 citrus season, it is estimated there were about 35 800 truck trips required to transport citrus from these areas to the Durban port.

By the 2022 citrus season, it is estimated there will potentially be a demand for 43 800 truck trips, which is an increase for an additional

8 000 truck trips required per season. During the 2017 citrus season (the highest recorded production), citrus packhouses in these areas could not source an adequate number of trucks in line with production output to transport citrus to Durban.

The lack of supply of trucks to transport citrus during peak season has now a huge problem and is not likely to improve. This should be reason enough; given the growth forecast, that focus on rail transportation from the northern citrus production areas is now more important than ever.

In 2017, roughly 3 200 [known] containers (60 000 pallets worth) of citrus was transported by rail from Tzaneen, Bela Bela and City

Focus on rail transportation from the northern citrus

SOUTHERN AFRICA CITRUS PRODUCTION FOR EXPORT (15 KG CARTON EQUIVALENT)

EXIT PORT

Eastern Cape to PE & Coega Ports

Northern Region to Durban Port (Incl. Zimbabwe & Swaziland)

Western/Northern Cape to Cape Town Port

Southern Africa (Incl. Swaziland & Zimba-bwe

COMMODITY 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Est. 1 Est. 3 - 5 Yrs

Grapefruit 7,258 6,082 7,145 4,918 6,455 4,586 5,000 7,000

Lemons 74,305 66,555 81,668 99,527 94,328 112,295 116,000 160,000

Oranges 218,804 232,643 248,543 249,738 244,447 185,169 250,000 270,000

Soft Citrus 26,172 29,331 39,044 40,302 52,743 47,820 55,000 85,000

Total 326,539 335,993 377,142 394,485 397,973 349,870 426,000 522,000

Grapefruit 153,052 228,324 195,084 206,217 178,086 195,385 205,000 216,000

Lemons 36,042 43,949 54,775 55,582 62,409 92,530 105,000 140,000

Oranges 499,895 538,196 512,407 532,139 456,476 581,858 580,000 620,000

Soft Citrus 12,022 19,944 19,538 25,450 27,544 43,642 47,500 78,500

Total 701,010 832,304 783,660 819,388 724,516 913,415 937,500 1,054,500

Grapefruit 9,527 9,772 10,520 10,912 17,496 21,616 22,000 22,000

Lemons 19,696 22,733 24,674 28,438 26,256 28,975 30,000 45,000

Oranges 148,015 153,839 176,871 165,529 153,490 149,523 175,000 180,000

Soft Citrus 72,380 71,685 79,056 78,446 91,501 100,520 105,000 160,000

Total 249,619 260,959 295,467 283,324 288,743 300,634 332,000 407,000

Grapefruit 187,988 253,206 212,749 222,047 202,037 221,587 232,000 245,000

Lemons 130,379 133,378 161,318 183,547 182,993 233,800 251,000 345,000

Oranges 903,817 955,564 940,981 953,786 854,413 916,550 1,005,000 1,070,000

Soft Citrus 111,103 120,959 137,638 144,198 171,788 191,982 207,500 323,500

Total 1,333,287 1,469,313 1,459,630 1,503,578 1,411,232 1,563,919 1,695,500 1,983,500


Deep (the latter by not powering the reefer units during transport) to Durban; which was a mere 3.5% of the total export volume (915 000 pallets) from the Durban port. This volume is grossly inapt with much more commitment required to increase the use of rail trans-port towards 2022 to balance the transportation demands from the northern production areas.

Short term (immediate) projection shows an opportunity to transport 7 600 containers from 5 key rail sites using 9 purpose built reefer train units (comprising 38 FEU wagons, a diesel generator and diesel tank on a 40 wagon set).

The long-term (maximum 5 years) projection shows there is poten-tial to transport 13 500 containers from the same five sites (with major expansion at City Deep) using 14 reefer train units. This is the equivalent of 10 000 truck trips per annum, which can assist to level the foreseeable imbalance and demand on road transport leading towards the 2022 citrus season.

Areas such as Marble Hall, Groblersdal, Hoedspruit, Letsitele, Limpopo River border and Zimbabwe produce sufficient volume to warrant immediate rail development and expansion. As it stands there are rail sites operational for each of these areas to rail contain-ers to Durban as follows:

1. Tzaneen siding for containers packed in Tzaneen, Letsitele and Hoedspruit.

2. Bela Bela siding for containers packed in Marble Hall and Groblersdal.

3. Musina siding for containers packed in the Limpopo River and Zimbabwe.

4. City Deep, Johannesburg for containers packed in all the above areas.

Understandably, some obstacles are preventing the short-term volume projections from being achieved. Such as the fact that there are only 4 reefer train sets available at present (there is an immediate demand for 9 reefer train sets), there is also insufficient electricity supply (by mains or generator power) to power the reefer containers at some sidings and insufficient capacity at some sidings to hold the required amount of containers (land space at the sidings is fully utilized).

The Citrus Growers' Association and Transnet Freight Rail have agreed that expansion plans should take place within the City Deep area to meet the long-term volume projections. There is sufficient electricity supply to power a large numbers of reefer containers and there is sufficient capacity at the various sidings within City Deep

MITCHELL BROOKE

SOUTHERN AFRICA CITRUS PRODUCTION FOR EXPORT (15 KG CARTON EQUIVALENT)

production areas is now more important than ever


to handle high volumes of rail throughput. There are also [limited] warehousing facilities (ambient and cold storage) within City Deep that are capable of storing, precooling and packing citrus into containers for railing to Durban. Consolidation points are impera-tive for product to be accumulated to make up containers lots from multiple packhouses. In fact, City Deep has sufficient capacity to rail one or two reefer trains daily during the citrus season offer-ing a throughput volume of between 6 500 to 10 500 containers annually. Since the turnaround time for a train set to depart and return to City Deep is roughly 72 hours (best case), it would require only 6 to 8 reefer train sets to operate 1 or 2 reefer trains a day from City Deep. The potential to fully exploit the City Deep opportunities remains for future volume growth. Although in order for this to be accomplished, a cold storage facility with a capacity of 6 000 pallets would be required to be built in City Deep in order to precool citrus prior to packing the containers.

It is deemed imperative that at least 10 000 or more containers (20% of the anticipated total northern regions annual production) of citrus are transported by rail annually from the northern areas. This will offset the anticipated demand of an additional 8 000 road truck trips required towards the 2022 citrus season. The forecast for

the 2018 season is for 4 500 reefer containers to be railed from the aforementioned rail sites – so a lot of work is needed to achieve 10 000 or more containers. The expansion plans will no doubt require a lot of persuasion from producers to encourage export agents and logistics agents to commit a certain amount of volume to rail transport. For Transnet to invest in additional reefer train sets and for further expansion at the rail sites, a form of guarantee is required by Transnet to make the much-needed investment. The Musina rail project is a good example of how the process works best with export agents and logistics agents working collectively with a preferred third party rail service provider to implement a service to the area. In this specific case, volume commitments were given for the third party rail service provider to submit a business plan to Transnet to make the necessary investment. Rail transporta-tion should become the primary transport method (albeit with constraints) with road transport being the secondary but [although dominant] method.

For more information on rail developments, contact Mitchell Brooke, Logistics Development Manager, Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa, Tel: 031 765 2514 or email [email protected].

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D I E J O E R N A A L V I R D I E V R U G T E B E D R Y F I N S U I D - A F R I K A



After six years as leader of CGA, Pieter Nortje has stepped down as Chairman. Pieter’s dedication to solving industry challenges, his foresight and intense focus on industry issues has meant that the industry continues to grow.

Ben Vorster, incoming Chairman, thanked Pieter for his hard work and dedica-tion through some difficult periods in the industry. Pieter, as outgoing Chair-man continues as a member of the Executive Committee as Vice Chairman.

As agreed at the 2017 CGA AGM, a further Vice Chairman position was created for succession planning – Cornel van der Merwe continues in this role. George Hall and Fanie Meyer round off the Executive Committee.

Pieter Nortje, outgoing Chairman.

Ben Vorster, incoming Chairman.

GLORIA WEARE

Changes and new appointments on the Citrus Growers' Association’s Board

MITCHELL BROOKE TO OVERSEE SEP PROGRAMMES FROM THE 1ST APRIL 2018 Mitchell Brooke will take over the management of the Japan and South Korean Special Export Programmes (SEPs) for CGA. This change has been precipitated by Paul Hardman being drawn into other roles and responsibilities at CGA which have meant he is not in a position to give the SEPs sufficient time and attention they require. Mitchell has agreed to play a greater oversight role for these programmes.

Mitchell comes with considerable experience from years working in and around the port in various capacities linked to the citrus industry. He will continue with this current main role at CGA as Logistics Development Manager while overseeing the SEPs. All communication regarding the SEPs should be directed to Mitchell: [email protected]

A change in the structures is an opportunity to look afresh at how things work and I’m sure Mitchell and team will have some ideas on how to take the SEPs to a different level.

SEP ACCOUNTS From an administration perspective Shelly Crosson has taken over from Mena Büchner and will be handling the invoicing and accounts matters. Shelly can be contacted on 031 765 2514 or [email protected].

OPERATIONS Our team at the port, Faisal Asmal and Rauff Dawood, will continue playing their part in making the SEP run smoothly. Operation queries should be directed to Faisal for Japan and Rauff for South Korea.

RECOGNITION OF LONG SERVICE It is appropriate at this time to also recognize both Faisal and Rauff for their service to the SEPs over the years.

Special Export Programme Changes for 2018

Mitchell Brooke. Rauff Dawood.Faisal Asmal.


Senwes has become the third citrus producing region to top the 13% of total exports mark and as such is entitled to have a second regional Director on the CGA Board.

Pieter Engelbrecht’s grandfather started farming tobacco in 1956 on the same farm that they still use today. Pieter’s father, Willem took over, farming tobacco and various other cash crops such as vegeta-bles, cotton, maize and wheat. At that time the farm’s name was Volharding Boerdery which is still their motto today. The name was changed to Piet Engelbrecht Trust in the early 80’s.

The Engelbrecht’s involvement in citrus began by accident. Willem bought a piece of land and after the transaction was finalised a phone call from Kasmar nursery informed him there was an order for navel trees for that specific piece of land. He was ready to refuse the order but after speaking to his accountant it was decided to accept the order. The rest is history!

Pieter himself attended Lowveld Agriculture College after his year’s army training. Coming back to the farm he began to work as an employee – at the bottom, with a very lowly wage. His father’s argu-ment was ‘you’ve finished studying, now you’re here to learn.’ Over the next few years the emphasis gradually changed from tobacco to citrus. (80% of our energy went into tobacco and gave only 30% of our income). They packed their own fruit under the Outspan Brand. After deregulation (1994) they started exporting a small portion of fruit themselves with the rest still under the Capespan brand.

About two years later they started exporting all the fruit themselves, but using different export agents for different markets. “My father and I decided at that stage to stop farming with the tobacco and to keep infrastructure like central pivots in place. We turned to easier crops like maize, wheat and soya beans which need less attention. After packing under various brands we decided to create our own brand called Piet Citrus. It is about 20 years old and well established all over the world. It was one of the first brands in China. The Piet Citrus brand is one of the most respected brands globally because of its consistency and quality. A massive effort goes into keeping it that way. The main varieties are navels, soft citrus and lemons. Piet Citrus is also well represented locally with its fruit in almost all supermarkets, fresh-produce markets and municipality markets.”

“My personal vision is to hand over the expertise and condition of the business to the next generation in the same or better condi-tion that I received it.” Pieter’s personal involvement in the citrus industry includes him acting as vice president of Agri Limpopo; chairman of Agri Loskop; board member of Loskop Irrigation Board and Regional Director, CGA. Pieter has two sons Willem (25) Coenie (23) both back on the farm as the fourth generation. He is now a new father of a six month old daughter!

NEW DIRECTOR ON THE CGA BOARDPieter Engelbrecht: Second Director for Senwes

Faisal began working for the SEPs while these were still adminis-tered by the Deciduous Fruit Producers' Trust, reporting to George Hendriks. In 2006 CGA took over the administration of the SEPs from DFTP and Faisal was contracted by CGA directly to look after the Japan programme out of Durban. In time Faisal has taken over more responsibilities for the Japan programme and now also plays an operational oversight role for the South Korean programme. These activities have centred on Durban port but at various stages also included activities in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Despite the volumes to these markets fluctuating the number of challenges and issues arising in any given season appears to remain the same. Faisal has served the industry well by proactively addressing these and seeking out solutions. CGA and the citrus industry appreciate your work Faisal and trust you will continue to add value to these programmes for many more years.

Rauff was also contracted by CGA in 2006 to specifically assist with the South Korean programme and be backup support on the Japan programme. In 2006 only 323 657 cartons of oranges were presented for South Korea inspections. With the South Korean protocol amendments to allow exports of South African grapefruit and lemons to South Korea the SEP has seen steady growth since 2012. Initially two South Korean inspectors were in South Africa concurrently but this was reduced to only a single inspector at a time with a short overlap mid-season. This has put considerable pressure on the programme as volumes have increased.

Rauff has helped to ensure that despite these pressures the programme has continued to operate effectively and the fruit has got through the system. Thank you Rauff for your hard work for these programmes.

All the best for the 2018 season. PAUL HARDMAN


When you arrive at the farm Fonteintjie (meaning “Little Fountain”) situated 55 kilometres northbound from Ceres via Prince Alfred Hamlet on the way to Citrusdal, you know you are at a special

place. First of all, you are in the heart of the Koue Bokkeveld. It is one of those bucket list names, one of those places that you have to see for yourself.

Fonteintjie lies on the high ground between the Olifants and Doring Rivers. Apart from the fact that it is visually a beautiful stretch of Africa, I immediately saw that this is a well-developed and organised centre for farming. Nothing elaborate, but well-structured. Neat.

In essence, I was there to get the youngest member of the business, Gerrit van der Merwe’s story. The man who is geared to take the reins. However, when I arrived he was doing what a young, ambi-tious farmer should be doing. He was taking care of the business.

Therefore my conversation kicked off with Thinus, his dad. He explained that his father, also Gerrit,

bought the farm Fonteintjie in 1951 for an astonish-ing £23 000 (a mere R46 000 in those days). At the time of the purchase Thinus’ father and his brother were farming together on the neighbouring farm, but Gerrit decided to seek greener pastures on a piece of land next door where he started to produce fruit in all earnest. Apples, pears, peaches, and prunes. He had some sheep and cattle as well, but the primary focus was fruit.

Farming in those days was just that - farming. Produce fruit and send it off. Done deal. From the trees into crates and then with the mail bus – a double-decker with one deck for passengers and the rest of the goods – off to the market.

Seven years later Thinus was born and grew up on the farm, loving every second of his barefoot days. He never ever thought of doing anything else but farming Fonteintjie one day. But he thought – with all due respect to his dad Gerrit – that he, as the next generation, would upgrade the incredible production into a more diverse and modern busi-ness. So before just falling in, he went to Elsenburg

NEXT GENERATION SERIESFountain of YouthMaking a success of something in life is all about momentum. Progression. Growth. But to be able to do it well, you need to feed the stream. Gerrit Rautenbach looks at how the custodians of the farm Fonteintjie are doing it . . .

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for a three-year agricultural diploma. Then he started on Fonteintjie in all earnest. Even though he was holding a higher qualification than Gerrit, his dad taught him how to get the soil to yield. How to be an owner-farmer. But he taught Dad how to turn farming into a better, more profitable business. When Thinus joined his dad on the farm they had to manage 20 people. This changed over time to 200. That’s a different kind of management.

As most young men do, he fell in love (well he has always been in love with farming), but he fell in that other kind of love. He married Etta and 30 years ago, she gave birth to a daughter, Hannelie, and two years later a son was born, proudly carrying the name of his grandfather, Gerrit van der Merwe. From then onwards, Grandpa was known as Oupa Gert, a name... well, actually more a title... that stayed with him until his last breath. Everyone called him Oupa Gert. With respect. With love.

Gerrit Junior’s earliest memories are that of Fonteintjie, of their own personal paradise. He went to Koue Bokkeveld primary school in the nearby village Op-die-Berg and later to boarding school in Ceres for his high school years. During those years he decided he wanted to be an engineer. Mechatronics fascinated him. Making things work easier, smarter and faster. Thinus never stood in his way. He was free to choose his own future. Thinus said that he’ll give him ten year’s grace to decide whether he wanted to be part of the farm or not.

So after school, he enrolled for a degree in mechani-cal engineering at Stellenbosch University, but very soon the idea of four years of mathematics and applied mathematics got him wondering. B.Sc. Agric only requires one year of maths, and after all, Fonteintjie is there, always there. He had ten years...

After completing his B.Sc. he wasn’t completely done yet. His quest for mechanisation kicked in again and resulted in a M.Sc. Cum Laude focusing on how to use technology to mechanise the deciduous fruit harvesting system. “But now, four years later, I... well, the industry is not there yet. Today, like always, if you want to be a successful fruit farmer, you’ve got to be

a people’s person. You’ve got to be good working with lots of people especially during harvest time,” he laughs.

While he was creating lots of food for thought on the academic front, Thinus and Oupa Gert were being fruitful on Fonteintjie. But Oupa Gert was not getting any younger. So while his grandson was at university he relocated to the retirement home in Prince Alfred Hamlet but never lost touch with the farming. He remained a sounding board for Thinus, keeping track of what Gerrit Junior was achieving at varsity. In fact, close to the retirement home was a barren piece of land that he started farming, making the yield part of the Fonteintjie package. All the time, however, it was as if he was patiently waiting for the right thing to happen. Knowing the right thing will happen.

In 2014 it did happen. Gerrit, his grandson, finished his M.Sc. and although Stellenbosch University desperately wanted him to enrol for a doctorate, he made his choice. It was time to join the clan at Fonteintjie full time. That was a very special time. For a short period the three generations, Oupa Gert, his son Thinus and grandson Gerrit, were all looking after their fountain together. This was what Oupa Gert was waiting for. At the ripe age of 91, Oupa Gert was feeling blessed. The circle of life. He was happy to hand over his legacy to his namesake. Knowing Dad Thinus will still be there to help steer him.

It was time to move on...

Gerrit (left) and Thinus van der Merwe in the orchards of Fonteintjie.


Op 80 het die passievolle afge-trede vrugteboer ‘n ou koelkamer op die plaas Bokveldskloof in, sover sy kennis strek, in die eerste sagtevrugtemuseum in die land

omskep. Dit is ‘n museum-in-wording, sê hy, maar daar is alreeds genoeg om te sien, om die uitry oor die Gydopas die moeite werd te maak.

Van die indrukwekkende 1914 National dieselenjin, ’n 1934 McCormick Deering (het geroes onder 'n peperboom gestaan) en Fendt-trekkers, ’n werkende appelgradeer-en sorteerder van 1935, asook ‘n gifspuitpomp uit 1888 pryk reeds in die museum. Dan is daar plukmandjies en sakke deur die eeue. ’n Hele outydse weerstasie met die ou wind-meter (nog in werkende toestand) van die Dutoitsklooftonnel, snoeiskêre, implemente, lere en grawe. En so paar jaar gelede het die PPECB hulle hele versameling oudhede, soos skale, stempels, boeke en mikroskope, ook aan Oom Pierre geskenk.

Die versameling van oudhede het nie gister begin nie, maar is seker nou al die afgelope vyf, ses dekades sy stokperdjie, sê hy. Een van sy eerste groot projekte was toe hy ’n 1934 McCormick Deering gekoop en reggemaak het.

“Maar eintlik het ek nog altyd ’n belangstel-ling in ou goed gehad,” sê hy. “As ’n mens boer het mens nie baie tyd nie en jy moet daarteen waak dat jou stokperdjie jou nie van die plaas af weghou nie, want dan kan ‘n boer maklik sy anderding sien.”

Sy paaie het dan ook op ’n keer gekruis met die van ene William Loock van Graaff-Reinet wat

op daardie stadium die grootste privaatmu-seum in die land besit het. Oom Pierre het hom gevra “nou wanneer is ’n ding oud?”, waarop Loock geantwoord het: “Enige iets wat in onbruik raak het ’n versamelingswaarde, soos ’n pen van gister wat nie meer lyk soos een van vandag nie, dan bêre ek hom, want môre maak hulle hom nie meer nie.”

Wat vir ander rommel of ’n stuk geroeste yster was, was vir Oom Pierre kosbare skatte. Op ’n toer deur die museum verduidelik hy hoekom hy by Jan van Riebeeck en die kompanjiestuin begin. “Was dit nie vir die halfwegstasie en die behoefte aan vars groente en vrugte nie, was ons nie vandag hier nie.”

Buiten die verstommende versameling oudhede is Oom Pierre ook ‘n versamelaar van antieke appelvariëteite. Hy het in 2013 sy eie historiese boord langs die oorspronklike plaashuis op Bokveldskloof geplant en spog vandag met meer as twintig variëteite uit die verlede, soos Rome Beauty, Tjeek, Isaac Newton en Ripston Pippen. Die museum en erfenisboord wil hy graag aan sy oorlede skoonpa opdra.

Die jong Pierre du Toit het in 1964 met Elna Cillié van Bokveldskloof getrou en vir haar pa op die plaas kom werk. Elna is ’n nasaat van die bekende Piet Kalifornië wat in 1893 op aanbeveling van die Wellingtonse Vrugte-kwekersvereniging deur die Departement van Landbou na Kalifornië in die V.S.A. gestuur is om meer oor vrugteverbouing te leer. Met sy terugkeer het hy as Piet Kalifornië bekend gestaan. Vandag vertel Oom Pierre is hy baie

Oom Pierre du Toit by van sy antieke implemente.

En só is uitvoervrugte toen-tertyd met die hand verpak.

Oom Pierre by die 1914 National dieselpomp wat hy self reggemaak het. Die pomp is gebruik om water uit die grond te pomp.

EERSTESAGTEVRUGTEMUSEUMOP BOKVELDSKLOOFOor die Bokveld se stories, streke en karakters kan ‘n mens sekerlik ‘n dik boek skryf. Net in een familie kom mens Piet Kalifornië, Piet van Die Bos, en Piet Parlement teë. En nou ook, hoewel aangetroud, Pierre du Toit. Of soos baie hom ken, Oom Pierre.


Die ou plaashuis op Bokveldskloof met die historiese boord daarlangs.’n Spuitpomp uit 1888.

Die twee ou appelbome staan teen ‘n randjie op die Loch Lynne-pad. Is dit dalk die Witte Wijn Appel wat in die sewentiende eeu aan die Kaap geplant is? (Lees artikel op bladsy 38).

So het ‘n pluksak eens gelyk.

trots op sy seun Retief wat die vrugteleisels oorge-neem het. Bokveldskloof is sedert 1995 in vennoot-skap met ZZ2 en hy verseker my dat ten spyte van die droogte, die Kanzi’s vanjaar uitstekend lyk. “Mens sien meer appels as boom.”

Van die droogte gepraat… het vandag se boere meer uitdagings as vroeër? Oom Pierre dink diep: “Die jong boer van vandag het unieke uitdag-ings, maar uitdagings was nog nooit vreemd aan boerdery nie. As ’n klein tienjarige seuntjie het ek my pa die vroeë perskes self sien pluk. My ma het elke perske sorgvuldig toegedraai en in kissies gepak. Ek onthou die lang, stowwerige 45 myl rit met die 1945 Ford-bakkie, die kronkelpaaie van Gydopas wat nog nie geteer was nie – gevaarlik en hoog. In Ceres het ons die perskekissies op die trein gesit na die mark, die onbekende in. Dit is ver verwyder van die gevorderde logistieke waardeket-ting van ons vrugtebedryf vandag!”

Boere het nog nooit teruggedeins vir uitdagings nie, meen Oom Pierre, ‘n boer maak tog ‘n plan. “Ons gaan moet anders dink oor water, en ons waterbronne anders bestuur as in die verlede, met

minder moet klaarkom, meer effektief moet boer. Tye is moeilik maar dit is my opinie dat hierdie ’n wonderlike uitdaging vir ’n nuwe generasie landbouleiers is en dit mag selfs net die rigting aanwys vir ander groot bedrywe om ons na te volg en sodoende volhoubaarheid vir geslagte na ons te verseker,” sê hy.

Later toe ons nog ou appelbome op die Loch Lynne-pad gaan soek sê Oom Pierre, terwyl ons in die rigting van die gehawende bossie met die klein, rooi appeltjies stap: “Ek dink daar is nog ‘n goeie toekoms vir jong boere in die land, maar daar is ook heelwat wat hulle nog moet leer. Ek sien te dikwels hoe die jong manne wanneer dit goed gaan karre koop en huise bou. Dis ‘n langtermynstorie die. Jy moet ook so dink.”

Een ding is seker, om ‘n boer te wees vandag, moet mens net so taf wees soos die appelboompies wat, ten spyte van die droogte en sonder enige water vir dekades lank hier teen ’n helling in die genadelose Bokveldson oorleef… en steeds vrugte gee.

Oom Pierre se museum het reeds verskeie skoolgroepe gewys hoe landbou van toeka tot nou lyk. En hy het al by landbouskoue uitgestal. Mense wat belangstel kan Oom Pierre kontak by: 076 389 3300.

TEKS & FOTO’S

ELISE-MARIESTEENKAMP


As plaaswerkers se kind was daar nie baie opsies nie, maar hulle het vir my die geleent-heid geskep en ek het nie twee maal gedink nie.”

Vandag is Frikkie ‘n vrugteboer in murg en been met twee dekades in die bedryf agter sy blad. Tans bestuur hy die plaas Queen Anne van die Bo-Radyn-Groep op Villiersdorp.

Frikkie was ook in 2015 die vrugtebedryf se Plaas-bestuurder van die Jaar en het al by verskeie groot

ondernemings gewerk. Hy het vir homself al in die bedryf naam gemaak om “sukkelende boorde om te draai”. Frikkie het in 2013 by Queen Anne ingeval en binne ‘n kort tydjie die produksie-uitsette op indrukwekkende wyse met 60% gelig.In 2015 het hy byvoorbeeld 18 000 kratte (6 570 ton) uitvoervrugte op 102 hektaar gelewer en in 2017 op dieselfde aantal hektare 20 000 kratte (7 300 ton) gelewer. Vra jy hom oor sy wenresep sê hy filoso-fies: “Dit is eenvoudig. ’n Gelukkige werker is ‘n produktiewe werker”.

Dit was so ampertjies of Frikkie Jacobs was vir landbou verlore. ‘n Loopbaan in die polisie het gewink, totdat die plaaseienaar by wie syouers op Leeufontein in die Warm-Bokkeveld gewerk het, voorgestel het dat Frikkie Elsenburg-Landboukollege oorweeg.

Belê in mense . . . Pluk dan vrugte

Goeie deklaag is onontbeer-lik in droogtetye.

“


ELISE-MARIE STEENKAMP

“Ek glo as jy werklik in mense belê en op alle vlakke na hulle behoeftes omsien, gaan jy die vrugte daarvan pluk. Ons bedryf is ‘n mens-bedryf net soveel as wat dit oor vrugte en produksie gaan. Sonder die landbouwerker sal ons bedryf nie oorleef nie.”

En daarom sê Frikkie neem hy sy werk baie ernstig op en luister na alle voorstelle wat sy werkers maak. “As bestuurder is ek finansiële adviseur, dominee, huweliksberader, onderwyser…noem maar op. Ek is 24/7 beskikbaar om te help.”

Wat produksie betref glo hy moet mens die basiese goed reg doen. “Daar is nie short-cuts nie. Jy moet sorg dat jou grond gesond en reg gevoed is. Dien die regte hoeveelheid kunsmis toe, besproei op die regte tyd en met die regte hoeveelheid water, volg ’n geïntegreerde plaagbestrydingsprogram, volg optimale snoei- en uitdunpraktyke.”

Frikkie se kantoor kyk uit oor die laaste water in die Theewaterskloofdam, en oor die droogte sê hy dat almal in dieselfde bootjie is, maar dat mens tog met die regte strategie kan “deurkom”.

“Ons strategie was eenvoudig,” sê hy. “Ons het op grootskaal in deklaag belê. Dit maak die grond aansienlik koeler, sorg dat die vog in die grond bly en help om die algemene welstand en veerkragtig-heid van die bome te verseker.”

Volgens Frikkie het hulle hul eie deklaag gemaak uit

ou vrugte- en dennebome en ook nog aangekoop. Daarbenewens gebruik hulle ‘n gerekenariseerde besproeiingsisteem met datastorende vogmeters in die boord. “So weet ons presies hoeveel water ons waar en wanneer moet gee. Ons waterverbruik het feitlik met ‘n derde afgeneem. Ons het ook heeltemal wegbeweeg van uurbesproeiing en gebruik nou net kubieke besproeiing en hou streng by hoeveel water ons weekliks kan gebruik. Spuite op die bankie is ook verstel na kort radiuspunte sodat water net op die bankie val. Ons het heelte-mal weggedoen met medium-radius spuite. Só kan mens uiters akkuraat besproei en presies moniteer.”

Frikkie-hulle het ook nog boorgate gesink en sy span sorg dat daar weekliks inspeksies van watermeters en pompe is, sodat toerusting in ‘n uitstekende toestand is.

“Kyk, ons gaan vanjaar minder kratte hê, maar onder die omstandighede het ons aangepas en doen ons alles wat ons kan om met min water oor die weg te kom.”

Frikkie se raad aan jongmense wat die landbou as loopbaan oorweeg is soos volg: “Landbou is ‘n fantastiese loopbaan met soveel verskillende fasette. Jy kan spesialiseer in grondkunde, produk-sie, besproeiing…dit is werklik ‘n wye beroepsveld. Daarby is mens in die buitelug en werk met jou hande in die grond. Wat meer wil mens hê?”


LANGKLOOF

“The implementation of the JF project is progressing well in the Langkloof despite the water challenge,” says Halalisiwe Msimango, JF Manager. “The group of growers we are working with is succeed-ing in planting and nurturing the orchards that have been planted on their farms as part of the fund. They also regularly attend the JF meetings and co-operate with each other to assist our service providers to implement the soil preparation, orchard trellising and irrigation that are also required in addition to planting the trees donated by the JF.”

Msimango and technical advisor, Ben de Villiers, recently under-took one of their scheduled visits to the Langkloof region, where they visited each of the properties and met with their management in order to observe the progress of the project and to assist them with the practicalities and challenges of its implementation. They also attended one of the regular planning meetings of the JF recipients in the area at Appelkloof (Mistico). The meeting was led by Ricardo Du Preez from Langfontein (Rica’s Fruit) in his capacity as chairperson of the group of JF recipients in the Langkloof. There is a good level of co-operation between the group members with

regards to planning and implementation of shared services such as soil preparation, irrigation planning, and other inputs.

The Langkloof experienced severe drought during 2016 and 2017 but recent good rains have restored water security to the region. Thus for many of the farming operations, the timing of JF has provided a respite in difficult times and although implementation of the programme in the region was initially challenged by the drought, the prospects for the programme are looking good for the following two years.

The first orchards that have been implemented in the region by the Jobs Fund were planted in 2016, followed by more plantings in 2017. De Villiers is satisfied with the progress of the orchards and added that some of them have truly thrived despite the recent drought in the region. More orchards are scheduled for planting later this year.

Part of the Jobs Fund implementation involves regular monitoring the progress of the programme. One of the verification methods on established orchards is by means of aerial surveys through GIS mapping or flyover. This is scheduled to be done at regular intervals and the next drone flyover in the Langkloof is scheduled for March and April 2018.

The Jobs Fund (JF) project of the South African deciduous fruit industry is on track and progressing well in the Langkloof and the Western Cape. The JF is the commercialisation of emerging growers and an initiative by the Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber (DFDC). It is scheduled implementation period is between 2016 and 2020. Louise Brodie travelled with the JF team to assess the progress in the Langkloof and the Western Cape.

February 2018 meeting of Jobs Fund recipient group in the Langkloof.

Back, from left to right: Patrick Cornelius (Mistico Trading), Ricardo du Preez (Langfontein), Michael May (Ongelegen), Ben de Villiers (Jobs Find technical advi-sor), Wilfred Malgas (JD Rovon) and Stanley Sitshinga (Anhalt Farm). Front, from Left to right: Jenniville Uithaler (Misgund Oos, Halalisiwe Msimango (Jobs Fund Manager), Nico du Preez (Anhalt Farm) and Elrich Moos (Ongelegen).

Jobs Fund visits Tulpieskraal in the Langkloof.

From Left to right: Bokkie Kritzinger, owner of Tulpieskraal and mentor to Tulpieskraal Farm Workers Trust; Halalisiwe Msimango, Jobs Fund Manager, Booi van Rooyen, Chair-man of the Tulpieskraal Workers’ Trust and Ben de Villiers, Jobs Fund Technical Advisor.

The Jobs Fund (JF) project


The National Treasury’s Jobs Fund team visited Cortina Farm together with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the DFPT. Above, the group together in the orchards at Cortina.

Back: Rihan Saayman: Technical Advisor contracted by the Jobs Fund - OABS; Nazeem Hendricks: Finance - National Treasury, Jobs Fund; Mfundo Ndlovu: Monitoring and Evaluation - National Treasury, Jobs Fund; Ben de Villiers: Technical Advisor - DFPT; Sonkho Phiri: Jobs Fund Project Manager in charge of DFDC Commercialisation Programme - National Treasury, Jobs Fund; Ullrich Arends: Project coordinator - HORTGRO. Front: Mariette Kotze: Group Operations Manager, HORTGRO; Najwah Allie-Edries: National Treasury, Head of the Jobs Fund; Ricard Myburgh: Starking Fruit Packers/Cortina Farm; Chrismaine Abrahams: Project Manager, DFPT; Charl van Rooyen: Special-ist Advisor, Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

On the 15th of March they visited farms in the Villiersdorp and Vyeboom region including Cortina Farm (Starking Fruit Packers CC). They were received by the owners Richard and Yvette Myburgh and their son Ricard Myburgh. Ricard Myburgh is responsible for managing the opera-tions at Cortina Farm with the support from his father Richard. Ricard accompanied the group on a visit to the orchards and had the opportunity to see the good growth on the young orchards that were established in 2016 as part of the DFDC Commer-cialisation Programme. “It was a good opportunity for us to meet the growers and see how the project implementation is progressing,” says Najwah Allie-Edries who heads up the Jobs Fund in the National treasury.

“The DFDC Commercialisation Programme is an example of well-functioning public and private part-nership that has proven to yield the required results to fast track economic development, job creation and sustainability within our industry,” explains Mariette Kotze, Group operations Manager for Hortgro. “We are excited about what the future holds.”

WESTERN CAPE

During March the project management office of the National Treasury, the Department of Agriculture Western Cape and the DFPT visited the beneficiaries of the Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber (DFDC) Commercialisation Programme. The purpose of these visits is to evaluate the progress made by each of the beneficiaries and the impact of the investment to date. The programme aims to commercialise 22 black-owned fruit entities through financial support linked to a range of other support packages including technical, market access and compliance and training.

Some of the team members enjoying their visit to the farm and enjoying the farm mode of transport. Ben de Villiers, Ullrich Arends (front), Nazeem Hendricks, Charl van Rooyen and Mariette Kotze enjoying a bakkie ride to the orchards.


In March a group of overseas journalists visited the deciduous fruit industry as part of the export market outreach. The group of British and German journalists were treated to picnics, inspections, packhouse tours and the South African orchard experience. Here is the group on Petru du Plessis’s farm, Bon Esperance. Hortgro would like to thank all the South African stakeholders who showed our European cousins what true South African hospitality is. PHOTO: CARMÉ NAUDÉ

Tesco has been named as the South African fruit industry’s Stone Fruit Retailer of the Year for its performance during the 2016/2017 stone fruit season.

The supermarket achieved a record season in both peaches and nectarines, and strong figures in plums and worked with HORTGRO to implement promo-tional activities for consumers and its own staff.

HORTGRO is the association that represents South African stone fruit and top fruit growers and gives the award to one UK retailer every year based on

support and performance during the season.

Presenting the award at the retailer’s head office last month, Jacques du Preez, General Manager Trade & Markets at Hortgro, said: “South African growers are awarding the title of Stone Fruit Retailer of the Year to Tesco for its ongoing support to the stone fruit category and another superb performance during the SA season. This is the third time Tesco has won this award, which is not surprising given its continual focus on achieving excellence in stone fruit.”

Tesco takes STONE FRUIT RETAILER OF THE YEAR award

Jacques du Preez, General Manager Trade & Markets, HORTGRO; James Bradshaw, Technical Manager - UK Produce, Tesco; and Tom Emmett, stone fruit buyer, Tesco.


According to the agreement Culdevco is being tasked with the commercialisation of deciduous fruit cultivars devel-oped by the ARC. This agreement is nothing new and historically dates back to 2006, but has recently expired. Culdevco was established in 2006 when the South African

Deciduous Fruit Industry and the ARC formed a joint venture to commercialise all ARC-bred varieties.

“As with all things, everything changes with time,” said Culdevco Chairperson Dappie Smit. “The environment within which cultivars are being managed and commercialised in the deciduous fruit industry has changed substantially over the past number of years and new negotiations and agreements had to be drawn up that would create a win-win for all parties involved.”

Culdevco will in future evaluate, commercialise and promote ARC cultivars locally amongst growers. “The aim is to keep the home-grown advantage before we commercialise cultivars abroad,” Smit said. The recent launch of Joybells, a new table grape variety, at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, is an example of this approach.

ARC CEO, Dr Shadrack Moephuli, said, “partnerships, such as with Culdevco, enable the ARC to directly disseminate technologies and scientific solutions to farmers and their associated organizations

for use in commercial enterprises; which in turn, facilitates the competitiveness and sustainability of South African agriculture.

“The net effect is market access and sustainable jobs for our society. We therefore hope this agreement will strengthen the relationship/s between Culdevco, the Deciduous Fruit sector and ARC for the growth of South African farmers”

Commercial development of ARC-bred varieties has already made a significant impact on the South African Deciduous Fruit Indus-try. This impact is clearly reflected in the number of new cultivars that have been released to the industry during the last 20 years, as well as the foreign exchange earned through exporting fruit of these cultivars to countries abroad. In total 10 pome (apples & pears) fruit, 11 table grape and 67 stone fruit cultivars have been released to the South African Deciduous Fruit Industry during this period.

Currently there are more than 150 varieties under the manage-ment of Culdevco, which include varieties of apples, pears, plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots and table grapes, as well as apple and stone fruit rootstocks. All these varieties will be of great benefit to the South African Deciduous Fruit Industry as they have been specifically developed for South African growing conditions.

All parties look happy as they sign the new agreement between the ARC and Culdevco. At the back: Prof Bongani Ndimba, Dr Cynthia Motsi, Dr Leon von Mollendorff from Culdevco.

In front, Dr Shadrack Moephuli and Dappie Smit from Culdevco.

ARC AND CULDEVCO PARTNERS AGAINA new agreement between Culdevco and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC)

for a further 10 year period was signed last week in what can be described as ‘a best-practice step to commercialise home-grown’ cultivars locally and internationally.


WATER RISKS FOR POME PACKHOUSESBlue North Sustainability was contracted by the Packhouse Action Group (PAG) to conduct a study on the water risks faced by pome fruit packhouses and cold storage operations. The objectives of the study included:• to identify key water-related risks;• conduct a water use benchmarking study; and• to develop a methodology for the identification and management of water-related risks for pome fruit packhouse and cold storage operations.

This report presents the results of the water-use benchmarking study. This aspect of the project specifically aims to encourage industry knowledge sharing and highlight areas where packhouses can save water.

Data was collected via a standardised data collection tool and then sense checked. Only datasets that passed the sense check were included in the benchmark.

Three areas in pome fruit packhouses and cold storage units were benchmarked. They are:

• Packing Lines – This includes all packing line water consumption of which flume water use make up the majority.

• Cold Storage – This includes Regular Atmosphere (RA) and Controlled Atmosphere (CA) facilities. Cooling tower water consumption made up the majority of cold storage water consumption.

• Ablutions, Canteen & Offices – This benchmark includes water consumption from ablutions, canteen and offices.

WHAT ARE YOUR WATER RISKS?

Pome Fruit Packhouse & Cold Storage

ACROSS POME FRUIT VALUE CHAINS• Water quantity (scarcity) risks are greatest at the supply base, with the potential to impact all stages of the value chain.

Insufficient irrigation water = reduced yields = insufficient volumes through packhouse and cold storage

• Water quality (contamination) risks are present wherever water comes into contact with fruit, directly and indirectly: irrigation; washing of fruit; transport of fruit (flumes); washing of packhouse and cold storage facilities; and domestic water use (sanitation facilities). Contamination risks have the potential to impact all stages of the value chain, directly and indirectly, through restricted access to desired markets.

REFERENCES Gush and Dzikiti (2012). Observations on the water-use, water-use efficiency and total water footprint of a 'cripps pink' apple orchard in the winter rainfall region of the Western Cape. | Blue North Sustainability (2016). Analysis of the water footprint of stone fruit cold storage operations. SOURCE: Modified from Gush and Dzikiti (2012) and Blue North data.

Prepared by Blue North Sustainability

What are your Water Risks? Pome Fruit Packhouse and Cold Storage

•

Direct water risks: packhouse and cold storage (Driver → Mechanism → Impact)

• SA’s annual rainfall is 40% lower than the global average. • 98% of SA’s water has already been allocated. • Water demands are projected to increase by 32% by 2030.

Additional challenges:

• General mismanagement of water resources. • Storage and conveyance inefficiencies. • Contamination of water resources. • Heavily degraded river and wetland ecosystems. • Current El Nino climatic period: Drought. • Longer term shifts associated with Climate Change (already

evident): reduced annual rainfall by 2050 (particularly in western parts of the country); increased frequency of droughts, floods and heatwaves (Midgley, 2016).

Across Pome Fruit value chains

• Water quantity (scarcity) risks are greatest at the supply base, with the potential to impact all stages of the value chain.

Insufficient irrigation water = reduced yields =

insufficient volumes through packhouse and cold storage

• Water quality (contamination) risks are present wherever water comes into contact with fruit, directly and indirectly: irrigation; washing of fruit; transport of fruit (flumes); washing of packhouse and cold storage facilities; and domestic water use (sanitation facilities). Contamination risks have the potential to impact all stages of the value chain, directly and indirectly, through restricted access to desired markets. Source: Modified from Gush and Dzikiti (2012) and Blue North data.

References Gush and Dzikiti (2012). Observations on the water-‐use, water-‐use efficiency and total water footprint of a 'cripps pink' apple orchard in the winter rainfall region of the Western Cape. Blue North Sustainability (2016). Analysis of the water footprint of stone fruit cold storage operations.

• SA’S ANNUAL RAINFALL IS 40% LOWER THAN THE GLOBAL AVERAGE

Water Consumption: Pome Fruit Value Chain


ADDITIONAL CHALLENGES:• General mismanagement of water resources.• Storage and conveyance inefficiencies.• Contamination of water resources.• Heavily degraded river and wetland ecosystems.• Current El Nino climatic period: Drought.• Longer term shifts associated with Climate Change (already evident): reduced annual rainfall by 2050 (particularly in western parts of the country); increased frequency of droughts, floods and heatwaves (Midgley, 2016).

• 98% OF SA’S WATER HAS ALREADY BEEN ALLOCATED • WATER DEMANDS ARE PROJECTED TO INCREASE BY 32% BY 2030

DIRECT WATER RISKS: PACKHOUSE & COLD STORAGE Driver Mechanism Impact


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“In die era waarin ons nou leef sal ons anders moet dink en doen om volhoubare produksie te verseker,” het Anton Rabe, die uit-voerende direkteur van HORTGRO gesê. HORTGRO het die bankiers versoek om met ‘sagter oë’ na produsente te kyk en die drukkende droogte omstandighede in ag te neem wanneer finansieringsbe-sluite geneem word.

Daar is klem geplaas op oesskattings wat van streek tot streek verskil, asook binne streke self. “Dit is belangrik om na die gesonde produksie potensiaal met ‘n hoë persentasie jong bome wat reeds in die grond is, te kyk en elke produsent individueel te evalueer,” het André Smit HORTGRO Steenvrugte se voorsitter, gesê. “Die droogte verg ‘n reeks verskillende praktyke en tegnologië om volhoubaarheid te verseker, daar is nie ‘n ‘silver bullet’ nie. Wat die produkprofiel en gewasse aan betref, sal die bedryf as ‘n geheel moet aanpas.”

Landbou het ’n ‘Dag Zero’ beleef en daar moet begrip vir die rol van landbou in die landelike gebiede met betrekking tot werk-skepping en voedselproduksie wees, het Calla du Toit, HORTGRO pome se ondervoorsitter gesê. “Slimmer en meer effektiewe waterverbruik kan aangewend word, maar sonder water is landbou nie moontlik nie. Alle produsente kyk hoe hulle hul besigheid kan verbeter en daar is baie potensiaal om dit te finansier.” Die droogte het ‘n strukturele verandering in landbou meegebring en om voortuitgang te verseker sal infrastrukture op plase aangepas moet word. Dit sal egter tyd en bykomende beleggings vereis, aldus Du Toit.

Wiehann Steyn, HORTGRO Science se adjunkbestuurder het gesê

dat die bedryf as ’n geheel reeds talle aanpassings gemaak het om meer effektiewe gebruik van water te verseker en te beplan vir ’n toekomstige droër klimaat. HORTGRO se ‘Orchard of the Future’ program fokus op navorsing en die identifisering van toekomstige behoeftes van produsente om hulle met besluitneming ten opsigte van aanplantings en produksiepraktyke te help.

Dit is belangrik dat die bedryf effektief aanhou groei en daar moet na nuwe tegnologië gekyk word om produktiwiteit te verhoog, meen Jacques Du Preez, HORTGRO se bestuurder van handel en markte. Volgens Du Preez kan Suid-Afrika veral na produksieprak-tyke en tegnologie in Europa, Chili en Israel kyk. “Dit is belangrik vir Suid-Afrikaanse produsente om huidige markte te behou asook om nuwe markte in die Midde en Verre Ooste te bekom. Alhoewel die seisoen baie moeilik was ten opsigte van marktoegang is daar steeds geleentheid vir produsente om meer te produseer.” Volgens Du Preez moet die bedryf die korttermyn uitdagings oorkom om die huidige markte te behou.

“Die landbougemeenskap het baie meer aanpasbaar geraak as wat hul gedink het moontlik is,” het Johann Boonzaaier van die Buro vir Voedsel- en Landboubeleid genoem. Weens die waterbeperkings in landbou sal boere moet aanpas en finansiële ondersteuning gedurende hierdie tyd is noodsaaklik sê hy.

HORTGRO het die finansierders verseker dat dié diensorganisasie produsente sal help om volhoubare oplossings te vind ten opsigte van produksiepraktyke en waterbestuur in droogte-toestande deur die gebruik van ’n landbou-ekonomiese databasis en vooruitskou-ingsmodelle. CARMÉ NAUDÉ

’n Afvaardiging van verskillende Suid-Afrikaanse banke het onlangs ’n bedryfsinligtingsessie by HORTGRO se kantoor in die Paarl bygewoon. Die doel hiervan was om die groep bankiers op hoogte te bring met die kwessies

en uitdagings waarmee die bedryf tans worstel gegewe die watersituasie. ’n Beroep is op finansiële instellings gedoen om die uitsonderlike situasie in ag te neem wanneer finansieringsbesluite geneem word.


Retail development and the development of new products more often than not can be traced back to an innovate chef that either “discovered a new ingredient” or was adventur-ous enough to try something out-of-the-ordinary. One can rightly say that they are the catalysts in the development of

new and alternative crops.

So says Ankia Venter, external lecturer at the Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA) outside Stellenbosch. “Food trendsetting starts with the culinary arts as chefs accidentally play a huge role in what kind of crops farmers plant.”

According to Venter what typically happens is that chefs create new dishes that then become popular in the restaurants, over time the consumers expect to see the ingredients and flavour combina-tions in stores, and as soon as there is a demand the retailers go back to the producers to grow crops that retailers want. And that’s how chefs fit into the picture of the development of new and exciting crops.

“This is especially true of crops that are not well-known or not ordi-narily used in dishes, such as pomegranates, figs and pecan nuts.”The culinary arts have therefore become a vitally important link in the retail product development chain. To celebrate this special rela-

tionship the third year students at the ICA were tasked to develop a Middle Eastern flavoured vegan booster salad bowl as part of their practical exam. Three alternative crop associations sponsored the ingredients they were the Pomegranate Association of South Africa (Pomasa), the Fig Producers’ Association of South Africa (FPASA), and the South African Pecan Nut Producers’ Association (SAPPA).

According to Venter this product category embraces a few of the current culinary trends of which Middle Eastern flavours and plant-based diets stand out. The students had to include two of the three sponsored ingredients: figs, pomegranates and pecan nuts, in the products.

Venter said that the students had to start their project by finding inspiration from a culinary tour in the Cape Town city bowl, where after they had to dig a little deeper into the current culinary trends to identify the top three trends that directs their choice of product. They had to develop a healthy dish that could be bought off-the-shelf as well as choose appropriate, but eye catching packaging.

Venter says that retailers are sensitive to what consumers want and watch trends carefully. They also follow global trends, for instance the health trend, very closely and adapt their in-store products accordingly.

Trendsetting starts with ChefsELISE-MARIE STEENKAMP

Left: A plate with the various salads created by the ICA students. Below: Tayla Hayward explaining her dish to the judges.


Left: Samantha White’s green freekeh & broccoli salad with a zhoug dressing and savoury spiced granola. Below: Andrea Swart’s beetroot and quinoa salad with fig and balsamic dressing and spicy caramelized pecans.

Packaged student products (pecan granola, spiced & caramelized pecan nuts, pickled figs and pecan nut and tahini dressing).

“Food trendsetting starts with the culinary arts as chefs accidentally play a huge role in what kind of crops farmers plant.”ANKIA VENTER

“Chefs do this too,” she says. In her opinion the health trend is here to stay. “Every-thing is about healthy and sustainable living. So we have to look at the nutritional value of the products that we use, right down to the anti-oxidant level, vitamins, oils and so forth. Especially products that are non-processed and plant-based diets are currently in vogue.”

One of the students, Samantha White, said that when she develops a new product it is important to present ingredients in the best possible way. “If I use an ingredient that is not well-known I use it in such a way that it appears familiar to the consumer, or they associate it with something familiar such as a fig chutney. According to White many of the alternative crops have fantastic health benefits. “For me it is very important that when you put food in your mouth it also benefits your body. When I create a product I also try to stay in touch with my target market.”

Jenna Hendricks, another final year student said that she found it exciting to work with ingredients that you don’t use ordinarily. “It exposes consumers to new tastes and textures. For me it is important that when you eat a dish you have an all-round positive sensory experience.”

According to Venter professional cheffing is an esteemed form of art. It is based on the profound professional knowledge of food science, combined with personal creativity. The retailers that judged the students’ products agreed with this sentiment and were most impressed with their innovations. Hopefully one of these days you will find exciting products on store-shelves featuring figs, pomegranates and pecan nuts.


Hortgro’s Executive Director Anton Rabe said: “The impact on and contribution of the apple industry to the modern economy of the Western Cape is huge.

This massive industry, which today contributes to more than 45 000 jobs, food security, rural stability, infrastructure and foreign earn-ings, was however built on a small and nearly forgotten historical event of 356 years ago.

We are really proud and privileged to participate in this initiative

to bring the historical plant material back to South Africa and will continue to honour the roots of our industry for many years to come.”

The deciduous fruit industry began noting and celebrating April 17 as the official birth of the apple industry, after Tru-Cape published a book, Apples in the Early Days at The Cape, and replanting heritage apple and pear varieties in the Heritage Orchard at Oak Valley, near Grabouw. This initiative was under the custodianship of Tru-Cape’s new variety expert Buks Nel and quality assurance manager, Henk Griessel, when Roel Pienaar, Tru-Cape Managing Director, joined the company in 2013.

“I knew then that the company was as serious about heirloom vari-eties as it is about developing new and improved apple and pear strains and when the opportunity arose to import the budwood for the original South African apple, the Witte Wijn Appel, it was an easy choice,” says Pienaar.

Griessel explains how they first knew about the Witte Wijn: “Hermann Johann Knoop in Fructologia, described the fruit in 1763 (freely translated from the Dutch) as a large, irregular shape and rough to look at although he added the skin was smooth, coloured red, but sometimes green or yellowish on the one side. “The flesh is soft, very juicy with a good taste. It is a good-looking apple and very tasty when stewed. It is also suitable for making apple wine. The tree is strong and bears well when it becomes older. The Witte Wijn Appel very much resembles the shape of its red namesake but is of rather a whitish green. The taste is also very similar, but not as flavoursome and therefore of less value. It makes a good tree that is reasonably precocious.”

Buks Nel adds that tracking the plant material was a long journey but everyone is looking forward to finally planting the trees in the Heritage Orchard and hopefully, in The Company’s Garden in Cape Town, from where it was first picked.

The Witte Wijn Appel as captured by artist Karel van Biljon in Buks Nel and Henk Griessel’s book: Apples in the Early Days at the Cape.

‘First apple’ picked in SA back on home groundFor the first time in hundreds of years, the progeny of the ‘first apple’ picked at the Cape of Good Hope is back on South African soil. Although the plant material is still in quarantine at a laboratory-facility in Stellenbosch until 2019, the Witte Wijn Appel, the first apple recorded in the diary of the Dutch governor at the Cape as picked in the Company’s Garden on April 17, 1662, has been found in Holland and imported back into South Africa by Hortgro and Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing.


Agri’s got Talent issy Wortelstelsel

In Augustus 2017, by die Agri’s got Talent (AGT) Gala-aand het hy met die tweede plek weggestap, maar sedertdien het sy lewe ingrypend verander.

“AGT het ’n geweldige positiewe impak op my werk en my lewe gehad, en hou steeds aan om positiewe dinge te laat gebeur,” sê Jason. “Op ’n persoonlike vlak het dit vir my selfvertroue en blootstelling gegee om my liefde vir musiek uit te leef. Ek kan myself met ‘n gesonde vrugteboom vergelyk wat alles kry wat hy moet hê om aan te hou groei.”

AGT is die fondasie, die “wortelstelsel” van sy musiekloopbaan, meen hy.

“Nadat ek aan die kompetisie deelgeneem het, het ek onlangs my eerste groot geleentheid gekry toe ek by die Woordfees op Stellenbosch opgetree het. Ek was saam groot name soos HemelBesem, Churchill Naudé en Frieda van den Heever op die verhoog. “Ek moet veral vir Frieda uitsonder en vir haar baie dankie sê vir die geleentheid en dat sy in my geglo het,” sê Jason.

Vir Jason het dié optrede hom opnuut in homself laat glo en het hy sy werk weer met nuwe passie aangegryp. Jason wat vroeër ’n algemene landbou-werker was, is nou junior-assistent produksie-bestuurder by 'n kwekery waar hy appelbome op die plaas Laastedrif buite Ceres, kweek. “Ek is mal oor my werk,” sê hy.

“’n Mens besef dit nie altyd nie, maar alles begin by jou werk en hoe jy oor jou werk voel. Die kompeti-sie het my geleer om leiding te neem in alles wat ek

aanpak en dat ek nie hoef terug te staan vir enigiets nie. Dit is die tipe saad wat mens in jouself geplant wil hê. Vandag kan ek alles wat ek by AGT geleer het in my werksplek toepas.”

Volgens Jason is sy familie baie ondersteunend. “Hulle het nog altyd geweet dat ek ver gaan kom en dat AGT nog maar net die begin was. Hulle was so trots toe ek tweede plek behaal het en moedig my elke dag aan om nie moed op te gee nie. Ook my kollegas by die werk het my as 'n heel ander mens ontvang. Van hulle het nooit geweet van die talent wat in my steek nie. Hulle spot my daagliks oor hoekom ek nog nie oorsee of op die TV is nie, maar my antwoord is: ‘Wanneer die tyd reg is, sal dinge gebeur’.”

Jason se groot musiekdroom is om eendag 'n suiwer Afrikaanse rymkletsalbum vry te stel waar hy moontlik saam met groot name soos HemelBesem, Churchill Naudé, en selfs David Kramer en Boeta Gammie kan werk. “My doelwitte hierdie jaar is om meer op te tree, met die jeug te werk en hulle te inspireer.”

Jason sluit af: “As ek so na my musiekloopbaan kyk kan ek net vir ons Hemelse Vader dankie sê en vir AGT, waar alles vir my begin het.”

Agri's Talent is 'n sosiale opheffingsprojek geborg deur HORTGRO, die VinPro Stigting en die Wes-Kaap Departement Landbou. SATI borg die nasorg-program.

ELISE-MARIE STEENKAMP

Jason Baartman in aksie by die US Woordfees 2018.

Verlede jaar hierdie tyd het Jason Baartman nog gewik en geweeg of hy moet inskryf vir die grootste sangkompetisie in landbou. Met ondersteuning van sy familie het hy die bul by die horings gepak, sy eie rymkletskomposisie geskryf en die WhatsApp-knoppie gedruk.


Participation of black ownership in the value chain of fruit exports has always been a topic of debate. Rather, the lack of it, because fruit packing, logistics and marketing have been somewhat lacking in the transformation which is generally desired in the South African industry.

A fully black-owned packhouse is gaining track in the Vyeboom region and has started packing and shipping its first apples to the Far East. It is a ground-breaking new development which leads the way in transformation in the fruit packing sector.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities in the Western Cape government called it a very proud day for the fruit industry. “A very proud day indeed! Congratulation and may you be blessed with many years of prosperous growth in returns and jobs.

D&M Fresh Products is a family business owned by Derich & Marlaine Priga (D&M), and his family and is located near the Theewaterskloofdam.

In what has now become a mutually beneficial relationship with D&M Fresh Products, South Africa’s Stargrow Group, and specifi-cally its subsidiary Stargrow Development, and the marketing arm, Stargrow Fruit Marketing, are supporting the company to expand its role in the South African industry. “This is part of our clearly declared policy of supporting transformation in the South African fruit industry,” says Michiel Prins, Chairman of Stargrow Group.

“South Africa is now living through exciting political change and our President has asked companies to get involved to help and promote true transformation. We found in Derich Priga a person with passion and commitment, and great skill in fruit packing and we are confident that he will enjoy great success.”

“We entered into a relationship with Stargrow Fruit Marketing last year. This will enable D&M to gain more experience in that field,” says Derich Priga. “We very recently started packing for the export markets for the first time.”

Ismail Motala, who is already in partnership with Stargrow at his

farm Waveren near Wolseley, says Mr Priga’s entry into the value chain of fruit exports is of great significance. “It is a ground-breaking event because this is one area where we have seen little progress.”

Mr Motala is a well-known figure in agriculture and in the fresh produce business. He is, amongst other things, Chairperson of the Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber (DFDC) and the Deciduous Fruit Industry Development Trust (DFIDT), as well as Chairperson of the Western Cape region of the African Farmer Association of South Africa (AFASA).

Fruit from Mr Motala’s farm will soon be packed at the D&M Fresh Products packhouse, but according to Mr Priga growers from the Villiersdorp region are already also supporting his venture. “With our relationship with Stargrow Fruit Marketing we now not only offer packing options for growers, but also become a gateway to a fast growing marketing channel.”

Michiel Prins says Stargrow Development is in the process of plan-ning similar projects with other black farmers in the Western Cape. “On a macro level we are also engaging with communities in areas of high potential for fruit growing in other parts of the country, but these projects represent another challenge altogether.”

From left to right - Marlaine Priga, Marlon Priga, Aliastair Maasdorp from PPECB and Derich Priga.

FRED MEINTJES

Boost for black-owned business in fruit packingsector in Western CapeDerich Priga is changing the face of fruit packing in the heartland of the South Africanapple and pear industry by entering the export value chain


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Ek praat namens honderde tafeldruifboere oor die hele land, in al vyf produksiestreke, waaronder die Hexrivier die spogstreek is. Ek wil sommer aan alle tafeldruifboere vandag eer

bring. Wat ’n voorreg en trots om met julle geas-sosieer te wees en vir julle tot diens te kan wees.

Michael was vir etlike jare op die direksie van SATI, ’n jaar of wat Onder-Voorsitter en enkele maande na my aansluiting by SATI is hy op 8 Mei 2014 tot Voorsitter verkies.

Michael was ’n beskeie, plat-op-die-aarde tafeldruif-boer en sakeman met besonderse natuurlike leiers-eienskappe en medemenslikheid. Hy was ‘n inspi-rerende en ‘n dienende leier. Vir hom was leierskap ‘n aksie, ‘n werkwoord, nie ‘n posisie of ‘n titel nie.

Onder sy leiding was die opdrag eenvoudig – lewer uitnemende diens en maak SATI nuttig en waarde-vol vir die Suid-Afrikaanse tafeldruifboer. Hy het dikwels opgestaan na ‘n direksievergadering en my direk in my kantoor kom vra, “Watter waarde het ons vandag toegevoeg vir die tafeldruifboer op sy plaas en/of in die mark?”

Hy het altyd die belange van die saak wat hy dien en sy medemens bo eiebelang gestel. Hy het die vermoë gehad om fyn en objektief te luister, terwyl hy jou stip aankyk - sy sterk blou oë het so heen en weer gedraai en dan het hy vinnig tot die kern deurgedring, ‘n besluit geneem en gesorg dat dit met oortuiging en waagmoed uitgevoer word.

Heelwat mense en leiers het fisiese waagmoed, daarvan het Michael baie gehad. Sy rugby pêlle sal daarvan kan getuig, meer nog, sy teenstanders. Maar Michael was van die min mense wat ook oor enorme morele waagmoed beskik het. Dit is raar.

Gepraat van eiebelang ondergeskik stel. Michael was daaroor so eerlik en deursigtig. Wanneer ek met ‘n bedryfsuitdaging en voorstel na hom gekom het, bv FCM beheerstrategie, het hy reageer: “Willem, wat jy nou vra pas my nie op Immanuel nie, dit pas my nie by EXSA nie, maar dit is die regte

ding vir die bedryf – kom ons doen dit!"

By SATI, dus die tafeldruifbedryf, het hy hom beywer vir eenheid in bedryfsbelang en het hy ons organisasie geposisioneer as ‘n dienssentrum van uitnemendheid.

Hy het opreg belanggestel in al vyf streke. Onder sy leiding het ons in elk van die streke gaan direksie-vergaderings hou en dan in groepies opgedeel en produsente, klein en groot, gaan besoek om eerstehands te hoor wat hul behoeftes en kritiek is.

Eensklaps het hy die bedryfspolitiek nekomgedraai. Die enigste politiek wat hy net nie kon afskud nie was die Paarl Gim/Boishaai politiek!

Hy was ambisieus en hardwerkend, maar duidelik ook ‘n toegewyde gesinsman en vriend wat waarlik in die welstand van ander belang gestel het en besorg was oor mense se lewens, nie net hul werk nie. Hy het uitgevra en ‘n week later opgevolg: “hoe gaan dit nou met jou seun of dogter?”. Dan het hy ook met trots oor sy eie gesin gepraat en gedeel met ander.

Hy het met elke besoek aan die SATI-kantoor eers elke persoon wat op kantoor was met die hand gegroet en na hul welstand verneem. Hy was ewe gemaklik met ministers, ambassadeurs, plaaslik en oorsee, tot die taxi-bestuurder wat ons laataand na ete hotel toe geneem het. Altyd met ‘n mooi sin vir humor en ‘n vonkel in die oog.

Vir ‘n jongman van 40 laat Michael ‘n indrukwek-kende “LEGACY” na – op die sportveld, in besigheid, op sy plase en in die bedryf, maar die belangrikste is sy vrou, Jana en vier kinders. Dit inspireer ons om dit voort te sit, dit te laat lewe en dit te laat groei.

Namens die bedryf salueer en eer ek vir Michael en dra Jana, sy vier kinders, ouers en alle geliefdes aan die Sorg, Liefde en Trou van ons Hemelse Vader op.

In die woorde van Jan F E Celliers, “Stil, daar gaan ‘n man verby, hy groet, daar’s maar nog een soos hy”.Groete, Michael, ons vriend en Voorsitter.

MICHAEL LAUBSCHER: Tafeldruifboer Sterf

WILLEM BESTBIER

SATI se Hoof Uitvoerende Beampte, Willem Bestbier, het op Donderdag, 29 Maart by Michael Laubscher se begrafnisdiens in die NG Kerk te De Doorns ’n huldeblyk namens die hele bedryf gebring. Michael, SATI Voorsitter, het op 26 Maart in 'n Paarlse hospitaal na ’n ernstige motorfietsongeluk en ’n dapper geveg om die lewe aan die komplikasies en beserings gesterf.


The passing of SATI Chairman Michael Laubscher not only came as a shock to the South African table grape industry but was felt around the world. Michael travelled the globe often, not only for his own businesses as EXSA CEO, but to represent the interest of the SA table grape industry as a whole. The local and international trade media paid homage to Michael while messages of support were sent from near and far.

Many people complimented Michael as a natural born leader. Willem Bestbier, SATI’s CEO said Michael excelled as a leader at school, on the sports field, in business and in the commu-nity. Laubscher had been head student at his high school

Paarl Gymnasium, where he also captained the senior rugby team. At Stellenbosch, apart from excelling academically, he similarly led the University rugby team and helped them win national competitions. He was the leader on the farm Immanuel, CEO of EXSA as well as Chair-man of SATI.

We share a few of the messages in this summary: EXSA director Leon Viljoen described it as “an incredible loss” for the industry, the company and the Hex River Valley community. “He was such a respected person. It is not surprising that all of us, but in particular the younger grower community of which he has been such a central part, are all devastated. As business man and leader of EXSA he was well known and respected all over the world. He really took EXSA to a new level.”

Lucien Jansen, CEO of the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) wrote: “Michael will be remembered for his dedicated service to the table grape industry, the vital role he played as Chair-person of the SATI Board, as well as his never-failing willingness to assist the PPECB. His untimely passing is a loss, not only to the table grape industry, but to the agricultural community as a whole.”

The Produce Marketing Association via it’s General Manager for Southern Africa, Lindie Stroebel, said: “As a young and dynamic leader, he was a valuable asset to the industry, and we mourn the loss along with you.”

Nico van Rensburg, Secretary of the SA Vine Nurseries Association said: “We honour his memory and the big contributions he has made to the table grape industry. We wish you all the strength.”

Prof Maret du Toit, Professor: Department Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University said: “I am very sorry to hear about the great setback at SATI with the passing of Michael. We wish you all the strength as the SATI family to process this and with the road ahead.”

Nicholas Dicey, HORTGRO Chairperson said: “In the difficult time that you and your industry are facing please accept on a personal note and on a broader industry note my condolences on the passing of Michael. Not only has your industry lost a respected and inspirational leader but you have personally lost a friend and confidant in his untimely death.”

Dr Leon von Mollendorf, General Manager at Culdveco said: “We not only lost a leader in the Fruit Industry, but also a friend and gentleman.”

Dappie Smit, General Manager of Dried Fruit Technical Services, said: “We share in your industry’s heartache with the tragic news of Michael’s passing. We continue to pray that his family and loved ones will find the necessary strength to live the life he planned for them.”

Lisa Williams on behalf of Promar International in the UK: “On behalf of Promar International, I would like to extend our condo-lences on the passing of SATI’s chairman – Michael Laubscher. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues during this sad time.”

Max MacGillivray, head of the Great Fruit and Veg Adventure in the UK: “Very, very sad news to hear about the passing of Michael Laubscher. He helped to look after us when we came through South Africa as part of the www.thegreatfruitandvegadventure.com. Lovely. lovely man. Our condolences to you all and his family on this sad occasion.”

LOCAL AND GLOBAL TRADE SALUTES MICHAEL LAUBSCHER

Willem Bestbier and Michael Laubscher.


A Chilean producer Martín Silva, says Tienie du Preez was a “pioneer who brought South African knowledge” to their country. He recounts working with Tienie du Preez, a specialist adviser in the fruit industry – with English translation by Enrique Urrejola from Chile.

With some delay, I have at last found the time to write a few words about our friend Tienie du Preez, who recently passed away in mid-February, after a long fight with cancer. I am doing it because I feel I owe it to him, as many other fruit growers and technicians who knew him and were privileged to learn from him.

Personally, I met him circa 1991 or 1992. The export company David Del Curto, leader of the Fruit Industry at the time, hired him for a consultancy in the San Felipe-Los Andes area. There were some 10 to 15 growers, consultants and agronomists. Tienie, as a “soil scientist”, had asked for a big soil profile, the largest that I had seen so far. On those days, the only one who asked for soil profiles was the great master Alberto Valdés,- probably the person who has seen more soil profiles in our country- but he looked at them from the approach of soil classifying, from his point of view, a less holistic vision, to put it in some way. The soil profile of the story as I remember it was probably some two meters in length, one meter wide, and a depth of one meter twenty or so. In our days, that size for a soil profile is quite normal. Tienie produced his geological hammer (First time we had seen one of those), and spoke to us about irrigation, of white new roots, of water holding capacity, of soil texture, about compaction, distribution of the water in the profile, irrigation methods, as drip or micro sprinklers, nutrition and so forth, all these in that South African English that seems easier to understand for some of us.

As for myself, I must define a before and an after that visit. I had been shown the soil “from the inside” for the first time, and I had been thought the big mistake that we had been making on those times, by considering it only “from the surface”.

With a group of friend agronomists, Luis Giggio Cariola, Luis Ahumada, Matías Kulczewsky, and a very young Jordi Casas, Antonio Morales among others, we began to hire Tienie for half a day, financing it ourselves, each time he came to give consultancy in our country, and we kept doing it for many years.

There is no doubt that he gave a very important input to the Chilean Fruit and Wine industry. I would like to tell two short stories on Tienie that today come to my mind:

The first time on consulting an export company, he comes and gets inside a soil profile, looks at the agronomists surrounding

him, some ten of them, and suddenly gets out of the hole and walks towards the cars. The chief agronomists follows him and asks repeatedly: Tienie, what´s wrong with the consultancy, where are you going? to what Tienie answers: “I´m not here to waste my time, none of your agronomists has notebook and pen to take notes.”

The second story, on a time in which he desperately was trying to make us irrigate less, as over irrigation was killing the roots of our plants, I took him to visit a grower, who under the regular consultancy of another specialist, had the soils extremely humid. He got into the profile, and started hitting the walls with his hammer. Many times while at it, he told us “Let the hammer speak to you”, such meaning that in using the hammer to hit the walls of the profile, the feeling received is first source information. In this particular case, I could notice how with each strike his back was bending, and his temper “short fuse” was preparing to say something hard. He simply asked “Who can explain to me what are you doing here with this amount of water?”. The grower´s answer was that his consultant had told him this and that, to what Tienie answered: “If it were so, various Nobel prices would have turned in their tombs”.

That was the way I met Tienie, very professional, well prepared, “short fuse”, but I must say that he never let me down on a consul-tancy, that there was always something interesting left, and that he was a friend of many Chileans who learned from him and apply until today what he shared with us.

In the vine fields up there, where the best of all wines are elabo-rated, where the best fruit and grapes are being tasted, I am certain that our friend is adding his input, just as we saw him make it here, in our loved Chile. Farewell friend, we will miss you.

TIENIE DU PREEZ – respected as far as Chile


The subject of BREXIT has become something of an all-consuming issue for many in the UK, and not just in the horticultural sector. Hardly a day goes past without some new angle or discussion in the media and political world about what sort of BREXIT we might be heading for.

Almost regardless of the type of BREXIT we end up with, the issues of access to migrant labour and the question of market access with the rest of the EU and the rest of the world, including South Africa, are critical ones to get to grips with.

So, while in the UK the debate over BREXIT will continue, it's worth considering how other parts of the world might be looking at this issue. The UK is probably one of the most international markets in the world, with produce sourced from the rest of the EU, as well as other countries, including South Africa, Chile, Peru, Turkey, Central America, Thailand and New Zealand. Total UK fruit imports are in the region of 3 million tonnes per annum. What happens here in the UK post-BREXIT will have implications for them all, but the full extent of which is still unknown. Based on the insight Promar has developed, it seems that a number of key themes might emerge.

For countries in the rest of the EU, such as Holland, Spain, Italy and France, the UK is an important export market for a wide range of fresh produce. It is highly likely that the growers/ exporters in these countries would want to see a relatively soft BREXIT whereby they still have good access to the UK market in terms of both tariff and non-tariff barriers. And the UK would still want to be able to import freely from them.

At the same time, it is known that all of these countries are actively looking at new export markets in areas such as the Middle East, Africa and SE Asia. In the mid-to-long term, the importance of the UK as a key export partner may have been downgraded anyway. This was beginning to happen with the increasing amount of produce being shipped to Russia before the trade ban was imposed on the EU which began back in 2014.

So, in the short term, it is likely that other EU growers/ exporters would still want good access to the UK market. The real issue here are the noises that are being made by the political heavyweights across Europe. On one hand, saying that they want a constructive finale to the BREXIT talks. On the other, indicating that the UK cannot be seen to leave the EU in a better position than they are now.

In other parts of the world such as South Africa, Chile, Peru, Central America and Oceania, the UK has been a prime export market for many years. However, over the last 10 years and more, there has

been a strong effort to diversify exports to new markets, especially to India, SE Asia, parts of Africa and the Middle East. It is likely that all of these countries will need to negoti-ate new trade arrangements with the UK. In a number of cases, they will already have Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the EU. The simplest thing to do would be to re-vamp the details of this to allow trade to carry on with the UK in a relatively uninterrupted fashion. This would include South Africa.

In particular, countries such as Peru and Chile have developed a high degree of expertise in negotiating free trade deals with other parts of the world. They have shown they can do this in a relatively short period of time. It is likely that they will want to use this expertise to sort out new arrangements with the UK, but at the same time, they have other priorities in emerging markets to contend with too. South Africa, in contrast, has been less successful in developing Free Trade Agreements with other parts of the world.

The question of BREXIT will continue to dominate in the UK over the next 12 months and beyond. In other parts of the world, includ-ing South Africa, the issue will be brought in to sharper focus as time goes by, but in some cases, might not always be the number one priority to deal with. And there are still wider issues beyond access to and from the UK market for all growers and exporters, regardless of source, to contend with. These include the consolida-tion of the supply chain and the development of sustainable and resilient trading arrangements.

This involves areas such as water usage, which is a particular issue in parts of South Africa at the moment, food waste, carbon emis-sions, social and ethical responsibilities and the need to make best use of the opportunities that the digital and online economies will present. BREXIT might be an all-consuming subject for some, but there are numerous other challenges and opportunities for the global horticultural sector to face up to as well. This includes South Africa, as much as anywhere.

John is a Divisional Director with Promar International, the value chain consulting arm of Genus plc and has worked on fresh produce assignments in over 50 countries around the world. Promar has worked on a number of assignments with SATI and other organisations in the South African fruit sector in the past and he can be contacted at the following email: [email protected]

WHAT DOES BREXIT MEAN FOR SOUTH AFRICA & THE REST OF THE WORLD?

John Giles, Divisional Director with Promar

International.


Contact Johan Wiese or Andrew Teubes:Tel: 021 864 1018 Fax: 021 864 3689 e-mail: [email protected] www.vgnurseries.co.za

SUCCESS IS CULTIVATED

Voor-Groenberg Nurseries has the knowledge, integrity and support to ensure your investment in the best plant material for wine, raisin and

table grapes pays handsome dividends.

it doesn’t just happen

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It is the twelfth most populated country in the world (more than 102 million people) and the fourth-largest English-speaking country. It also has one of the youngest populations in the world, with more than two-thirds of the popula-tion under the age of 35. Relatively high population growth (nearly 2% annu-ally) will continue to help drive economic growth for the next several years.

The climate of the Philippines – with the country’s islands spread between Latitudes 200N and 050S is pre-dominantly sub-tropical and tropical and therefore not suitable for fruit crops requiring dormancy in winter. The country's main agricultural crops are rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, bananas, pineapple, coffee, mangoes, and tobacco. Bananas, pineapples, guavas and mangoes are the top fruits exported from the Philippines.

The main features of the Philippines food and fruit market are:• Whereas food and fruit sales are still predominantly handled by “Mom-and-Pop” family outlets (60% of sales) retail sophistication is fast-developing with 30% market share already accounted for by the SM-; Robinson-; Puregold- and Rustan groups dominating the supermarket categories and Seven-eleven; Ministop, Family Mart and Alpha Mart the largest convenience stores.

• Exporters who wish to supply food products to local food retailers may prefer to have an exclusive importer/distributor or engage the services of a trading firm in order to enter the markets. There are no distribution hubs. It is essential to identify importers that can distribute to the three major cities (Manila, Cebu and Davao).

• Although infrastructure has improved, there is a long way to go for achieving inter-national standards. Traffic congestion in urban areas, particularly in metro Manila increases distribution cost. The high cost of inter-island shipping makes imported products more expensive in areas outside Manila.

• Sea freight to the Philippines from South Africa takes approximately three to four weeks, with transhipment points in Singapore or Hong Kong. Manila is the main port, followed by Cebu (Visayas) and Davao (Mindanao). Sea freight is generally used by most ex-porters. Airfreight is an option for perishables, but available space on flights is at a premium.

• Due to insufficient cold chain infrastructure in the Philippines, products should be packed to withstand extreme heat and humidity.

• The main fruit imports into the Philippines are Apples (47%), Table Grapes (15%) and Mandarin type citrus (13%). The 2016 value of imported table grapes amounted to USD 50 million – 160% up from 2012.

THE PHILIPPINES MARKET FOR TABLE GRAPES The Philippines – a 7 600 island country with a population of 102 million and a recent annual growth rate

of more than 6 % is a potential high value importer of South African table grapes. As the tropical/subtropical climate of the Philippines is not conducive to significant local production of

table grapes it is fully reliant on imported product to supply the needs of its growing middle-class population.

HOPPIE NEL

Contact Johan Wiese or Andrew Teubes:Tel: 021 864 1018 Fax: 021 864 3689 e-mail: [email protected] www.vgnurseries.co.za

SUCCESS IS CULTIVATED

Voor-Groenberg Nurseries has the knowledge, integrity and support to ensure your investment in the best plant material for wine, raisin and

table grapes pays handsome dividends.

it doesn’t just happen

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Figure 1: The islands and major regions of the Philippines.

Manila •

Vigan •

Bagulo •LUZON

VISAYAS

MINDANAO

MALAYSIA

Sulu Sea

PALAWAN

MINDORO

Celebes Sea


The principal trade indicators for table grape exports can be summarised as follows:• The Philippines, in comparison to its regional counterparts, have experienced the most significant increases in value of table grape imports since 2012. Its customs based import prices however compare poorly with that of its counterparts (Table 1).

The main exporter of table grapes to the Philippines is the USA (> 60% of the market share in 2106). Exports from Australia (19% market share) have grown significantly and the implementation of free trade agreements in 2010 has given Australia a competitive edge it did not formerly have against other international producers. Chile maintains a constant annual market share of around 13%.

• The principal varieties imported by the Philippines from the USA, Australia and Chile are tabled in Table 2 - in descending order of popularity.

• It could therefore possibly be concluded that South African export-

ers should (when granted market access) focus their export effort to the Philippines on white varieties such as Thompson and Sugraone and red varieties such as Crimson and Flame. However, like all our competitors, South Africa will need to look at higher volume exports of new generation varieties to keep abreast of our competitors.

• According to http://www.iqonsulting.com/website/prensa/index.php?p=3&id=375&lang the “new” varieties bound to renovate the export dynamics of the Chilean table grape industry will possibly be Timco and Sweet Celebration in red grapes and Arra 15 and Timpson (ripening about 10 days earlier than Thompson) in white.

• The monthly import volumes from the three main exporters are illustrated in Figure 2. It seems as if monthly import volumes are essentially determined by the availability of supply. It can reason-ably be assumed that if supply is freely available a monthly demand of at least 6 000 tons can be assumed – therefore indicating a theoretical import gap of 20 000 tons available for South Africa

Table 2: Table Grape varieties exported from the main exporters to the Philippines. (SOURCES: CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPE COMMISSION; AUSTRALIA TABLE GRAPE ASSOCIATION INC. AND FOUNDATION PARA DESARROLLO FRUITICOLA FDF)

USA Australia ChileWhite Red White Red White Red

Thompson Red Globe Thompson Red Globe Thompson Red Globe

Perlette Flame Menindee Crimson Perlette Flame

Autumn King Ruby Seedless Calmeria Flame Ribier

Princess Crimson Ralli

Sugraone Vintage Red

NOTE:This article was condensed

from a comprehensive report on the Philippines’ table grape market.

A copy of the report is available from SATI www.satgi.co.za

Importers Tons Quantity Value: Annual Annual Share imported Unit USD/ton growth growth in world in 2016 in value: in value: imports 2012- 2015- (%) 2016 (%) 2016 (%)

World 4242175 Tons 2046 2 3 100

China 252396 Tons 2495 12 7 7.3

Hong Kong, China 236493 Tons 1945 5 5 5.3

Viet Nam 73238 Tons 2848 23 18 2.4

Indonesia 63221 Tons 3116 14 41 2.3

Thailand 148347 Tons 1003 9 10 1.7

Korea (Republic) 48730 Tons 2976 2 -28 1.7

Japan 33671 Tons 2926 9 72 1.1

Taipei, Chinese 29376 Tons 2424 15 30 0.8

Malaysia 30510 Tons 2177 25 23 0.8

Singapore 17864 Tons 2858 0 1 0.6

Philippines 31184 Tons 1596 31 49 0.6

Table 1: Table grape imports by SEA countries in 2016 in comparison with world imports (SOURCE: ITC TRADEMAP)


(and Peru/Argentina) in the months January to April.

• The average monthly prices achieved by the three main exporters in 2016 are indicated in Figure 3.

In terms of market access:• Countries currently exporting table grapes to the Philippines are apparently not subjected to very strict phyto-sanitary restric-tions (probably due to the Philippines having low levels of own temperate fruit production). Cold-steri protocols are seemingly not required but pest–free status is required in some cases.

• South African table grapes does not currently have formal access to the Philippines.

o Once official import status is achieved via bi-lateral agreements between the RSA and Philippines governments it is anticipated that the Philippines will essentially be a permit market with well-defined

import regulations administered by the Bureau for Plant Industry (BPI) and the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) – both under the auspices of the National Department of Agriculture. The BPI have also established a well-defined set of rules for the imports of fresh fruit which can be easily achieved by South African exporters, provided that bi-lateral agreement is reached, for us to export under the BPI permit.

• In the Philippines, the average most favoured nation (MFN) tariff applied to imports is 6,71 percent. Current average tariffs for fresh fruit imports vary between 7 and 15%. The implementation of the Australia/New Zealand Free Trade Agreement with the Philippines in 2010 has given Australia a competitive edge.

• Philippine food regulations and standards generally follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All food products must be registered with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration. Imported prod-ucts may be registered only by a Filipino entity (importers).

Figure 3: Monthly variance of import prices for table grapes in Philippines. (SOURCE: ITC TRADEMAP)

Figure 3: Monthly variance of import prices for table grapes in Philippines (Source: ITC Trademap)

In terms of market access:

• Countries currently exporting table grapes to the Philippines are apparently not subjected to very strict phyto-‐sanitary restrictions (probably due to the Philippines having low levels of own temperate fruit production). Cold-‐steri protocols are seemingly not required but pest–free status is required in some cases.

• South African table grapes does not currently have formal access to the Philippines. o Once official import status is achieved via bi-‐lateral agreements between the RSA and

Philippines governments it is anticipated that the Philippines will essentially be a permit market with well-‐defined import regulations administered by the Bureau for Plant Industry (BPI) and the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) – both under the auspices of the National Department of Agriculture. The BPI have also established a well-‐defined set of rules for the imports of fresh fruit which can be easily achieved by South African exporters, provided that bi-‐lateral agreement is reached, for us to export under the BPI permit.

• In the Philippines, the average most favoured nation (MFN) tariff applied to imports is 6,71 percent. Current average tariffs for fresh fruit imports vary between 5 and %. The implementation of the Australia/New Zealand Free Trade Agreement with the Philippines in 2010 has given Australia a competitive edge.

• Philippine food regulations and standards generally follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All food products must be registered with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration. Imported products may be registered only by a Filipino entity (importers).

Note: This article was condensed from a comprehensive report on the Philippines’ table grape market – A copy of the report is available from SATI (www.satgi.co.za).

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

USD/Ton

Average monthly prices achieved by exporters

United States of America Australia Chile

Average monthly prices achieved by exporters

Figure 2: Monthly import volumes for table grapes by Philippines. (SOURCE: ITC TRADEMAP)

• The principal varieties imported by the Philippines from the USA, Australia and Chile are tabled in Table 2 -‐ in descending order of popularity.

USA Australia Chile White Red White Red White Red Thompson Red Globe Thompson Red Globe Thompson Red Globe Perlette Flame Menindee Crimson Perlette Flame Autumn King Ruby Seedless Calmeria Flame Ribier Princess Crimson Ralli Sugraone Vintage Red

Table 2: Table Grape varieties exported from the main exporters to the Philippines (Sources: California Table Grape Commission; Australia Table Grape Association Inc. and Foundation para Desarrollo Fruiticola FDF)

• It could therefore possibly be concluded that South African exporters should (when granted market access) focus their export effort to the Philippines on white varieties such as Thompson and Sugraone and red varieties such as Crimson and Flame. However, like all our competitors, South Africa will need to look at higher volume exports of new generation varieties to keep abreast of our competitors.

• According to http://www.iqonsulting.com/website/prensa/index.php?p=3&id=375&lang the “new” varieties bound to renovate the export dynamics of the Chilean table grape industry will possibly be Timco and Sweet Celebration in red grapes and Arra 15 and Timpson (ripening about 10 days earlier than Thompson) in white.

• The monthly import volumes from the three main exporters are illustrated in Figure 2. It seems as if monthly import volumes are essentially determined by the availability of supply. It can reasonably be assumed that if supply is freely available a monthly demand of at least 6 000 tons can be assumed – therefore indicating a theoretical import gap of 20 000 tons available for South Africa (and Peru/Argentina) in the months January to April.

Figure 2: Monthly import volumes for table grapes by Philippines (Source: ITC Trademap)

• The average monthly prices achieved by the three main exporters in 2016 are indicated in

Figure 3.

010002000300040005000600070008000

Tons

Philippines: Monthly imports -‐ Table Grapes

United States of America Australia Chile

Philippines: Monthly imports - Table Grapes


A single application of Multicote® Agri controlled-release fertilizer provides your young trees with a balanced nutrition over months, supporting establishment and enhancing growth.

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Boerdery was niks nuuts vir die aandeel-houers van Vergelegen Packing wat in 2009 met behulp van staatshulp die plase

Vergelegen en Quickstep naby die Breederivierval-lei bekom het nie. Op daardie stadium het hulle almal op tafeldruifplase van AJ Reyneke of De Villiers Graaff in die Hexriviervallei gewerk en amper almal kom van families wat al vir generasies met grond werk.

Tog het die groep besef dat hulle jare se werk-servaring, hulle nie voorberei het om ’n land-

boubesigheid te bestuur nie. “Ons het besef dat groepseenheid en goeie verhoudings met ander landbou-rolspelers die sleutel tot ons sukses was,” sê Hendrik Davids, besturende direkteur van Imdawo Ekhulhle, die maatskappy waaronder die besigheid geregistreer is.

Davids sien die feit dat bykans al die aandeelhouers op plase in die Hexriviervallei grootgeword het en ’n passie vir landbou het, as ’n sterkpunt: “Ons gedeelde geskiedenis maak dat ons mekaar beter verstaan en skep ’n gevoel van eenheid, wat brood-

FOTO’S DEUR GLENNEIS KRIEL

GLENNEIS KRIELVergelegen Packing wys wat gedoen kan word wanneer grondhervormings-begunstigdes ernstig is oor besigheid en met die regte vennote verbind word.

Bo: Die plase lê naby Eilandia, tussen Worcester en Robertson in the Breederiviervallei.

Regs: Logan von Willingh, Cindy Bosman en Hendrik Davids is deel van die span wat opgelei word om die volle bestuur

van die plaas teen 2020 oor te neem.

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1. Moisture penetrates the polymer capsule.

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Haifa South AfricaPO Box 1409, Brackenfell, 7561, South Africa | Tel: 021 982 0309 | Fax: 021 981 7637 | www.haifa-group.com

Scan the code for detailed informationhttp://www.haifa-group.com/MC_Agri_JuvenilleE/Reg. Nr. K 8834 (Act 36 of 1947)


nodig is wanneer groot besluite geneem moet word.”

Besigheidsbesluite word gereeld met die aandeelhouers bespreek om hulle op hoogte van sake te hou. Die plaasbestuur vergader ook kwartaalliks met die direkteure van elk van die sewe trusts wat ’n belang in die maatskappy het en is direk verantwoordbaar aan die direkteure. Verder word geen onderskeid getref tussen aandeelhouers wat vir die projek werk en arbeiders wat nie aandeelhouers is nie.

Oor die afgelope drie jaar is bonusse uitbetaal, maar nie dividende nie aangesien al die winste gebruik is om skuld af te betaal of om die volhoubaarheid van die plase te verbeter. “Ons doel is om by 2020 honderd hektaar onder tafeldruiwe te hê en die pakhuis uit te brei om 500 000 kartonne te hanteer,” sê Davids.

Hulp van buiteDie regering het ’n groot aandeel in die groep se sukses. “Behalwe LRAD befondsing waarmee die plase gekoop is, het ons CASP befondsing vanaf die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Landbou gekry wat gebruik was vir herstelwerk aan ’n dam, die opgradering van ons pakhuis en die aanplanting van 18,5 ha onder wingerde,” sê Davids.

Tussen 2013 en 2017, het die Suid-Afrikaanse Tafeldruifbedryf

(SATI) en Culdevco ook gehelp om die besigheid meer volhoubaar, kompeterend en in werklikheid winsgewend te maak, deur al die plantmateriaal te verskaf vir die vervanging van ou wingerde en nuwe aanplantings.

Die groep is verder deur baie suksesvolle kommersiële produsente ondersteun. “Die plase kon in ’n groot las vir ons verander het as dit nie vir Reyneke, Graaff en die Karsten Groep was nie. Verbeel jou jou droom om ’n plaas te besit word bewaarheid, maar jy kan nie die plaas onderhou nie. Hierdie mense was meer as ons mentors, hulle het ingespring om leemtes te vul wat die staat nie op daardie stadium kon nie,” sê Davids.

Die groep het byvoorbeeld gesukkel om produksiefinansiering te kry, omdat die staat gestipuleer het dat dit eerste opsie moet het as die groep sou besluit om die plaas te verkoop. Graaff het egter tot hulle redding gekom met ’n produksie lening van R15 miljoen, waarvan R11,5 miljoen nou al afbetaal is.

Daar was 46 ha onder tafeldruiwe by Vergelegen en niks wingerde by Quickstep toe die plase gekoop is. Die lening, tesame met befondsing en ondersteuning van SATI en Culdevco, was gebruik om produksie uit te brei en om al die ou wingerde te vervang met variëteite wat in groter vraag is en beter in die omgewing aard. Dauphine, La Rochelle, Regal, Red Globe en Victoria wingerde is gevolglik met Crimson Seedless, Flame Seedless, Derali Seedless,

Links: Toesighouers by die pakhuis van links is: John Winnaar, Bongani Gqadu, Christiaan Davids en Sidney Booysen.

Onder links: Martha Thomas, Caroline Mlabo, Carol Conradie en Elmarie Mylord doen kwaliteitsbestuur by die pakhuis.

Onder regs: Die plase lê naby Eilandia, tussen Worcester en Robert-son in the Breederiviervallei.


Tawny Seedless, Scarlotta en Joybells vervang.

Waar Graaff hulle gehelp om wingerde en die kwaliteit van die druiwe te verbeter, het die Karsten Groep winsgewendheid ’n hupstoot gegee deur die groep se vrugte te bemark en te verkoop. Vergelegen Packing se uitvoere het van 160 000 tot 242 000 kartonne gegroei sedert Karsten by Graaff oorgeneem het in 2013.

“Tesame hiermee het hierdie bedryfsleiers vir die groep direkte toegang gegee tot die diensverskaffers wat bygedra het tot hulle eie sukses. Hulle is ook nie so emosioneel betrokke by die besig-heid soos ons nie, wat hulle toelaat om objektiewe advies te gee,” sê Davids.

Beter toekomsDie besigheid het baie mense se lewens verander. “Ons was plaasarbeiders met amper niks op ons naam nie. Nou het ons ’n plaas. My aanstelling as besturende direkteur van die besigheid het gelei tot persoonlike groei wat langer sou neem om te kry as ek vir ’n ander maatskappy moes werk,” sê Davids.

Sy dogter, Cindy Bosman, is ook ’n aandeelhouer in die besigheid. “Die besigheid inspireer my tot nuwe hoogtes. Ek het begin as ’n sekretaresse by De Hoop van waar ek bevorder is tot finansiële klerk. Verlede jaar is ek verplaas na Vergelegen Packing as die

assistent-boekhouer. Die plase is nie net ’n bate vir ons nie, maar ook ons kinders en miskien hulle kinders se kinders,” vertel sy.

Vir Logon von Willingh, junior produksiebestuurder by Vergelegen Packing, het die besigheid nie net sy droom bewaarheid om ’n plaas te besit nie, maar ook om sy passie uit te leef om ’n verskil in ander mense se lewens te maak.

“Hier kom baie jongmense op die plaas werk. Ek probeer hulle toerus met vaardighede wat hulle nie net sal help om ’n goeie werk vir ons te doen nie, maar ook nuwe werksgeleenthede vir hulle sal ontsluit. Mense besef nie hoeveel goeie vooruitsigte daar vir mense in landbou is nie,” sê hy.

Hy het bygevoeg dat Davids baie moeite gedoen om hom op te lei: “Danksy Davids se ondersteuning en al die opleiding wat ek tot nou ontvang het, is ek gereed om die leisels by hom oor te neem as dit moet.”

Vergelegen Packing doen ook baie om die lewenskwaliteit van arbeiders te verbeter. Die plase is vêr uit die naaste dorpe, so vervoer word verskaf aan arbeiders wat in die dorpe bly. Verder is nuwe kamers aangebou aan arbeidershuise en warmwater geisers en televisie-skottels geïnstalleer om die lewe vir hierdie arbeiders te verbeter.

Vir meer informasie e-pos Hendrik Davids by [email protected]

Regs: Bianca Mathys pak Crimson Seedless-tafeldruiwe vir die uitvoermark.

Onder links: Freek Sas pluk Crimson Seedless-tafeldruiwe.

Onder regs: Martheleen Olivier, Jane Winnaar, Patricia Hansen en Lia Dempers is lynbestuurders by die pakhuis.

54 PROMOSIE | JUNIE/JULIE 2018

Port Elizabeth, 11 April 2018. Mpact, one of the largest paper and plastic packaging manufac-turers in southern Africa, today announced the

official opening of its new corrugated factory in Port Elizabeth (PE). The company held an on-site ribbon-cutting ceremony with customers, Mpact Directors and employees in attendance.

“I am pleased we were able to deliver a complex project of this nature on time and within budget. The Mpact employees and our partners on the project worked hard to ensure this achievement,” said Johan Stumpf, Mpact Corrugated Managing Director.

Stumpf added, “The expansion builds on Mpact Corrugated’s national manufacturing footprint which enables us to consistently offer the highest levels of quality and service to our customers, many of whom are here to celebrate this milestone with us today.”

“Coega Dairy has been associated with Mpact in Port Elizabeth since its inception. Over the years

Mpact has supported us with product development, innovation and supply chain management. So today it’s a great pleasure to congratulate Mpact with its new facility and we look forward to a long relation-ship with the company,” commented Victor Korsten, CEO of Coega Dairy

Mpact’s R100 million investment in Port Elizabeth is centered on a new state-of-the-art corrugator supplied by industry leading German machine supplier, BHS. The new machine more than doubles the factory’s capacity while also improving qual-ity, production efficiencies and key sustainability metrics such as energy usage.

In the final phase of the project, Mpact will be installing a fully-integrated printing and converting machine as well as a flat-bed die-cutter. “This work is progressing well and is on schedule for completion during the second half of 2018” added Stumpf.

In the recent past Mpact has invested extensively in customer aligned strategic projects that position

Mpact opens state-of-the-art corrugated plant in Port Elizabeth

New BHS Corrugator

Investment of

over R100 million

geared towards

fruit sector growth

in Eastern Cape.

55JUNE/JULY 2018 | ADVERTORIAL

In front of the Roller doors to the new machine: Peter Smith (Technical Advisor), Johan Stumpf (MD), Kelvin Viljoen (GM), Bruce Strong (CEO), Malusi Malinga (Factory/Manufacturing Manager).

the Group well for growth. “Our capital investments across the Group such as the one here in Port Elizabeth, the recently commissioned R765 million Felixon paper mill project and the new R100 million jumbo bin injection-moulding machine are all geared towards ensuring our customers get the best quality products that are worth their price.” said Bruce Strong, Mpact Group CEO.

As the largest recycler in South Africa, Mpact also epitomizes the circular economy, substantially reducing the amount of waste going to landfill each year. “Last year we opened a new facility for recycling paperboard-based milk and juice cartons, an invest-ment of R50 million. This goes hand-in-hand with our extensive paper recycling business and our PET bottle recycling plant which was commissioned in 2015 and today supplies recycled PET for use in new beverage bottles,” added Strong.

The expansion of the Port Elizabeth plant is part of Mpact Corrugated’s extensive modernisation programme which has included investments of more than R800 million over the past six years.

“As a true measure of sustainability it is worth noting that Mpact’s Port Elizabeth factory has been in business for nearly 100 years. This investment demonstrates that we remain deeply committed to serving our customers in the Eastern Cape for many years to come,” Strong concluded.

For further information contact:

FREDA HATTINGH Mpact Operations

Tel: 011 994 5502

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.mpact.co.za

ABOUT MpactMpact is one of the largest paper and plastics packaging

businesses in southern Africa, with leading market positions in

recovered paper collection, corrugated packaging, recycled-based

cartonboard and containerboard, polyethylene-terephthalate

(“PET”) preforms and trays, recycled PET (“rPET”) and plastic jumbo

bins. These market positions allow Mpact to meet the increasing

requirements of its customers and achieve economies of scale

and cost effectiveness at the various operations.

Mpact has 41 operating sites, of which 22 are manufacturing

operations, in South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique.

Sales in South Africa account for approximately 89% of Mpact’s

total revenue for the current year while the balance was

predominantly to customers in the rest of Africa.

As at 31 December 2017 Mpact employed 4,889 people

(December 2016: 4,998 people).

56 TEGNOLOGIE HORTGRO | JUNIE/JULIE 2018

57JUNE/JULY 2018 | TECHNOLOGY HORTGRO


Management of western flower thrips has been a thorny issue for deciduous fruit producers for many years. Thrips outbreaks are sporadic and difficult to predict,

while most of the damage occurs early in the season during flowering and fruit set. Chemi-cal control of thrips during this time needs careful management due to the presence of bees and other pollinators during flowering. A push-pull strategy, where thrips are lured away from the fruit crop by an attractive trap crop and simultaneously repelled from the fruit crop by a non-toxic repellent substance, presents an attractive alternative which also complies with market demands for residue free fruit.

Research, funded by SASPA, NRF-THRIP and the Agricultural Research Council, was conducted at ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, in collaboration with Rothamsted Research in England, to determine if white clover (Trifo-lium repens) could be used as a trap crop for western flower thrips in plum orchards.

The volatile aroma compounds of white clover flowers and those of plum blossoms (balloon stage and fully open) were shown to be highly attractive to western flower thrips. Research conducted in Canada and the USA showed that apple and nectarine blossoms are also highly attractive to western flower thrips. The fact that plum and other fruit blos-soms are so attractive to western flower thrips means that just planting white clover as a trap crop will not be sufficient to lure western flower thrips away from the blossoms, unless combined with some kind of deterrent or repellent in the orchard.

Laboratory studies at ARC Infruitec-Niet-voorbij further demonstrated that the plant essential oils methyl salicylate, thymol and carvacrol significantly reduced western flower thrips egg-laying in plum blossoms. Reduc-tion in egg-laying ranged from 59% to 83%. Different concentrations of methyl salicylate, thymol and carvacrol were applied separately to individual plum blossoms.

Methyl salicylate occurs in plants like winter-green (Gaultheria procumbens), while thymol and carvacrol are major compounds in thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and oregano (Origanum vulgare). These plant essential oils showed potential to provide the “push” element in a push-pull strategy.

To test the potential use of these plant essential oils in a push-pull strategy in semi-field and field trials, a major challenge regarding the formulation of the oils must be overcome. These oils are highly volatile and because they are difficult to maintain in stable suspensions, some phytotoxic damage to blossoms occurred at higher oil concentra-tions in the laboratory bio-assays. Stable suspensions or formulations are required to provide sustained release of behaviourally effective concentrations of the essential oils without phytotoxic effects. Micro- or nano-encapsulation could solve the problem of delivering effective doses of essential oils in a sprayable form without phytotoxic effects.

SummaryResearch identified a potential trap crop (white clover) and three plant essential oils (methyl salicylate, thymol and carvacrol) that could be used in a push-pull strategy to

ELLEUNORAH ALLSOPP & MURIEL KNIPEARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij

IS A PUSH-PULL STRATEGY FORWESTERN FLOWER THRIPS FEASIBLE?

Fig. 1. Volatile aroma compounds of plum blossoms and white clover flowers were captured by means of airentrainment.

Fig. 2. The attractiveness of the volatile compounds of clover and plum flowers to western flower thrips females was tested in an olfactometer.

Fig. 3. A single western flower thrips female was enclosed with each blos-som in small ventilated cages and the number of eggs laid was determined after 48 h.


manage western flower thrips in deciduous fruit orchards. Research to develop a suitable formulation for these essential oils is required before the use of white clover and the essential oils in a push-pull strategy against western flower thrips can be tested in the field.

For further information, contact Elleunorah Allsopp at [email protected] or 021 809 3007.

Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) causes pansy spot damage in apples, plums and nectarines (deciduous fruits) when the females lay eggs in the ovaries during flowering (A). On plums this may also result in shallow pits forming in the developing fruit (B).

Thrips larvae feeding on the young fruitlets cause superficial scarring damage (C), while thrips feeding on ripening fruit cause silvering damage (D).

A B

C D


The question asked by many producers are: “Which tool should I use” and “Will the information generated by the tool be accepted internationally?”. A brief analysis

of the different tools and why the Confronting Climate Change (CCC) tool should be your tool of choice is outlined below.

What tools are available?There are many carbon emission (CO2e or GHG)

calculators available online and as desktop tools that can perform the process of collecting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data for an agri-business and generating a report. The value of these tools for the farmer or facility manager include raising awareness of the main sources of GHG emissions within the agri-business, as a basis for reporting GHG emissions to stakeholders further down the supply chain and most importantly to explore and evaluate possible mitigation options (Green et al., 2017).

Due to the proliferation of carbon emission calculators, it is impor-tant to find one that is relevant to

your farming enterprise. The ques-tion remains as to what GHG calcula-

tor to use? It is suggested that the four step process developed by Colomb et al.

(2012) be followed when choosing a carbon emissions calculator for your agri-business. This

four-step process is included as Figure 1 left.

LORREN DE KOCKConfronting Climate Change

Figure 1: The four-step process as developed by Colomb et al. (2012) that can be followed to select a carbon emissions

calculator for your agri-business. There are different kinds of carbon emission tools available globally and all can be grouped

into a specific typology depending on the requirements of the user.

Some global and regional calculators are listed in Table 1 on page 61 accord-ing to the requirements of the user.

Which carbon calculator to use for my farm or agri-business?


Aim of user Calculators and geographical zone of application

Raising awareness Carbon Calculator for New Zealand Agriculture and Horticulture (NZ), Cplan v.0 (UK); Farming Enterprise GHG Calculator (AUS); US cropland GHG calculator (USA).

Reporting Landscape tools ALU (World); Climagri (FR), FullCam (AUS).

Farm tools Diaterre (FR); CALM (UK); CFF Carbon Calculator (UK); IFSC (USA), Confronting Climate Change (ZA).

Project evaluation Focus on carbon Farmgas (AUS), Carbon Farming tool (NZ); Forest tools: TARAM (world), credit schemes CO2 fix (world).

Not focussed on EX-ACT (World); US AID FCC (Developing countries), CBP (World), carbon credit schemes Holos (CAN), CAR livestock tools (USA).

Market and product Cool farm tool (World); Diaterre (FR), Confronting Climate Change (ZA),orientated tools LCA tools and associated database (SimaPro, ecoinvent, LCA food etc.)

How do I choose?

STEP 1: DEFINE YOUR AIM

For individual farming businesses, a combination of Reporting and Product orientated tools are generally required. Effective reporting of the GHG emissions is crucial and is used as a decision support for better resource efficiency and emission mitigation.

For farming and agro-processing systems, the reporting is per functional unit and takes the form of the apportioning of GHG emissions in various ways:

• Total GHG emissions for farming entity (no disaggregation);

• GHG emissions per productive (or non-productive) hectare;

• GHG emissions per unit of yield (per kg fruit or per litre milk produced).

Ensure that the reporting includes these indicators and an added benefit would be the emissions per activity in order to identify hotspots within your business.

STEP 2: DEFINE YOUR GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AND LOOK IF ONE OR SEVERAL SPECIFIC CALCULATORS ARE AVAILABLE.

If a calculator has been developed for a specific region then it also

has the correct emission factors for inputs and activities for that region and will provide a more accurate result. A carbon calcula-tor found freely online is more than likely a generic tool used for multiple farming activities on a global scale which will not provide the accuracy and granularity of a regional one.

STEP 3: CHECK THAT THE SCOPE (PERENNIAL, ANNUAL CROPS, LIVESTOCK, LUC ETC.) OF YOUR CALCULATOR IS ADAPTED TO YOUR AIM (Table 1). IF THE LOCAL CALCULATOR IS NOT ADAPTED, YOU WILL HAVE TO CHOOSE MORE GLOBAL CALCULATORS.

The data entry and computational capabilities need to be appro-priate to the activities within your business. A data entry system that doesn’t include inputs such as fertiliser or pesticides (organic farming) or needs information on livestock will not be suitable for a mainstream fruit farming system.

Also ensure that the period over which you are collecting data is relevant to your crop output e.g. a year is applicable to perennial tree crops but not for cash crops such as vegetables or castor oil for example.

Table 1: The table above provides a list of GHG calculators that can be used in various geographical location and accordingto the various aims for determining your GHG emissions.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 62


STEP 4: CHECK YOUR TIME AND SKILLS AVAILABILITY.

The time required to collect data and complete the tool is very important as this is generally constrained at farm level. This goes hand in hand with the complexity of the tool and whether training is required. However, generally the more accurate and credible tools which provide detailed reporting require some time and training the first time round. Once the processes are in place these activities can be completed in much less time and combined with other data collecting for other auditing activities.

Concluding remarks:In conclusion, this four step process can be used when selecting an appropriate GHG emissions tool for your agri-business. In addition, ensure that the calculator is based on credible protocols such as the IPCC or GHG Protocol and has been exter-nally reviewed either by academic institutions or independent institutes such the Carbon Trust or the GHG Management Institute. An added advantage would be if the tool can provide you with a detailed identification of the hotspots in your business as well as a benchmark to measure yourself against and to assist you with setting carbon emission reduction targets.

Calculating your carbon emissions can take a considerable amount of valuable time and effort, especially the first time round, so selecting the right calculator with all the necessary credentials will be worth it.

References:COLOMB, V., BERNOUX, M., BOCKEL, L., CHOTTE, J.-L., MARTIN, S., MARTIN-PHIPPS, C.C., MOUSSET, J.J., TINLOT, M., ET AL. 2012. Review of GHG Calculators in Agriculture and Forestry Sectors: A Guideline for Appropriate Choice and Use of Landscape Based Tools. 43. Available: http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/ex_act/pdf/ADEME/Review_existingGHGtool_VF_UK4.pdf.

GREEN, A., LEWIS, K., TZILIVAKIS, J. & WARNER, D. 2017. Agricultural climate change mitigation: carbon calculators as a guide for decision making. International Journal of Agricul-tural Sustainability. 15(6):645–661. DOI: 10.1080/14735903.2017.1398628.

Confronting Climate Change’s

carbon emissions calculator definite-

ly ticks all the boxes if you are a fruit

or wine producer in South Africa and

require a product carbon footprint!

Please feel free to contact Lorren de Kock: [email protected]

if you would like to obtain more information on carbon calculations or visit the Confronting Climate Change site:

www.climatefruitandwine.co.za

63JUNE/JULY 2018 | ADVERTORIAL

New NOVAP Water Saving TechnologyThe NOVAP Sub-Surface Water Diffuser is a 100% South African product that delivers optimised water efficiency.

Contact NOVAP on 021 905 0010 / 082 711 3552 [email protected] or visit www.novap.co.za and facebook.com/novap.co.za* Full report available on request

ADVERTORIAL

Micro irrigated block, lower foliage growth, smaller berries and uneven colouration.

Novap irrigated block, lush foliage, bigger and firmer berries and even colouration. (Photos taken on the same day).

Designed specifically for our conditions, NOVAP irrigation supplies water to the plant’s deep root system to eliminate evaporation. Thorough product testing on a variety of crops shows a water saving of 40-70% without loss of production or quality.

In a recent Western Cape trial, 1 ha of table grapes under micro irrigation was changed over to NOVAP irrigation. A total water saving of 56,8% was recorded along with 31,5% better yield than the adjacent micro irrigated areas*.

The NOVAP Sub-Surface Water Diffuser is a compact plastic unit that can be attached to your existing dripper system and installed at the optimum depth for the specific crop. (Typically 250 mm under the soil surface). It then supplies water and liquid fertiliser at a steady rate for maximum uptake, and the artificially created underground water table negates evaporation.

In our test we found that through NOVAP irrigation the soil temperature at root level was far more constant at an average of 18-22˚C. In the areas where micro irrigation was used, soil temperatures dropped to as low as 13˚C and took much longer to reach optimum temperatures for production. Several chlorophyll tests were run on the mature leaves of the various vines and here the NOVAP irrigated vines showed up to a 7,4% higher chlorophyll count.

Visually the differences in foliage growth, fruit size and colouration of the grapes were immediately evident. With the NOVAP irrigation we achieved a much more constant and earlier colour than the micro irrigated vines.

NOVAP’s secondary advantages include:

• Reduced electricity use

• Cost savings on equipment maintenance (pumps, filters, etc.)

• Less humidity within the canopy, thus less disease (i.e. powdery mildew and Botrytis) and less chemical sprays

• Reduced use of liquid fertilizer since all fertigation is applied directly at root level

• A cooler mesoclimate

• Better rootstock penetration which optimises the uptake area for the total plant

64 TEGNOLOGIE CRI | JUNIE/JULIE 2018

J.J. Bester CRI

EXTENSION BRIEFS FOR

JUNE & JULY '18

M.C. Pretorius CRI

J.J. BESTERM.C. PRETORIUS

W. MOMMSEN

Wayne Mommsen CRI

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT False codling moth S.D. MOOREAll fruit remaining on trees after harvest must be removed and destroyed. This is because FCM activity does not cease during winter and any remaining fruit can therefore serve to facilitate this activity. In addition, this winter fruit creates a reservoir of inoculum of FCM for the following spring. Conversely, removal of all fruit after harvest can dramatically reduce FCM levels in the follow-ing season. Fruit fly numbers can also build up on unharvested fruit.

Packhouses must continue to implement all aspects of the FCM risk management system (FMS) for fruit destined for the EU, as diligently and accurately as possible. For example, grading of fruit on the packing line must be conducted as stringently as possible. Packhouses should not hesitate to slow down the line speed to enable more careful scrutiny of fruit. Additionally, a designated inspection table should preferably be installed just before final grading and sizing of fruit. These should be equipped with excel-lent lighting as per the recommendations provided at the CRI postharvest workshops in January and February. Staff appointed to conduct such inspec-tions and grading must have 20/20 vision and should be properly trained and incentivised to do the most reliable and accurate job possible. Realise also that PPECB pallet inspections are a critical component of the FMS in assisting to filter out infested fruit and therefore full cooperation must be given for this to be conducted thoroughly and accurately.

Red scale T.G. GROUTThose growers who have experienced red scale problems during the past season should consider applying narrow distillation range horticultural mineral oils as these comprise the most IPM-compat-ible treatment option for red scale. The optimal period to apply this treatment is from budswell to budburst (mid-July to mid-August). The concentra-tion to be used is dependent on the grade of the oil to be applied (generally 1.0 – 1.25% medium grade oil). When spraying oil, care must be taken to apply the oil as a full cover, film wet spray. Trees to be sprayed must also not be under any stress. Other treatments for red scale would normally be applied in August, September or after petal fall and will be discussed in later editions of Extension Briefs.

Ant control T.G. GROUTAnts are usually indirect pests on citrus and interfere with the behaviour of natural enemies, sometimes protecting and even transporting pest species. The winter months are a good time to control ants before honey-dew-producing pests such as aphids increase on the spring growth flush. Trees should also be skirt-pruned to prevent branches from touching the ground later in the season when bearing fruit.

NA-OES PRAKTYKE P.J.R. CRONJÉVir die voorkoming van na-oes fisiologiese afwykings is die korrekte produksiepraktyke, soos bemesting en besproeiing, asook snoei, uiters belangrik. Daar is egter gedurende die oes en pak-proses kritiese faktore waarop gelet moet word wat die voorkoms van skildefekte, asook algemene vrugkwaliteit kan beïnvloed. Bepaal die optimum plukvenster vir elke kultivar per boord deur ŉ maand voor die beplande oesdatum met rypheidindek-sering (interne kwaliteit en skilkleur) te begin. Daar moet gepoog word om die temperatuurlading op die vrug te beperk vanaf die plukproses tot in die pakhuis, deur die vrugte se veldhitte so gou as moontlik te verwyder (bv. deur vrugte gouer te “drench”). Die paklyn het ŉ invloed op skilkondisie, asook die voorkoms van skildefekte, en dit is belan-grik dat detail aandag aan alle bewegende dele, bv. rollers en borsels, asook waks-tipe en aanwending geskenk word.

Ontgroening is ŉ belangrike aspek van die sitrus na-oes hantering en moet optimaal bestuur word. Dis belangrik om te besef dat daar ŉ interaksie tussen kultivar, vrugrypheid en die effektiwiteit van ontgroening bestaan. As vrugte te vroeg (onvoldoende kleur-ontwikkeling aan boom) in die ontgroeningskamer geplaas word, sal die verlangde kleur nie ontwikkel nie en vrugte neig om ŉ geler of bleker voorkoms te kry. Gedurende ontgroening is daar egter aspekte wat streng beheer moet word, nl. etileen konsentrasie (1-3 ppm), temperatuur en relatiewe humiditeit (95%+).

Optimum ontgroeningstemperatuur

Satsuma mandaryne 18 tot 21°C

Clementine en Nova mandaryne 19 tot 22°C

Nawel lemoene 21 tot 23°C

Ander lemoene 23 tot 24°C

Pomelos en suurlemoene 24 tot 25°C

65JUNE/JULY 2018 | TECHNOLOGY CRI

Ontgroen altyd meer sensitiewe vrugte teen die laagste temperatuur. Die etileenbehandeling is die effektiefste as vrugte van dieselfde kleur gelykertyd behandel word. Die tydperk van die behandeling moet ook so kort as moontlik wees. Hou die CO2 vlakke onder 0.3% (3 000 dpm) deur die ventilasie sodanig te stel; hoë CO2 vlakke verlangsaam die ontgroeningsproses deur as kompeterende inhi-beerder teen etileen op te tree. ŉ Stadiger ontgroen-ingstempo sal ŉ verlenging van die tyd in die ontgroeningskamer vereis en ’n verkorte rakleeftyd tot gevolg hê. Vir meer informasie raadpleeg die “Common defects associated with degreening of citrus” deur Krajewski en Pittaway, wat bestel kan word van CRI in Nelspruit (kontak Bella 013 759 8000).

Die koueketting se invloed op die vrugkwaliteit is van kardinale belang en sal nie net die voorkoms van skildefekte beïnvloed nie, maar ook algemene kwaliteitsaspekte soos vrugfermheid en rakleeftyd. Die belangrikste faset van die koueketting is dat dit nie onderbreek mag word nie, m.a.w. as vrugte tot op die verlange temperatuur verkoel is, mag die temperatuur nie weer styg nie.

CROP AND FRUIT QUALITY MANAGEMENT P.J.R. CRONJE & O.P.J. STANDERMaturity indexing: Maturity indexing on mid-season to late cultivars should commence. Maturity indexing is done to predict the rate of change in fruit maturity in order to harvest fruit at an optimal maturity. The aim is to define changes or rate of change in acids and sugars and to build up a database over a number of years. Random sampling of fruit every week from each of ten representative trees should start 4 to 6 weeks before the expected harvest date. Titrat-able acidity is determined by titration with sodium hydroxide, sugar content (Brix) is determined using a refractometer, the sugar:acid ratio calculated and fruit colour should be read from a colour chart. All the parameters mentioned above should be plotted on a graph over time. Once plotted, trends will become apparent, harvest dates can be estimated and prob-lem areas in internal and external quality parameters can be identified and manipulated.

Degreening & postharvest rind disorders: The two publications; Common Defects Associated with Degreening of Citrus by Andy Krajewski & Tim Pitta-way, and Postharvest Rind Disorders of Citrus Fruit by Paul J. R. Cronje are a must for any grower. Both are

available from CRI. Contact Bella Thulare013 759 8000, [email protected].

Pickers training and monitoring: Picking bags should always be carried on the side of the waist to avoid crushing of fruit between the body and the ladders, bins or trees. Picking bags should at all times be free of leaves, shoots or sand and kept dry throughout. To avoid lesions on fruit, finger nails of pickers should be short and scissors and ladders handled correctly i.e. no long stems and limited contact between ladders and fruit. Picking of low-hanging fruit as well as collecting of dropped fruit should be avoided. At each bin, two sorters should be stationed wearing gloves and fruit quality of each picker monitored via the sorters, by an appointed team leader.

Pruning: Pruning for early and mid-season cultivars should be done as soon as possible after harvest. All of the following should be removed during prun-ing: old, broken and dead shoots/twigs; weak and entangled shoots crossing each other or hanging downwards; any rootstock regrowth, water shoots and excessive regrowth from main frame shoots on the inside of the tree. Light levels of above 30% of full sunlight are necessary for optimal photosynthesis - at least one “window” cut should be made to allow adequate light distribution and improve bearing wood. Increase in photosynthesis and light distribu-tion will lead to increased fruit size and internal fruit quality (Brix°), better fruit colour development, increase in rind integrity as well as a more uniform fruit distribution across the tree. Pruning can also be used as a thinning technique: prune more heavily after a light crop if a heavy crop is expected and when the orchard has a history of alternate bearing. A follow-up prune of regrowth in the summer is of critical importance. Pruning tools should always be sanitised with 10% Jik when moving from one orchard to another. Pruning also ensures better spray penetration during pest and disease control and much more cost-effective spraying.

Flower induction: Citrus trees require a rest period of about 6 weeks to ensure that adequate flower induc-tion takes place. The two mechanisms involved in floral induction in citrus involve (i) low temperature, or (ii) controlled-drought stress, both to ensure no root activ-ity. In the absence of low-temperature rest, citrus trees should be exposed to controlled-drought stress for a 4 to 6 week period during June and July if possible.


POSTHARVEST PATHOLOGY K. LESAR, W. DU PLOOY & P. FOURIEWhile most packhouses now enter their peak time, important and basic practices such as sanitation and fungicide application must not be neglected.

Packhouse sanitation The main aims of this practice are: 1. to remove any infected fruit from the packhouse environment 2. to sanitise surfaces with appropriate treatments. These actions will reduce the inoculum (spore) levels, and the risk for future infections and fungicide resistance development.

Surfaces that should be considered in sanitation• Packline surface – treat daily with QAC, but rinse with clean water afterwards; alternatively use chlorine or SOPP.• Fruit surface – one of the first steps, when entering the packhouse, should be a fruit disinfectant treatment. Chlorine is the most popular active for this. Remember to manage the Cl concentration, pH and ORP.• Floors &walls – wash weekly with quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). Include the packhouse, degreening rooms and cold rooms.• Orchard bins and picking bags – wash regularly.

Sources of inoculum (spores)• Waste fruit – have a protocol in place to remove these fruit a.s.a.p. and to keep it in sealed containers.• Juice fruit – these fruit are often treated with fungicides, sits in the packhouse area for some time till shipping to the juicing plant, and therefore holds a resistance risk.• Retention samples – fruit was also treated with fungicides and holds a similar resistance risk as above.• Post degreening fruit – degreening conditions are hugely favour-able for disease development and unfortunately, some sporulating fruit are often tipped into the packhouse system.

Recommendations that can reduce the risk for infection and/or resistance development:• Treat all harvested fruit a.s.a.p., but within 12 - 18 hours as most

fungicides cannot control infections older than a day. This is now more important than ever with the loss of guazatine.• Don’t let fruit stand from Friday afternoon to Monday morning without any fungicide protection.• Degreen fruit for the absolute minimum period of time.• Do not exceed the volume limit of your packline: exceeding the limit will result in accelerated agitation and movement of the fruit, which, in turn, will reduce the efficacy of sanitation and fungicide treatment.o Fruit will move too quickly through the various control points:- The chlorine treatment = poor disinfection, spores surviving.- The fungicide dip tank = loading suboptimal residue, poor infec-tion control.- The wax applicator = poor wax deposition on the fruit = suboptimal residue loading, poor moisture retention, negative impact on quality.• Limit the time from harvest to pack and eventual introduction to the cold chain.

Some advice in managing retention fruit• Have a dedicated person managing this task.• Fruit should be evaluated every day, decayed fruit noted on the carton and removed.- These infected fruit should be placed in a plastic bag immediately, and the bag sealed tightly – this is to reduce the risk of releasing inoculum (spores) into the packhouse atmosphere.- Fruit in retention samples have been treated with fungicides, and holds a serious resistance risk if spores are spread into the packhouse- Green mould sporulation inhibition is a very important criterion to note, as the loss of sporulation inhibition is indicative of either fungicide resistance or poor fungicide application. To prevent spores spreading from these infected fruit, fruit exhibiting sporula-tion inhibition should be kept in sealed transparent plastic bags and incubated for another week to rate sporulation inhibition.- When the sporulation inhibition rating is concluded the bagged fruit must be destroyed (with the bag), well away from citrus orchards and packhouses to prevent spores from entering any production area.

BEMESTING / FERTILISATION J.T. VAHRMEIJER & J.G.K. COETZEE

Blaarontleding / Leaf analysis The very last opportunity to get leaf analyses done is in June and July. Leaf analysis is still the best diagnostic method to measure the nutritional status of the trees.

Grondontledings / Soil Analyses Soil analyses should be done annually and preferably during the same time as leaf analyses. A good practice is to take soil samples from the same spot every year to ensure that an accurate historic dataset is developed for the soils. Sampling areas can be marked with GPS coordinates.

Other analyses If manure or compost is used as a fertiliser source, then the material should be analysed to determine the nutrient value of the organic material. The amount of organic material applied is determined by the amount of nutrients that is available in the compost or manure. Normally the nutrient content of organic

material is much lower than inorganic fertilsers and therefore high quantities of organic material are applied. Be careful that excessive nutrients or toxic amounts of other elements are not applied.

Bemesting / Fertilisation The fertilisation programme is compiled from results of both soil and leaf analyses. Potential yield is used as an indicator for the amount of fertiliser to be applied. Use historic yield data to determine a realistic target yield.The fertilisation programme for the 2018 crop starts in July or August 2017, depending on the production area, and is usually completed by November (where micro-sprinklers are used) or Janu-ary (where drippers are used). Due to the properties of the specific chemical ion, the properties of the soil and the physiological requirements of the trees, certain basic rules should be adhered to when applying fertilisers to citrus.

See table opposite on page 67


• Do not keep fruit for longer than the shipping period.Ideally, the retention room should be some distance away from the

clean area in the packhouse, and should be totally enclosed with controlled access. This room should be cleaned and treated with a QAC at least once a month.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 66

Mikrospuite/Micro-sprinklers

Dien die meeste N gedurende Julie tot September toe. Die aantal toedi-enings word bepaal deur die totale massa kunsmis wat toegedien moet word en die klei-inhoud van die grond. Die beginsel vir sproeibemesting of hand- en meganiese toediening bly dieselfde.

Dien al die organiese materiaal soos kompos, kraal- of hoendermis gedurende Julie tot Augustus toe. Genoeg tyd moet gelaat word sodat 70% van die stikstof teen Oktober vrygestel is.

Use only single or double supers and apply it in a narrow strip of about 5 cm wide, below the drip line of the trees.

Wanneer sproeibemesting gebruik word, kan dit teen 100 g K per boom per toediening oor die hele lengte van die siklus toegedien word. Wanneer meganies of met die hand uitgestrooi word, word een (leem- tot kleigronde) tot drie (sandgronde) toedienings gedurende die lente/vroeë somer gemaak.

The most critical time for a deficiency would be August to October. Therefore when gypsum is required, apply it during August or September.

Dolomitiese kalk, magnesium-hidroksied of –oksied kan in die lente, vroeë somer of herfs toegedien word.

Sulphur deficiency has the most devastating effect on fruit set. Where a deficiency is present, apply the sulphate during July to August. Mainte-nance applications are done during spring or early summer.

Low biuret urea to stimulate blossom or improve the quality of the blossom.Low biuret urea to supplement the nitrogen supply

Om die suur-inhoud van die vrugte te verminder.Om die TOV van die vrugte te verhoog.Om dunner en gladder skille te gee.

Potassium nitrate to stimulate blossom or improve the quality of the blossom.Potassium sulphate to supplement the K supply

Potassium nitrate to supplement the K supply

Waar ŉ tekort ondervind word.Instandhouding

Usually only recommended to correct a deficiency

Druppers/Drippers

Die beginsel is soos die vir mikrospuite maar die massa word verdeel in ŉ groot aantal toedienings wat tot Desem-ber strek. Die meeste N moet egter nog steeds in Julie tot September toegedien word, en die toedienings moet nie veel langer as Januarie aanhou nie.

Die huidige metode is om die totale massa organiese materiaal te verdeel en gelyke massas bo-op elke drupper te plaas. Dit moet gedurende Julie/Augustus gedoen word.

Use a water soluble source like mono ammonium phosphate (MAP) or phosphoric acid and apply it over an extended period (4 to 5 months) at low concentrations.

Dien die aanbevole massa kaliumnitraat, -sulfaat of –chloried oor ŉ periode van 3 tot 6 maande gedurende Julie tot Desember toe.

Calcium nitrate is the only suitable source and must be applied during August or even July to September/October. The application can however be extended to December. Remember to take into account the nitrate component of the calcium nitrate when calculating N fertilsation.

Magnesiumnitraat of –sulfaat word ook oor ŉ periode van 3 tot 6 maande toegedien. Die nitraat word gewoonlik vroeg en die sulfaat na Oktober toegedien.

Magnesium-, potassium or ammonium sulphate are the sources and the application is timed to fit the requirement of these four elements.

July or early August

October to February

6 weke na blomblaarval.6, 4 en 2 weke voor oes.

July or early August

August/September for the best results and up to February for maintenance.After fruit drop to December

Julie en weer in Oktober.Oktober tot Desember

May to July, before flowering.

Blaarbespuitings word gebruik om tekorte reg te stel of om die bome se fisiologie te manipuleer. Vir manipulasie is dit hoofsaaklik lae biuret ureum of kaliumnitraat wat gebruik word. Beide bespuitings moet 6 tot 8 weke voor die 50% blom-stadium toegedien word. Dit is meestal Julie of vroeg Augustus.

Element

N

Organiese materiaal

P

K

Ca

Magnesium

Sulphur

N

P

K

Mg, Zn, Mn, B en Mo

Cu

TimingElement


Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), also called insect parasitic nematodes, are effective and safe biocontrol agents against a wide range of pest insects. They occur in all soils and deliver an important ecosystem service as natural suppressors of the soil stages of many pest insects. The infective juvenile (IJ), which is the only free-living stage that occurs in the soil environment is very resistant to adverse conditions in the soil and can survive for several months without feeding. It is this stage that is used for application in insect control. The main interest in EPNs as biological control agents revolves around their ability to seek out their host in hiding places, where they are capable of causing host mortality within two days. In addition, nema-todes can be commercially produced, formulated and can be used in combination with chemicals in an integrated pest management system.

False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta, life stages that could be targeted by using EPNs, include the final-instar larvae, the prepupae, pupae in the cocoon, and the emerging moth. The life cycle of FCM is approximately 25-60 days, of which the soil

stages span approximately 14-16 days, depending on the prevailing temperature, which offers a long window period for the use of EPNs.

Very little research on the use of EPNs to control FCM has been published. In a previous study, final-instar larvae were shown to be highly susceptible to all indigenous EPN isolates, while emerging moths could also be infected with nematodes, adding to the long-distance dispersal of nematodes. Heter-orhabditis bacteriophora was found to be the most frequently encountered EPN in local citrus orchards and therefore the species of choice to be used for the control of FCM.

The main aim of this study was to determine the control potential of EPNs against FCM under field conditions. The effect on FCM mortality directly after application was determined, as well as the field persistence of nematodes for different periods after application.

In the second field trial, the immediate effect of the application of H. zealandica at much lower concen-trations, and with a longer field exposure resulted in FCM mortality of ≈ 80% being achieved, including

Excellent results in the control of false codling moth in field trials using entomopathogenic nematodesA.P. MALAN1, S.D. MOORE2,3

1Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University; 2Citrus Research International; 3Rhodes University

Adapted from ISSN 1021-3589 [Print]; 2224-8854 [Online] Malan, A.P. and Moore, S.D. Evaluation of local entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick, 1913), in a citrus orchard in South Africa. African Entomology 24(2): 489–501 (2016) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4001/003.024.0489

SUMMARYFalse codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta, is one of the most important insect pests

of citrus and potentially other crops in South Africa. The only treatment currently directed towards the soil stages of FCM are entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). However, on a very small scale.

Laboratory bioassays using orchard soil with Heterorhabditis bacteriophora showed that as few as 3 nematodes could kill 50% of the test larvae and 59 nematodes were needed to kill 90% of larvae.

In a field trial, 20 IJs/cm2 of H. bacteriophora caused 90% mortality of FCM larvae, immediately after application with some persistent control even after 21 days. With the field application of a second nematode, H. zealandica, higher than 80% mortality was obtained using only 5 IJs/cm2

originally applied and still being active after 35 days. Field trials showed local EPN species to have great potential for control of the soil stages of FCM, with the added possibility of good persistence.


This is what your active ingredient would look like

through the microscope!

DID YOU KNOW?EPNs work together with symbiotic bacteria, responsible for killing the

insect, and bio-converting the inside of the insect into a food source for itself. The bacteria in turn then serves as a food source for the nematodes. The bacteria causes the infected FCM larva to turn red, seen halfway

removed from a soil cocoon below.

DID YOU KNOW? The soil stage of false codling moth could be 12-16 days

depending on temperature, giving a wide window of opportunity to use entomopathogenic nematodes for their control.

In the picture infected larvae retrieved from the soil cocoons are shown.

with the lowest concentration of 5 IJ/cm2. However, no further FCM control was obtained after 21 days (Fig. 2). As H. zealandica were applied at low concentrations to a limited area around each treatment tree, it is assumed that in nature, without hosts being available to enable recycling, the IJs would likely dilute through the soil to the normal background levels found in nature. In whole-orchard application, a longer persistence of nematode would be expected. In another South African study, the naturally occurring H. zealandica in a citrus orchard in Nelspruit, led to 59% less fruit infestation with FCM, compared to infestation in a citrus block treated with a nemati-cide (cadusafos) Manrakhan et al., 2011.

In the third trial using 10 IJs/cm2 for each of the three EPN species, it was found that S. khoisanae did not perform well in comparison with the other two species, while H. bacteriophora and H. zealandica gave compa-rable results (Fig. 3). Persistence of the applied EPNs was good, showing the best control of FCM by H. zealandica, followed by H. bacteriophora and then by S. khoisanae. After 49 days, control was < 30% for all three species. The higher persistence of the three different species, when applied at lower concentrations, in comparison to the previous two trials, can be ascribed to the application of EPNs to a larger area around the tree. This could have slowed down the horizontal and vertical move-ment of the nematodes, which would have led to slower dispersal from the application area, as nematodes have the potential to live for several months in soil without a host.

The rapid decline in IJs after application may be in part, due to the presence of the natural enemies of EPNs in the soil, such as fungi and bacteria, some of which have been shown to respond to nematode augmentation in a density-dependent manner. The impact of nematode antagonists can reduce the applied nematode population rapidly. Other research undertaken has shown that relatively little is known about EPN

MAIN FIELD TRIAL RESULTS

TRIAL 1: Control > 90% of buried FCM larvae,

2 days after application of H. bacteriophora and control for up to 14 days.

TRIAL 2: Control > 80% of FCM larvae,

6 days after application of H. zealandica with no further control after 21 days.

TRAIL 3: Control for H. bacteriophora ≈

80% and for H. zealandica ≈ 60% with very good control after 35 days.


ecology or biology in the field after inundative application. Learning more about the interactions that occur in the soil food web, especially in relation to EPNs, should provide opportunities for improving the biological control of FCM.

The limited amount of research that has been conducted to date on the control of FCM using EPNs indicates that nematodes might well be exceptionally good biological control agents against FCM. However, much research is still required to ensure reliable control in all the different citrus-producing areas of South Africa. In Florida, the use of nematodes on a commercial scale against the citrus root weevil has given better results than chemicals, although it was found that the level of suppression achieved varied greatly. The role of nematodes in the Florida ecosystem, and how indigenous nematodes interact with exotics, as well as with the rest of the biological component of the soil, requires investigation.

Since FCM is a key pest in South Africa, EPNs should be tested for their field efficacy in an IPM system. FCM is an insect with several genera-tions per year, offering year-round availability as a host for EPN, thus increasing the possibility of persistence in citrus orchards. Currently, soil treatment for FCM with EPNs is employed on a very limited scale. There is thus great potential for expanding their use as an additional tool for the reduction of FCM populations in orchards. In addition, EPN is a biological control agent that should be effective against high numbers of host insects, which should facilitate a high level of nematode reproduction, and hence persistent control. The ability to target a host with up to six generations per year, the high susceptibil-ity of FCM to EPNs, and the persistence of the EPNs in the soil after application, as seen in the results obtained in the current study, means that EPNs could play an increasingly important role in the successful control of FCM.

AcknowledgementsThe authors would like to thank Citrus Research International (CRI) and the National Research Foundation Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (NRF-THRIP TP2011060100026) for funding the project and D. Nel, Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University and K. Pringle for their assistance with the statistical analyses.

Additional readingMALAN, A.P. & MOORE, S. 2011. Entomopathogenic nematodes show excellent poten-tial to control soil stages of false of false codling moth and can use the adult moth for aerial transport over long distances. South African Fruit Journal 10 (6): 64-67.

MANRAKHAN, A., DANEEL, J-H. & MOORE, S.D. 2014. The impact of naturally occurring entomopathogenic nematodes on false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepi-doptera: Tortricidae), in citrus orchards. Biocontrol Science & Technology 24: 241–245.

GAUGLER, R., GREWAL, P., KAYA, H.K. & SMITHFIOLA, D. 2000. Quality assessment of commercially produced entomopathogenic nematodes. Biological Control 17: 100–109.

Fig. 1. Percentage infection of late-instar false codling moth (FCM) larvae after field application of 0 , 20 , 40 and 80 Heter-orhabditis bacteriophora infective juveniles per cm2. Mortality by infection was evaluated after 2, 7, 14, and 21 days.

Fig. 2. Percentage mortality for late-instar false codling moth (FCM) larvae, 7, 21, and 35 days after the inoculation of Heterorhabditis zealandica at concentrations of 0 , 5 , 10 and 20 infective juveniles per cm2 in the citrus orchard.

Trial 3. Percentage mortality for late-instar false codling moth (FCM) larvae, 6, 21, 35, and 49 days after application of water only , Steinernema khoisanae , Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and H. zealandica in a citrus orchard at concentrations of 10 IJs/cm2.



Deur die jare is heelwat ondervinding opgebou om die produksie probleme wat ondervind word met die kultivar so vêr as moontlik uit te skakel.

Onderstam keuses Growweskil suurlemoen gee baie goeie opbrengste en is uiters geskik op sand tot leem grond. Die brix is egter laer in sekere jare wanneer dit baie reën en die internekwaliteit haal dan nie die Midknight standaard nie.

Carizzo citrange vaar goed op sand tot klei grond met ŉ beter brix verhouding indien dit met grow-weskil suurlemoen vergelyk word. X639 vaar baie goed op leem tot klei grond.

Swingle citrange vaar goed op sand tot klei grond. Maar soos in die geval van growweskil suurlemoen onderstam sal die brix nie die Midknight standaard haal gedurende hoë reënval jare nie.

Boom groei op sanderige gronde is uiters swak waar C35 onderstam gebruik word. Verdwerging kom voor en op herplant gronde is die verdwerging baie meer ernstig. Die produksie per boom is egter goed. Boomgroei is beter op klei grond maar die verdwergende effek kom steeds voor.

MXT onderstamme produseer baie swak oeste selfs op ouer bome. Boomgroei is wel baie goed maar selfs ringelering en pro-gibb bespuitings verhoog nie oes opbrengste nie. Hierdie onderstam kombi-nasie moet eerder vermy word.

Boom spasieëring Die aanbevole aanplant-ings spasieëring is 6 m x 3 m. Heelwat probleme is ondervind indien bome nader aan mekaar geplant sou word veral tov die skadu effek van naburige bome wat gevolglike laer oeste tot gevolg het. Nouer spasieëring het ook ŉ nadelige effek op doeltreffende plaag- en siektebeheer bespuitings.

Snoei praktyke Midknight bome dra hoofsaak-lik vrugte aan die binnekant van die boom daarom is dit krities om genoeg lig penetrasie in die boom te skep om hierdie gedrags patroon te bevoordeel.

Swak gesnoeide bome waar nie voldoende lig penetrasie voorkom nie dra dit by tot swak drag binne die boom en laer opbrengste.

Midknight bome moet elke jaar gesnoei word. Sny vensters in sodat sonlig selfs tot teen die hoofstam kan deurdring. Indien daar elke jaar gesnoei word is dit net nodig om een of twee takke uit te haal. Drastiese snoei sal wel die boom in ŉ vegetatiewe groeifase stimuleer en dit sal ten koste wees van drag. Deur korrek te snoei word daar gepoog om die ideale dra area per hektaar te skep en daardeur ŉ egale vrugset te verkry. Hergroei en droë hout moet deur die jaar verwyder word en somersnoei word dus as standaard toegepas.

Oesperiode Aangesien Midknights ŉ middel-seisoen variëteit is en feitlik saadloos is moet die oes in Nelspruit area voltooi word voor die einde Augustus. Wanneer later ge-oes word sal die volgende oes nadelig be-invloed word. Indien daar om een of ander rede later ge-oes word kan nitraat toedienings vier weke voor oes toegedien word om sodoende te voorkom dat die reserwes van die boom te laag daal.

Klimaat Baie hoë temperature gedurende en net na blom is nadelig vir vrugset. Temperature in die Nelspruit area kan soms vir daar opeenvolgende dae hoër as 40°C wees wat die oes dan nadelig be-invloed.Baie warm droë weer gedurende Desember / Januarie veroorsaak vrug “split”. Midknights is ook meer gevoelig vir vrug “split”

Produksie van Midknight Valencia in die Nelspruit / Karino areaMidknights word reeds vanaf 1973 suksesvol in die Laeveld verbou. Die redes hoekom midknights hier suksesvol verbou word kan aan baie faktore toegeskryf word. Een van die uitstaande faktore is klimaat. Hierdie area word beskou as ‘n matig tot warm area, sekere jare mag dit baie warmer as die norm raak.

Midknights word beskou as ŉ ronde, stewige hoë kwaliteit vrug met goeie interne kwaliteit, (brix en sap persentasie), goeie kleur en vruggrootte en met baie goeie uitvoer persentasies.

JAMES WARRINGTON [email protected]


vergeleke met ander lemoen variëteite. Die krakies kom hoofsaaklik voor aan die bloment en aan die sykant van die vrug.

Pro-gibb bespuitingsŉ Standaard Pro-gibb @ 7,5 dpm word tydens 70-90% blomblaarval gespuit. Indien baie hoë temperature voorkom tydens blom kan die konsentrasie verhoog word na 10 dpm. Meer blaarval kom voor na die bespuitings wanneer daar tydens koeler tye of selfs saans gespuit word. Die blaarval probleem is egter weg laat baar.

Oes opbrengste Opbrengste word nadelig be-invloed indien baie hoë temperature, > 40°C tydens blom ervaar word of indien laat geoes word, einde Augustus of wanner lae N- waardes tydens blom beskikbaar is en selfs wanneer verkeerd of glad nie gesnoei word nie.

Opbrengste word positief be-invloed deur matige temperature tydens blom, goeie snoei praktyke en voldoende N- vlakke (ener-gie) direk voor blom. Om die maksimum energie tydens blom beskikbaar te hê moet bemesting reeds 4 tot 6 weke voor blom toegedien word. Indien die energie eers na blom beskikbaar is word swakker oeste geset.

Opbrengste vir groeiende bome, ongeveer vier tot agt jaar oud, is gemiddeld 20 - 50 ton/Ha. Oesopbrengste vir volwasse bome wissel tussen 50 - 80 ton/ha. Oesopbrengste kan wissel indien uitskieter jare soms voorkom waar die opbrengste kan daal tot so min as 40 ton en styg tot so hoog as > 100 ton/ha.

Bemesting Blaarbespuitings van koper, boor en sink word een keer per jaar gedoen op die eerste ontwikkelde groei, nuwe flush, na die winter op draende bome. Hierdie bespuiting is uiters effektief.

Jong Midknight bome wat in ŉ vorm van strestoestand verkeer toon vergomming van takkies en soms selfs op die hoofstam, beter bekend as die “Midknight sindroom”. In ernstige gevalle kan die boom selfs doodgaan. Selfs net matige stress kan bydra tot hierdie simptome. Vier koper bespuitings het bygedra tot die vermindering van die probleem. Jong nie draende boompies word vyf blaarbespuitings per seisoen, vir die eerste twee jaar, aanbeveel wat ŉ mengsel van koper, sink, boor en lae biuret ureum insluit.

Lae biuret ureum (1000g/ 100 liter water) word aanbeveel 4 tot 6 weke voor blom vir vrugset. Hierdie bespuiting kan gedoen word al is daar nog vrugte aan die bome al vereiste is dat die vrugte reeds opgekleur moet wees.

Blaar-en grond bemestings norme Die volgende blaar-normes word suksesvol deur Karino produsente gebruik: N (2,50 – 2,80%); P (0,13%); K (1%); Mg (0,3%) en Ca (200 dpm).

Die grondnormes is soos vir alle lemoen variëteite. Verhoogde kalsium vlakke, koolstof of fulwiensuur produkte het tot dusvêr geen verbetering tot oeste bygedra nie.

Die tydsberekening vir die toediening van die nitraat is baie belan-grik. In die Karino area word al die KAN toedienings ses tot agt weke voor blom (sand grond) gedoen sodat die maksimum energie vir die boom beskikbaar is tydens blom. Verdeelde toedienings van die nitraat bereik nie hierdie doel nie en word dus nie aanbeveel nie.

Fosfaat in die vorm van MKP @ 3% oplossing word van tyd tot tyd gespuit vier tot ses weke na blom om growweskil tekstuur te voorkom. Indien daar van tyd tot tyd ŉ ligte blom en gevolglike ligte oes voorkom is die vrugte groot met growwer skille. Die MKP bespuiting is dan baie suksesvol.

Jong draende Midknight boord in die Karino area.


Soil Acidity: Challenge Number OneSoil acidity is world-wide regarded as a major production constraint in citrus. In South Africa between 37% (Northern Provinces), 60% (Winter Rainfall Region), and 85% (KwaZulu Natal) of soil is acidified. Low soil pH conditions lead to elevated concentrations of aluminium and heavy metals. Aluminium is toxic to plant roots, reducing its growth, activity and health, leading to poor water and nutrient uptake. As soil pHKCl progressively decreases from 5.0 and lower, the availability of some nutrients (e.g. P and Mo) are also significantly reduced. Furthermore, many acidic soils are highly leached, and is therefore often depleted of the base cations, e.g. Na, K, Ca, Mg.

Ironically, the world’s top citrus production is mostly obtained from acidic soils. This is possible by means of accurate liming practices, that raise the soil’s pHKCl to a level between 5.5 and 6.5 (pHWater = 6.0-7.5). Liming during soil preparation is therefore a required practice in regions with acidic soils. Over-liming (rais-ing the soil’s pHKCl to levels >6.5), however, is also not desirable since the availability of nutrients like P, Zn, Fe, Mn is then also reduced - to the level where it is unavailable for uptake by the tree.

Accurate calculation of the lime requirement during soil preparation is essential for three reasons:

1) Healthy root development occurs only in soil with an optimal, homogenous pH level throughout the profile;

2) The pH of the subsoil (>30 cm depth) of estab-lished orchards cannot be corrected by liming;

3) Optimal nutrient availability is limited to a narrow pH-range.

Producers must therefore ensure that optimal soil pH conditions (a pHKCl that is in the narrow range of 5.5 to 6.5) are created that will remain so for most, or preferably the whole, of the new orchard’s lifespan. Accurate calculation of the amount of lime required during soil preparation can only be done if proper soil analyses procedures are followed and the correct lime requirement calculation method is used.

Best method for Lime Requirement CalculationIn a recent study, conducted in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, seven well-known methods for calculation of lime requirement was evaluated using 40 diverse acidic soils from four provinces in South Africa. The modified Eksteen-method was found to be the most versatile, practical and accurate method for South African soils. Some of the other methods, also commonly used in South Africa, tend to underestimate the lime requirement for peren-nial crops like citrus. Consequently, when the lime requirement for a new orchard needs to be deter-mined, producers are advised to insist that the soil analyses and consequent calculation of lime require-ment, is done according to the well-known Eksteen method. This is described below so that producers can provide the method to their laboratory if neces-sary. It must be done for all soils with a pHKCl < 6.0, and since it is a commonly known method, should not entail additional costs apart from the normal soil analyses conducted by the laboratory.

Calculation of the Eksteen method for lime require-ment entails two steps. Firstly, a laboratory analysis of the soil is done. This includes determination of the base cations using 1M NH4AOc extraction, as well as the titratable acidity using 0.5M K2SO4 (buffered at pH 7) as extracting solution; note that KCl should not be used. Last mentioned filtrate is titrated with 0.1 M NaOH until a pink colour is achieved in the presence of phenolphthalein.

Secondly, the lime requirement is calculated from the analyses results, using the following formula:

Lime requirement (ton.ha-1/30 cm soil) = [(H x 10) – (Ca + Mg)] x 0.727

where H, Ca and Mg is expressed in cmol.kg-1

It is also very important that producers insist that the laboratory determines the stone volume. Since stones (all particles > 2 mm in diameter) are inert, and do not contribute to the acidity, over-liming becomes a huge risk on soils with an appreciable to high amount of stones. It is therefore critical that the calculated lime requirement is decreased

Create Soil pH that Ensures Long-term Citrus Orchard Performance

PIETER RAATH (CRI),

AISLA HARDY & VINCENT VAN

DER BERG(Dept. Soil Science, SU)


in accordance with the volume of stones in the soil, e.g. if the stone volume is 10%, then only 90% of the calculated lime requirement is applied.

Since South Africa’s soils are so diverse, the Eksteen method also provides the flexibility to make adjustments for specific circumstances, to ensure accurate liming rates, namely:

• For soil with a high magnesium (Mg) content, the calculated lime requirement tends to be too low. Consequently, where the Ca/Mg-ratio is <6, the (Ca + Mg) component in abovementioned formula should be replaced by (Ca x 1.25).

• In soils with high organic matter, acidity due to the presence of Al3+ is dramatically reduced. Consequently, the calculated lime requirements can be excessive. The following adjustments, based on the soil’s organic C content, should therefore be made:

• For bleached sandy soils, Al3+-concentrations (which contributes to the formation of acidity) tend to be low. For these soils, the lime requirement should be calculated as follows: Lime requirement (ton.ha-1/30 cm soil) = H x 3.2However, if these sandy soils have Ca + Mg >1.5 cmol.kg-1, the measured titrat-able acidity (H+) used in the abovementioned formula should be corrected as follows: Corrected H = H – [(Ca + Mg) – 1.5] with H, Ca and Mg in cmol.kg-1

Select the Correct Type of LimeTo address the variation of Ca and Mg concentrations that occur between soils, the correct choice of liming material is very important. As a guideline the Ca/Mg ratio of the soil is used to establish the type of lime that must be applied. Calcitic lime (CaCO3) is used where the ratio is <6, while dolomitic lime (CaMgCO3) is used for a ratio that is >6. In sandy soils, with a low exchange capacity, cations are rapidly leached, including highly hydrated and mobile Mg. It is therefore wise to always use dolomitic lime on coarse sandy soils.

In closing, soil acidity has an extremely negative effect on tree performance. It needs to be corrected during soil preparation since it is impossible to amend subsoil acidity in existing orchards. Over-liming, on the other hand is also detrimental to tree nutrition. Producers must therefore pay close attention to ensure correct calculation of lime requirements for soil preparation. This is not a simple procedure and various factors need to be borne in mind, but the modified Eksteen method was proven to be the most versatile and suitable method for most South African soils. Producers ought to insist that this well-known method, as described above, is used when their soil’s lime requirement is calculated. Finally, successful liming depends on correct soil preparation methodology as well as homogenous mixing of lime into the subsoil. This is a topic that will be addressed in a future edition.

Fig.1. Root distribution can be adversily affected by sharp transitions in the soil’s pH.

(%) ADJUSTMENT OF LIME REQUIREMENT

<1 None

1-2 80% of calculated value

2-3 60% of calculated value

3-4 40% of calculated valueCARB

ON C

ONTE

NT O

F SOI

L

Fig. 3. To avoid over-liming, stone volume must be either estimated or determined in the laboratory.

Fig. 2. Variability of soil acidity, because of differences in parent material, requires accurate sampling and separate lime requirement calculation.

Literature citedCOETzEE, J.G.K. 2007. Chapter 19: Acidification of Soils. Citrus Production Guidelines, CRI, Nelspruit.

CONRADIE, W. J., 1994. Wingerdbemesting. Handelinge van die werksessie oor wingerbemesting, Nietvoorbij, 30 September, Stellenbosch, Institute for Viticulture and Oenology.

SMUTS, M. N., 2001. Determination of the lime requirement of sandy, organic-rich, and structured, High Mg:Ca ratio soils by the Eksteen method. University of Stellenbosch - M.Sc.Agric Thesis.

SRIvASTAvA, A.K. & SINGH, S. 2009. Citrus decline: Soil fertility and plant nutrition. J. Plant Nutrition, 32(2), 197-245.

vAN DER BERG, v., 2016. An evaluation of lime requirement for selected South African soils. University of Stellenbosch - M.Sc.Agric Thesis.

vAN SCHOOR, L.H., CONRADIE, W.J., RAATH, P.J., 2000. Guidelines for the interpretation of soil analysis for vines. Wineland, November.


Each workshop kicked off with area specific feedback from an area representative with regards to postharvest issues experienced the past season. At the KZN-Swaziland workshop,

the gap between old and new generations of packhouse managers was pointed out. The advice given to everyone was that as technology advances, we must never forget the basics.

PPECB presented feedback from the 2017 citrus season showing how the industry has grown compared to the previous year. South Africa exported 118 million cartons vs. 105 million cartons in 2016. Despite a few consignment rejections by PPECB and the ever increasing market restric-tions, the citrus industry continues to flourish. DAFF followed by giving details on export market segments available, special market requirements and restrictions in place for these markets in the upcoming season.

Once the inspection and regulation processes were understood by all, the logistics of citrus exports were explained, with a warning that the logistical systems will be under strain during the coming years as the amount of citrus being exported is predicted to keep on rising.

Following the logistics talk, a more practical approach was adopted, starting with the necessary

orchard practices to be considered 4 weeks prior to harvest with focus on sour rot and brown rot. Next, the importance of monitoring and control of fruit fly and false codling moth in orchards as the fruit moves through the final stages of maturation, was discussed. The session concluded with a talk cover-ing water sanitation at stages both before and within the packhouse. The different sanitising options, including properties of each, were also covered.

The second session focused primarily on packhouse treatments. The pre-packhouse drench was discussed, highlighting that South Africa is unique compared to postharvest requirements in other citrus producing countries. Throughout the session, each application in the packline was addressed, namely, the entry point and sanitation of citrus fruit into the packhouse, aqueous application using the fungicide bath or the in-line drench (flooder), and waxing. Focus was drawn to the necessity of packhouses doing their own quality tests and applying the required chemicals prop-erly. During the session, first-hand experience with “automatic” dosing systems was discussed, and a new instrument to test fungicide residues at the packhouse was introduced. The session concluded with a talk on packaging and pallets, indicating the specifications and requirements for each, in order to comply with citrus export standards.

Excellent Participation at 2018 CRI Postharvest Workshops by All Postharvest Role Players

Catherine Savage

MC Pretorius

Liezl van der Linde

Keith Lesar

CATHERINE SAVAGE, MC PRETORIUS, LIEZL VAN DER LINDE, WAYNE MOMMSEN AND KEITH LESAR

The 2018 Citrus season was off to a good start with the very popular CRI Postharvest workshops held at six different citrus producing regions across South Africa.

The talks covered the full spectrum of issues that concern citrus fruit exports, starting with feedback from PPECB, and input from DAFF on current export regulations and phytosanitary inspections. Pre-harvest orchard requirements and packhouse treatments followed, before focusing on the critically important FMS (False codling moth Management System), market access and concluding with transport logistics and packaging requirements for export.


The second day started with a very important session with specific focus being on the FMS, which packhouses need to strictly adhere to for fruit exported to Europe. Compliance with the FMS using the PhytClean data management system was discussed in detail. This included the correct procedures and documents required for exporting citrus to Europe, as well as adequate lighting and equipment needed in the packhouses for grading of the fruit. Practical experiences and results of a study on FCM monitoring in the orchards and packhouse according to the FMS concluded the session. The presentations during this session were

Above: Dinner and drinks after the first day of talks concluded, allowed delegates to socialise.

Above right: Clint Mac Aleer, general manager at Wicklow Citrus, sharing his research on implementing the FMS system.

Right: Delegates at the Tzaneen workshop.

delivered in detail and although overwhelming for some, it was of utmost impor-tance to safeguard citrus exports to Europe.

The final session included a talk on cooling, chilling injury and rind defects within the guidelines of the FMS. This is of particular importance to those packhouses exporting citrus at mandatory, cooler temperatures. During this session, the latest updates on consumer assurance concerning the MRL requirements for respective citrus special markets were shared. The final talk of the workshop was to inform packhouse manag-ers of the potential benefits of a dedicated packhouse forum and to encourage estab-lishment and participation in forum meetings in the different packing regions. The Sunday’s River Valley recently pioneered such a forum for packhouses. The Packhouse Forum meets once a month when possible and information is shared concerning the packing and export of citrus. By moving away from the mind-set of keeping “industry secrets” and by working together as a production region, packhouses are able to help

each other overcome seasonal challenges ensuring the marketing of a superior product from the area. The initiative was recognised, and has taken off in other areas. CRI strongly supports this initiative and attempts to attend these meetings.

Over 1200 delegates attended the workshops, which makes it an excellent platform for CRI to share practical information to all post-harvest role players, as well as for sponsors, packhouses and other role players to interact. CRI would like to thank the main sponsor, Citrosol, for their sponsorship for the 5th year running, CRI also extends their sincere thanks to ICA as platinum sponsor for their continued support, as well as to the gold, silver and bronze spon-sors. The standard of these workshops, to which citrus producers and packhouses are accustomed to, could not be possible without the support of these sponsors (see slide left).


AT THEKITCHEN TABLE 40 AUTUMN

ELMARIE DE BRUYNCell: 082 562 2343

[email protected] The quince is a member of the genus Cydonia in the family Rosaceae, that also contains apples and pears. It is a deciduous tree that bears a pome fruit, similar in appearance to a pear, and bright golden-yellow when mature. The tree is also grown for its attractive pale pink blossoms and attractive shape.

The quince's origins are thought to be in the Cauca-sus – the region between the Caspian and Black seas – as well as in northern Persia. It has even been considered the catalyst of the Trojan War, as told by Greek legends. From there, the usefulness of the quince in cooking spread to medieval banquet halls and beyond. Today, the quince has maintained its popularity and found its way into western culture.

HOW TO GROW QUINCEQuince trees will tolerate most soils, acid or alkaline. They grow in deep, rich moist loams – even next to a stream, ensuring they do not become water-logged. Light soils should have plenty of compost added before planting and a thick organic mulch applied every year. In a very dry summer, one should give the tree a very thorough soaking.

Quince trees are normally small but can reach up to 6 meters over time - they may also be trained against a wall. It is self-fertile, so only one tree is needed. Once established, quince trees need very little pruning except for shaping. In winter, remove dead, diseased or damaged stems.

The fruit ripens gradually to a rich yellow and though it's tempting, it should be left on the tree , to allow the flavour and perfume to develop. Ideally this means until the end of May. Storing demands a little thought as their perfume will affect any fruit stored nearby. Put them somewhere separate, where they don't touch each other, and check regularly for rot. The fruit will keep for around 3 months.

HOW TO EAT QUINCEQuince can be eaten as is, but it's great in salads. Wash, chop it up and squeeze over a little lime or lemon juice. Put it over a bed of mixed greens with cilantro and it's great. Most people prefer the soft flesh of a cooked quince – which turns from yellow to soft pink – rather than the fruit in its raw form. Over time however, taste buds adapt, and quince fruit becomes enjoyable both ways.

Because quince fruit is full of pectin, it is most often found as a jam, jelly, marmalade or compote. It can also be roasted in the oven and served with a fall-inspired meal or, like apples and pears, is great when baked in pies, tarts and muffins.

The heady aroma of a golden quince is spicy and complex, with hints of apple, pear, and citrus. When cooked a quince becomes soft and dense and develops a sweet, slightly piquant flavour and an even richer perfume.

Quinces are especially known for turning a jewel-like rose when cooked. The tannin concentration in a quince, which varies depending on where it’s grown, determines this colour: Heat causes tannins to release a red pigment called anthocyanin. Quinces that are rich in tannins become dark rose; those with fewer tannins may remain creamy white or turn light pink.

Quince’s assertive flavour and floral aroma go well with a variety of ingredients; pair them with cinna-mon, vanilla, almonds, cream, and salty cheeses and cold meats. The persistent tart taste of quinces counteracts the greasiness in meat and fowl dishes in rich cuisines. In Persian cooking, with its tradition of meats and sour fruits cooked together, there are many recipes for meat and quince stews. In Britain cuisine, quince sauce is a traditional accompani-ment to partridge, and the French roast quail with slices of the fruit.

The rain is still staying away in the Cape but

the weather is changing to autumn.

The hills are alive with beautiful colours: over

the hills and down in the valleys . . . beauty that we receive from

Mother Nature at the change of the seasons.

Part of my childhood Autumn memories,

are the yellow quinces that ripen and leave

their strong fragrance to enjoy: our secret

food of autumn.

Nowadays, we only have a few trees,

but we get enough quinces to have a

feast.


HEALTH BENEFITSThe quince is a very nutritious fruit that also has a very low-calorie density. A 100 gm quince fruit contains just 57 calories.It's also a great source of dietary fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The fruit contains tannins including catechin and epicatechin and has a very high concentration of vitamin C. Quince is also a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and copper.

HOW TO ENJOY QUINCE

SIMPLE COOKED QUINCE To prepare and cook quince:

Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Save the skin if you are making any sort of jelly. Care-fully cut each quince in half with a sharp chef's knife – this may be a little difficult because of its toughness. Cut each fruit into quarters and then cut the core and seeds away. Remove any mealy spots. After slicing, place each piece of fruit in a bowl of water to prevent browning.

Pour water into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add quince and simmer for about 40 to 50 minutes, until pink and tender. Once the quince is cooked, it's soft and tender, usually with a really lovely syrup from the cooking process. You eat the fruit straight like this, or pour it over yogurt, or bake it into a tart. You can make a sweet, spicy paste out of it , delicious with cheese. Or make sorbet and other desserts with it.

QUINCE TART TATIN

1 3/4 cups sugar | 2 lemons10 small quince (2kg) | Large pinch of salt2 tablespoons unsalted butterAll-purpose flour, for rolling out dough1 tart base

1. In a large stockpot, combine 10 cups water and 1 cup sugar. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from 1/2 lemon, and add to the pot. Halve the lemons, and juice 1 1/2 of them directly into the pot; set the other half aside.

2. Peel, halve, and core the quince, and add to the pot. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to a

simmer, and cook until just tender. Drain, and set aside.

3. Preheat oven to 375°. In a 10-inch tarte tatin pan or cast-iron skillet, combine remaining 3/4 cup sugar and the salt. Place over medium heat, cook until it begins to thicken and turn a golden brown. Remove from heat, then stir in butter.

4. Arrange the quince in the pan, cut sides up, in a slightly overlapping circular pattern. (Remem-ber that since the tarte tatin is inverted after it is cooked, the fruit on the bottom will be visible when served.) Place a few quince halves in the centre, cut side up. Sprinkle with the juice of the remaining lemon half.

5. On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough out into a 30 cm round, about 1/2 cm thick. Place dough over quince, tucking the edges of the dough around the fruit. Bake until juices bubble and crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven, let stand for 10 minutes. Using a paring knife, loosen the pastry from the edges of the pan. Place a serving platter over the pan, and carefully invert. Serve warm.

QUINCE JELLY WITH STAR ANISE

2 kg slightly under-ripe quince, washed well and cut into pieces7 cups water | 4 cups sugarjuice of 1 lemon | 1 or 2 star anise

1. Place quince in a large saucepan. Add water, bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, covered, until dark pink and very soft, about 3 hrs.

2. Pass through a fine sieve, pressing out liquid; discard solids. (You should have 4 cups liquid.

If you don't, adjust the amount of sugar used in step 3 to maintain a 1:1 ratio.)

3. Bring quince juice, sugar, lemon juice, and star anise to a simmer in a large saucepan over high heat. Cook, skimming foam, until thick. Plate-test jelly to make sure it is set. Divide between sterilised glass jars, leaving a bit of space at tops. Can in water bath for 10 minutes. Let stand overnight to fully set before using. Unopened jelly can be stored at room tempera-ture for up to 1 year.

QUINCE CHUTNEY

1 tablespoon canola oil | 1 small onion, minced1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger1 garlic clove, minced1/2 teaspoon ground allspice1 star anise pod | 1 1/2 cups sugar1 cup cider vinegar3 quince (8 ounces each) - peeled, cored and finely diced1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored and finely diced1/2 cup golden raisins

In a large saucepan, heat the oil. Add the onion, ginger, garlic, allspice and star anise and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sugar, vinegar and 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer. Add the quince, apple and raisins and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy, about 25 minutes. Discard the star anise. Serve the chutney warm or chilled.

This can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.


Although your family has been involved in the citrus industry, what made you choose to become involved in the industry as well?

“Ever since I was a little boy I knew that I wanted to be a farmer. Growing up on a farm and being a typical farm boy I never wanted to be anything else. My father and grandfather were my biggest inspira-tions and I knew that I wanted to be like them - I wanted to become a citrus farmer.

“I was very fortunate to learn a lot about the citrus industry from a young age. My parents gave me the opportunity to make my own decision on what I wanted to become. That was the easiest decision I ever had to make and here I am today proud to be part of our massive industry.

“For me, involvement in the citrus industry started at an early age by driving tractors every day as this was a big love of mine. I also later learned how to spray the trees and drove around at night monitor-ing the irrigation which at that time was still flood irrigation. In this way I learned about every aspect of the whole production cycle, from flowering through to packing. Every year is different, each year with its own set of challenges, you learn at the mercy of nature, you need to adapt and make new plans and that is what makes me tick.”

How and why did you become involved with the producer representative side of organised agriculture and what has this experience meant for you?

“After studying Agricultural Engineering, I came back to the farm. At the time there were only a few young farmers in the area and as in most careers we started right at the bottom. At meetings and study groups I was the secretary, taking minutes and helping with the organising and this was how I became involved with organised agriculture. After deregulation in 1997, the industry went through rapid changes and farmers learned a great deal in a short period. It became clear that we needed an organisation to represent grower interests and that was when “Citrus SA” was formed.

“Edward Vorster was the chairman of Citrus SA and at that time I was also part of the organisa-tion. A couple of years later I took over from him, representing growers in the Letsitele area. I soon realised how important organised agriculture is for

our industry and gained considerable experience regarding the industry and the marketing of fruit to international markets.

“I was very fortunate to start farming during the single channel market days. The experience of being part of the organised agriculture during the deregu-lation period was invaluable as it showed us what worked well and also showed us what didn’t work. This left me with a clear view on how important organised agriculture is to the success of producers and other stakeholders within the industry.”

What do you consider to be the important areas of focus for the industry going forward?

“With a huge dynamic industry like the citrus industry, there will always be risks which we need to take note of:

• Market development is a key factor to the growing volume of the different varieties, some more than others, exported from South Africa

• Phytosanitary pests and barriers into the EU need to be sorted out as we have been fighting against these barriers with some pests for the last 26 years. Times have changed and with a lot of new chal-lenges we cannot let old issues stand in the way of future growth.

• Relations between the producers and the govern-ment need to improve as we are all working towards the same goal.

• We as an industry need to do more towards our grower development by helping more black farm-ers to become successful in their farming opera-tions and become bona fide commercial farmers.”

What is your outlook on the future prospects of the South African Citrus industry?

“The citrus industry has experienced ups and downs in the past and we are currently facing numerous challenges with regard to rising costs and less favourable exchange rates. The new challenge of expropriation without compensation is probably our biggest current challenge. However, with CGA and its strong team of personnel and board leading our industry, the good quality of fruit produced in South Africa and the international strength of our huge industry, these strengths will assist our industry to grow into the future.”

BEN VORSTER is theChairman of the Citrus Growers’ Association

of Southern Africa and represents growers within South Africa’s biggest fruit

industry. He is also a director and owner at

Laeveld Sitrus (Pty) Ltd., a considerable citrus production farming

operations with its head-quarters at Letsitele near

Tzaneen in Limpopo.

When you google Ben Vorster the first thing

that comes up is a high school in Tzaneen that

was named after his grandfather Ben Vorster, one of the citrus farming pioneers in the Letsitele area. The Vorster family has lived and expanded their farming operations

in this part of Limpopo for generations and today they remain an integral

part of the Limpopo Province’s citrus industry, one of the major econo-mic drivers in the region.

The South African Fruit Journal caught up with him and asked him the

following questions.

Louise Brodie reports

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