DIE JOERNAAL VIR DIE VRUGTEBEDRYF IN SUID-AFRIKA APRIL/MAY '19 - SA Fruit Journal
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DIE JOERNAAL VIR DIE VRUGTEBEDRYF IN SUID-AFRIKA A P R I L / M AY ‘ 1 9
APRIL/MAY 2019 | SA FRUIT JOURNAL 1
ELKE UITGAWE BEDRYFSNUUS
EVERY ISSUE INDUSTRY NEWS
SA Fruit Journal HORTGRO CITRUS GROWERS’
Board of Directors 4 ASSOCIATION (CGA)
Daff Delegation visits packhouse 8
Editorial 5 Thudana Citrus Trust launch ushers
Addressing industry challenges 10
Foreword 6 upliftment 26
Hortfin appoints new CEO 11
Strawberries. Rethink: a new Comparing South African and
NEXT GENERATION SERIES: Moroccan citrus 29
song on an old tune 66
About apples and adventure 12
Last Word: Piet Smit 71 Maersk Lines centralising rail transport of
Noordelike Provinsie-studiegroep 14 citrus for export from Johannesburg 30
CRISIS - Best teacher for resilience 16
The impact of the 2017-18 drought: SOUTH AFRICAN TABLE
TO SUBSCRIBE:
A case study using FruitLook data 18 GRAPE INDUSTRY (SATI)
Filda Booysen
filda@hortgro.co.za Agri’s Got Talent 2019: Bigger and Better 22 Bergrivier tafeldruifstreek hou
021 870 2900 blokkompetisie vir 32ste jaar 34
Agri’s Got Talent 2019: Groter en Beter 23
Design and layout by SATI verkies twee nuwe direkteure 35
The chronicles of the travelling pear 24
Colleen Goosen SATI-funded Research Report: update 36
colleen@paperchefs.com
South African table grape industry
Printed and bound by
first crop estimate for 2018/2019 season 39
Novus Print Solutions
SIZA
Rainforest Alliance and SIZA collaborate
to avoid duplication for South African
suppliers 40
SAFJ (SA Fruit Journal) is also available in electronic format on our website.
SIZA: Monitoring between audits 41
SAFJ (SA Vrugtejoernaal) is ook elektronies beskikbaar op ons webtuiste.
www.safj.co.za
CONTENTS
VOLUME 18 | PART 2
RESEARCH &
TECHNOLOGY
CITRUS RESEARCH HORTGRO ADVERTORIALS
INTERNATIONAL (CRI) SCIENCE
InteliGro’s Integrated Crop Solution
Extension briefs for April and May 46 A multi-parameter approach to optimise Approach 44
the design and performance of ventilated
NADORCOTT MANDARIN: keeping growth IRRICHECK 360° - Irrigation
fruit packaging 56
in check and maintaining productivity Scheduling 51
through pruning 52 Assessing the biology of Bactrocera dorsalis
NexusAG vestig berokingseenheid
(Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) 63
om grondberoking te verhewe 72
Reducing carbon emissions on farms
with improved water management 70
CORRECTION Pg. 50: Introduction - 2nd sentence:
SAFJ Feb/March 2019 Male lures which are species specific are used to track male populations of fruit flies
whilst food-based attractants which are not species specific and female biased are
This is a correction pertaining to
used to track female populations of several fruit fly species (IAEA 2013).
CRI’s Monitoring of Fruit Fly Pests In
Commercial Citrus Orchards: Pg. 51: Figure. 1 legend:
Temporal Patterns Of Male And Female Traps used for studying seasonal phenology of male and female populations of
Catches, featured in SAFJ Feb/March 2019 Medfly and Oriental fruit fly: Moroccan trap baited with methyl eugenol for
(pages 50-51) monitoring of Oriental fruit fly male (A), Sensus bucket trap baited with trimedlure
for monitoring of Medfly male (B) and Chempac Bucket trap baited with
3-component Biolure for monitoring of females of both species (C).
APRIL/MAY 2019 | SA FRUIT JOURNAL 3
SAFJ BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
IGNATIUS VLOK
082 331 2127 | sales@safj.co.za
KONANANI LIPHADZI
CEO, Fruit South Africa
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 content may be used
ANTON RABE in any other media without the prior consent of the SA Fruit Journal (Pty) Ltd.
Executive Director, HORTGRO
SA FRUIT JOURNAL ISSN: 1683-4577
SAFJ SHAREHOLDERS
ANTON KRUGER
CEO, FPEF FPEF FRESH PRODUCE CGA
EXPORTERS’ FORUM CITRUS GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION
Private Bag X5, Century City 7441 PO Box 461, Hillcrest 3650 • Tel: 031 765 2514
Tel: 021 526 0474 • Fax: 021 526 0479 Fax: 031 765 8029 • justchad@iafrica.com
www.fpef.co.za www.cga.co.za
SATI
SOUTH AFRICAN TABLE GRAPE INDUSTRY
WILLEM BESTBIER
63 Main Street, Paarl 7646 • Tel: 021 863 0366
CEO, SATI
info@satgi.co.za
www.satgi.co.za
HORTGRO POME (SAAPPA) HORTGRO STONE (SASPA)
Tel: 021 870 2900 • Fax: 021 870 2915 Tel: 021 870 2900 • Fax: 021 870 2915
258 Main Street, Paarl • PO Box 163, Paarl 7620 258 Main Street, Paarl • PO Box 163, Paarl 7620
JUSTIN CHADWICK info@hortgro.co.za • www.hortgro.co.za info@hortgro.co.za • www.hortgro.co.za
CEO, CGA
4 SA VRUGTE JOERNAAL | APRIL/MEI 2019
EDITORIAL
A running
start
Our fruit industry had quite an CATHERINE
eventful first quarter. MILWARD-BRIDGES
Interim Editor: SAFJ
I
t kicked off with the establishment of a repre-
sentative desk at Agbiz, from which the industry
will conduct market research, devise strategy and lobby for relevant policy
and legislative matters. Then, we hosted Minister Senzeni Zokwana for his
scheduled Service Delivery Forum, which included a tour of Two-A-Day farm
facility in Grabouw, as well as Oak Valley. The visit was an industry first and a
CARMÉ NAUDÉ CLAUDIA WALKLETT significant stride towards strengthening ties with government. Fruit Logistica
HORTGRO 021 870 2900 FPEF 021 526 0379 Berlin followed, where Konanani Liphadzi was elected as President of the Southern
carme@hortgro.co.za claudia@fpef.co.za
Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters (SHAFFE), during the association’s
Annual General Meeting. Hearty congratulations! This prestigious event also saw
one apple -and various new citrus cultivars unveiled by the Agricultural Research
Council (ARC) of SA. Now for the dti to reveal the total export sales and trade deals
generated by the SA pavilion at Fruit Logistica Berlin this year.
The industry showed a marked growth in production volumes last season, with
a 14% increase for citrus being a case in point. Agricultural economist, Wandile
Sihlobo also confirms that these fruits’ increased exports contributed significantly
to the growth in SA’s agricultural export total for 2018: oranges, lemons, manda-
rins, grapes, pears and apples. The sector’s overall growth of 7% y/y to US$10.6
billion marks a 17-year record!
GLORIA WEARE CLAYTON SWART
SATI 021 863 0366
Konanani echoed some of these ‘brag facts’ and also shared key industry chal-
CGA 031 765 2514
Gloria@cga.co.za clayton@satgi.co.za lenges, during her recent radio interviews (on SAFM’s The Homerun and on RSG
Landbou). To have a listen, visit the news page on the FruitSA website.
Fruit has certainly grown in popularity amongst global consumers; and in his
foreword, Anton Kruger indicates how the trends that drive fruit consumption
have changed the narrative around this delicious snack of nature.
With the drought still very high on the industry radar, we explore the effectiveness
of FruitLook’s smart satellite-based data products that enable farmers’ efficient
use of water resources. We also quiz industry stalwarts on lessons learnt from the
drought, particularly from an irrigation perspective. In the same vein, we highlight
improved water management as a champion for critical carbon emission reduction
on farms.
TSHIDI RAMABU ELISE-MARIE STEENKAMP
Then, for a transformation story that simply had to be told: San Miguel Fruits SA
CRI 013 759 8013 HORTGRO 021 870 2900
resadmin@cri.co.za elise-marie@hortgro.co.za launched the Thudana Citrus Trust in the Sundays River Valley on 28 January,
which represents a whopping R 200m investment. This initiative has elevated
qualifying workers to board members, with a collective CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
APRIL/MAY 2019 | SA FRUIT JOURNAL 5
FOREWORD
Growth and sustainability . . .
T
he consumption of fresh fruit to children at no charge, that can be enjoyed in a dedicated area in
ANTON KRUGER has sparked healthy dialogue the shop. And children do indeed take advantage of this opportu-
CEO, FPEF worldwide, with varying view- nity to enjoy nature’s snack. For some of the young takers, these
points. And the growing focus pieces of fruit may even be their only healthy ‘meal’ for the day.
on the health benefits of fruit is a case in point. It’s had nutritionists, Equally interesting is the growing trend among airlines who offer
dieticians, academics, researchers, communications professionals, as passengers fresh fruit as a snack during long haul international
well as trade contributing to the narrative. flights, replacing the relatively unhealthy variety passengers had
The University of Pretoria’s Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well- become accustomed to.
being is a collaborative programme that brings together researchers Even in SA, where we’re prone to tucking into food during meet-
from seven faculties and 35 disciplines, including unlikely partners ings, those carbo-loaded eats are gradually being replaced with
(such as the departments of Private Law and Political Science). fresh fruit as part of the refreshments.
This critical mass of researchers seeks to address food insecurity Savvy consumers around the world are becoming more
and to find ways of building a more resilient agriculture and food discerning about their food choices, which presents a great incen-
system that will reduce hunger and malnutrition. They also aim to tive to the fruit industry to continue to produce and market good
promote consumption behaviour that ensures human productivity quality fruit.
and overall well-being. Measured responsiveness to relevant trends can only serve to drive
Foodies are also developing an increasing number of recipes growth and sustainability, and our industry certainly seems to be on
that feature fruit as a key ingredient. These are often shared with the right track.
consumers online, in books, on radio and on television.
A growing interest in fresh produce has also led to creative market-
ing by some restaurants and retailers, like the Avocado Show in
Amsterdam, where the entire menu consists of avocados.
Customers can expect to find classic avocado dishes, as
well as contemporary creations.
Here in SA, some retailers have come up with
innovative promotions to increase fresh
produce consumption, like the intro-
duction of the Free Fruit For Kids
project, availing fruit
EDITORIAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
ownership of 30% in this broad-based black ownership scheme. encouraged the nation to persevere with pruning and plucking
We hope that these and more in this edition, make for a compel- away at the rot, “until there is growth”. Well, in the fruit industry,
ling read that will inform and, importantly, help improve your we’ve perfected the art.
efficiencies. Now, we look forward to maximising our progressing growth by
Prominent global concerns remain the US-China trade war, Brexit continuing to export to existing markets, whilst finding new ones.
and a slowing global economy. But closer to home we have the This, we can only achieve with the ongoing support of our govern-
looming elections, the outcome of which we continue to hope will ment, by concluding favourable trade agreements.
be economically beneficial for all. CATHERINE MILWARD-BRIDGES
In his maiden Budget Speech, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni Interim Editor: SAFJ
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Fruit SA Chairperson, Justin
Chadwick, hands over a fruit
basket to Minister Zokwana.
Daff Delegation visits packhouse
ELISE-MARIE STEENKAMP
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF) Minister, Senzeni
Zokwana, as well as DAFF Director-General, Mike Mlengana, visited the deciduous fruit
industry on 16 January this year at Two-a-Day’s facility in Grabouw.
T
his historic visit was facilitated by Fruit who thereby, indirectly care for a further 32 000
South Africa CEO, Dr Konanani Liphadzi. dependents in the EGVV region alone.”
Liphadzi said during the welcoming that Two-a-Day is proud of their transformation achieve-
‘getting the Minister to the fruit industry ments, like their education scheme for workers’
has been a dream come true’. “We are children. “No child of any worker, who has the poten-
proud to showcase this R44 billion industry tial to study, should not do so due to insufficient
that is rapidly growing with new hectares being funds. The Two-a-Day Education Trust was created
planted annually. We are eager to partner with to support workers’ children, thereby helping them
government to address issues such as job creation, fulfill their potential.”
transformation, and upliftment.” Van Zyl went on to say that they believe in value
During a short briefing session, Two-a-Day Manag- chain integration and empowerment. He also
ing Director, Attie van Zyl, gave an overview of mentioned several schemes and empowerment
the company and the pome industry as a whole. initiatives as examples. “Two-a-Day has transferred
Van Zyl said that Two-a-Day is passionate about more than R1 billion in value to various empower-
agriculture and all the workers that they employ. ment projects.”
“We are the biggest employer in EGVV and have Cheryl Kammies, a packhouse worker at Two-a-Day,
8 000 workers that comprise 1 800 factory workers, said that she was proud to be an employee of the
1 200 farm workers, and 5 000 seasonal workers, company. “I have worked here for fourteen years
8 BEDRYFSNUUS | APRIL/MEI 2019PHOTOGRAPHS BY:
CARMÉ NAUDÉ & ELISE-MARIE STEENKAMP
Above: Two-a-Day
packhouse visit - Minister
Zokwana in the middle
with grey jacket and Mike
Mlengana, DAFF DG, on
the right.
Above: Oak Valley agricultural
worker, Cecilia Jantjies showing the
Minister her home.
Right: The Oak Valley crèche with
teacher Vidonia Jantjies.
and put two children through school. Both of them government and industry work together, we can
are well-educated. I can honestly say we have a achieve more. There are serious issues, such as food
very good relationship with management and as security and job creation that need to be addressed,
co-beneficiaries, in certain projects, we are well and agriculture is well positioned to make a signifi-
cared for.” cant contribution in this regard.”
Errol April, an emerging grower and Two-a-Day Minister Zokwana addressed some of the chal-
member, said that black farmers should be repre- lenges mentioned by roleplayers and said that the
sented throughout the agricultural value chain. government is taking note of all of them. “With
“There are too many inconsistencies with regards to respect to free trade, we are going to do our jobs,
ownership of land. We need government to hand and specifically with regards to pear exports – we
over the title deeds, as financiers find it difficult to hope to open Thailand and China this year.”
have confidence in our sector. Black farmers want to After the meeting, the delegation visited Oak Valley
stand tall and be successful. We can farm, and we can to see the agri-worker housing, school facilities, and
export fruit – the same as any other commercial fruit crèches.
producer. Help us do it. We will pay back the money.” Later that same day, the Minister convened his
DAFF DG, Mike Mlengana, said that the Department annual service delivery forum at the Erinvale Hotel
was inspired by the level of commitment from in Somerset West. He spoke to more than 150 politi-
the industry that they had witnessed. “When the cians, captains of industry and other roleplayers.
APRIL/MAY 2019 | INDUSTRY NEWS 9Addressing industry challenges
Hortgro Pome recently invested R2.5 million in a pristine world-class controlled atmosphere (CA) research facility
at Stellenbosch University (SU). Those involved are very excited, as the facility will help solve post-harvest
problems within the industry, such as the very pestering superficial scald. The state of the art equipment places
SU at the frontline of CA research and seeks to answer previously unanswered questions,
to ensure the success of various cultivars. GRETHE BESTBIER
T
here is no point in conducting research if there is no demand scrubs ethylene, but at very low oxygen levels. The Van Amerongen
for it in practice, and according to Dr. Elke Crouch, post- or DCA-RQ system is a more dynamic system and estimates the
harvest physiology and technology researcher at SU, the new amount of oxygen the fruit uses and produces and then changes
CA facility presents a myriad practical applications. the oxygen levels according to that.
“It is actually such a great field to work in, because there is always a “There are a lot of possibilities. You can play around and answer many
need you are addressing,” says Crouch. “It is always applicable.” questions,” says Crouch, who is currently taking the lead in the CA
The advanced facility will help solve post-harvest problems within research project at hand. “However, you will have to do it bit by bit.”
the deciduous fruit industry. Not only will it enable researchers to Current research compares the three systems and determines
determine how long pome varieties can be stored for, but also in which atmospheric conditions will optimise the fruit’s post-harvest
which atmospheric conditions post-harvest defects can be mini- storage life. It aims to answer questions like whether ethylene
mised. According to Isocell, this new system installed by them at SU scrubbing improves long-term storage, and also evaluates other
is the best they have worldwide, which makes SU the only research parameters of the different systems, including the ease of the
facility globally with this set of equipment on a single premise. system control, support, and communication.
“We are very excited because this makes us world-class. We are at
The two-year-long project also looks at the cost of the different
the forefront of research, where we’ve never been before,” says
systems, comparing their prices and outcomes, and determines
Crouch. “We are excited about so many things, especially produc-
whether the large investments required by producers will be
ing answers we’ve never had before.”
worthwhile. Certain systems are cheaper than others. The less
The new CA facility allows researchers to compare three systems, pricey Absoger system, for instance, does not change dynamically
using four treatments, with one another. The DCA-Chlorophyll and has a certain fixed level, but also absorbs ethylene.
Fluorescence (DCA-CF) system allows for a treatment that scrubs
“So, the question is, can you get away with a smaller investment,
ethylene and one that does not, and measures the respiration
and have the same outcome?” asks Crouch. According to her, the
quotient. The Absoger or XLO system, on the other hand, also
significance of the new equipment lies in the fact that they have a
variety of controlled atmosphere systems in one premise.
“For any controlled atmosphere system you can determine how
long you can store fruit for, but I think the fact that we have differ-
ent types of CA systems allows us to create different recipes for
each cultivar,” says Crouch.
At the end of the day, why do we have a controlled atmosphere?
According to Crouch, it is simply to store fruit for as long as possi-
ble, while maintaining its quality.
PHOTOGRAPH BY CARMÉ NAUDÉ
“The guy that can store fruit for the longest time with the best qual-
ity gets the money,” she says. “The controlled atmosphere system
that can store the fruit for the longest period and have it age the
least, is the winner.”
Hortgro Pome Chairperson, Nicholas Dicey, pictured in front of the new
Isocell Controlled Atmophere facility at Stellenbosch University.
10 BEDRYFSNUUS | APRIL/MEI 2019Hortfin
Superficial scald is probably the greatest issue and main storage
appoints
disorder in pome fruit, and can lead to large financial losses. Fruit
is stored for extended periods to take advantage of main export new
CEO
markets, and often displays light brown to black blemishes on
the fruit peel, rendering it unmarketable. If a piece of fruit is
damaged, it's unsightly and cannot be packed for the overseas
market. If fruit can be kept healthy for a longer time by control-
ling the storage atmosphere, the industry can make more money
during a time of the year when there aren’t many quality apples
and pears overseas. Hortfin, the first ring-fenced loan facility of the
fruit and wine industry value chain, has appointed
“Quality is very important. If your fruit is not of good quality, you
Michael Brinkhuis as its new Chief Executive Officer.
B
receive a claim. This means you are going to have to pay for the
fruit, rather than make money from it,” says Crouch. rinkhuis, who qualified as a horticulturist and holds a
Up to this stage, superficial scald has mostly been controlled Masters degree in Agriculture from the Stellenbosch
commercially by drenching the susceptible fruit in diphenylamine University (SU), has worked in agricultural research, retail
(DPA), a synthetic antioxidant. According to Gustav Lotze, technical and development and has lectured in Horticulture and
manager at the SU Department of Horticultural Science, they want Environmental Studies.
to eliminate superficial scald through the application of a system, as Hortfin Chairman, Tshililo Ramabulana, said that Brinkhuis has
opposed to treatment or a chemical used on the fruit. The key driver demonstrated his ability to work successfully in different environ-
of finding alternative ways of controlling superficial scald was the ments throughout his career. “He has designed leading strategies
fact that the EU banned the use of DPA a number of years ago. which have resulted in impressive value creation. I, for one, am
Lotze, who is responsible for monitoring the atmosphere and looking forward to working with him in creating the next success-
the cooling of the premises, explains that there are various safety ful transformation chapter of the fruit and wine industries.”
measurements in place to ensure that the very expensive equip- Hortgro Operational Manager and Interim Hortfin Manager,
ment and the people working with it, stay safe. These include Mariette Kotze, said that they were excited about the appoint-
sensors that detect possible leaks or alarming oxygen rates, and an ment of Brinkhuis as the CEO of Hortfin. “He is well-known and
alarm system that informs Lotze if anything is out of place. respected within the agricultural community. His experience,
According to Lotze, the electronics of the facility is what he most skills, and attitude will result in favourably positioning Hortfin
enjoys. The advanced system allows him to monitor every aspect of to enable inclusive growth within both the deciduous fruit and
the CA facility via computers. “It gives you so many more advanta- wine industries.”
ges,” says Lotze. “In the past, you could only import a gas composi- Brinkhuis has for the latter part of his career leant towards the
tion into the computer and it would regulate it for you – that is all. public sector, and has spent the last four-and-a-half years as
You did not know what was going on inside the closed container, CEO of a state-owned entity responsible for agriculture and
but now you can actually see exactly what is happening, with the economic development programmes.
help of electronics, on a computer screen.” “My goal is to strive for development and sustainability in
For Crouch, the exciting thing is the ability to create conditions endeavours and creating partnerships aimed at augmenting
enabling the storage of fruit for so much longer. “I think enabling initiatives,” Brinkhuis said. He is an outdoors person
people to store fruit for so long is simply amazing,” says Crouch. who enjoys nature, sports and reading.
“This small living product, with its tiny amount of energy, can
Find more information on the
be stored for such a long time if you keep the oxygen levels low
Hortfin website: www.hortfin.com
enough, which is critical.” Please contact Carmé Naudé
Therefore, one of Crouch’s next challenges is to determine exactly for media related enquiries:
where that ideal oxygen level mark lies. carme@hortgro.co.za
APRIL/MAY 2019 | INDUSTRY NEWS 11I
t’s an early autumn morning. The slow wind swirls some reddened
leaves on the slate floor of the weather-beaten stoep of the main
house, on the farm Erfdeel. Didi Smith-de Kock and I are shar-
ing some coffee and words, about her life as a fruit farmer and
as an adventurer. The backdrop to our stage is the well-known
Matroosberg that earned its name from a rock formation about
three-quarters of the way up the mountain, on the Hex River side. It
depicts a distinct pinnacle, the sailor alongside his ship.
This story started many moons ago. At the time Didi’s father, André
Smith was working as the manager on the farm Hoogland near
Ceres, not far from the farm where I met with Didi. One Friday, the
main water pipe to the house burst on Hoogland, home to Didi
and her folks. With everything under water, André got the pick and
shovel and started digging. At that moment oom Kinnie Theron,
the then owner of Erfdeel, arrived on the scene at Hoogland.
“It’s Saturday afternoon,” he said, “why are you swinging that pick?” She attended school in Ceres, first as a boarder, but as soon as she
“The main water pipe needs fixing,” Didi’s dad answered. could see over the dashboard of the old station-wagon, she drove
“But why don’t you get some of the workers to do it?” the 20 km to the school bus’s starting point, driving herself back
“They need rest. It’s their weekend off. And this is my water pipe,” around three in the afternoons to help out in the orchards. Didi
André answered. enjoyed the farming activities so much, she couldn’t get out of her
The man looked at him for some time, then he responded: “If I ever school tunic quickly enough after school.
sell Erfdeel, I’ll sell it to you.” When she’d matriculated, Didi was set on going to Elsenburg
André never thought about the incident again. Eventually, he went College to get an agricultural qualification. She believes she would
to work for the Du Toit group for five years. Didi’s mom, Cora, then have been the first woman in Elsenburg. However, her dad wanted
did administration in the Du Toit group’s offices. They lived off her to experience a life beyond Erfdeel, and encouraged her to get
her salary while saving Andre’s. One day, oom Kinnie looked him a different qualification that comes with a bit more security. So,
up, Erfdeel was for sale. But their savings were just not enough, so Didi became a nurse, but she could only manage this for four years.
André had to decline. She wanted to be back on the farm, but the business was too small
for an additional farmer. Cordré, her brother was managing the
“You can rent it, to begin with,” oom Kinnie said.
farm under Andre’s watchful eye. In the meantime, Didi got herself
At the age of 35, André and his family arrived at Erfdeel with R7 000,
a marketing qualification and entered the life insurance arena.
and neither a shovel nor a pick to their name. Cora cried her eyes out
She did well, ending up as the district manager for AVBOB in King
when she saw the dilapidated house. But to Didi, who was five years
William’s Town. Now in her 20s, Didi was desperately unhappy.
old at the time, it was heaven. She couldn’t get enough of the land,
“Please Dad, may I come back to the farm?”
the dust and the fruit. Didi blended right in, but because she was too
“Good timing, we’re starting with the hardies tomorrow.”
young to carry a picking bag or basket, she did pre-pack selection.
Anything would do, as long as she was involved. Didi was beside herself, considering the prospect of being part of
12 BEDRYFSNUUS | APRIL/MEI 2019Left: Didi and two pruners working the orchards.
Right: Matroosberg is internationally known as a snow destination.
Pictured here is the famous goatherder’s hut.
Erfdeel again, becoming entrenched in the life she loves more than country. At the same time, they restored the ruins of the oldest
anything, helping to run and manage the farm. But at fall-in the building, the goatherd’s hut, to offer six beds in total. Today, they
next morning a picking basket was awaiting her. From having held offer 250 beds in various places, as well as camping for 150 people.
a corporate managerial position, she was now plucking hardies (soft And in addition to 4×4, they also have skiing and snowboarding
hands and even softer shoulders, and all). in winter (including heli-skiing), as well as abseiling, a high ropes
“Dad left me that whole season with that basket. But less than two course where you traverse through ancient, humongous pine trees.
weeks later I was carrying it with the best. I wouldn’t give in to a Then, there’s rock climbing, quad and mountain biking, hiking,
picking basket. Saying ‘I can’t’ doesn’t exist. You do what needs to be kloofing, ice climbing. They also host corporate team building
done. That’s it.” functions, conferences, weddings and so much more. In addition
to being a qualified Satour guide, 4×4, abseil and high ropes
Twenty years on, and Erfdeel is doing well. Didi’s an indispensable
instructor, Didi also became a chef, beautician for brides, florist, and
part of the triangle (along with Cordré and André) looking after the
whatever else a tourism and events venue requires. But first and
production, the inspections, the pruning et al. Nowadays, they’re
foremost, she’s a farmer at heart who believes in an apple a day.
doing it all on a WhatsApp group, Top-crop. They have a winning
formula, with innovation, technology, the earth’s offerings and a Today, they are the leaders in offering farm tours in the district. Most
close-knit, dedicated team. of their visitors are from Europe, mainly France and Germany. They
come to experience the South African way of doing exactly what
they are doing with machines. At Erfdeel guests get to pick their
It’s not only about apples
own bag of apples and feel part of the process.
Although Erfdeel is 1170 ha in size, it offers the smallest workable
section of farmland in the area. At present they have 20 ha under “My favourite part of these tours is telling them that they now have
apples and Didi and company are planning to add another 20 ha. the opportunity to pick a virgin apple,” Didi says, laughing.
Many would be disheartened by the fact that barely 10% of the “What is a virgin apple?”
farm is arable, but Didi has seen it as an opportunity. And of the Think about it. The picker picks the apple. From the crate the
many lessons her dad has taught her, diversification stands out. selector handles it. Someone puts it on the lorry. Another hand
Never put all your apples in one basket, he said. If the rains don’t downloads it at the packing shed, then it goes into a box, and off
come and if the crops fail, you need something to fall back onto. to the cold room. From there it’s onto the supermarket, packed on
The fact that the majority of their 1170 ha was rugged mountain the rack to eventually be handled by the tiller, before you can eat it.
presented an opportunity. Introducing tourism at Matroosberg Picking it yourself from the tree, it’s only you handling it.
provided an additional source of income and job creation. It all started “Another farming tourism project we began I call Paying Forward
in 1992 when the mountain was engulfed in flames, wiping out the Apple Picking. After a picking season, you’ll still find a good amount
wild proteas, which were a major source of their income at that stage. of fruit left on the trees, missed by the pickers. The guests are then
All that was left was the rugged road used by the 4×4 truck drivers to free to pick all they want, on condition that they give half of their
transport the flower pickers up and down the mountain. ‘harvest’ to the less fortunate. The land gives, and we must give
With Didi on the bulldozer, they extended the track all the way to back,” Didi says, sitting back and smiling.
the canyon close to the top of Matroosberg, to become what is It was great to meet someone with a purpose, from a family that’s
today one of the most challenging and popular 4×4 trails in the so driven. Didi is definitely the new
Western Cape, and reckoned to be amongst the top three in the generation adventurous apple farmer. GERRIT RAUTENBACH
APRIL/MAY 2019 | INDUSTRY NEWS 13Onder: By Sandrivier het die groep
die nuutste tegnologie ervaar.
Bo: Die Noordelike Provinsie-
studiegroep.
Noordelike Provinsie-
studiegroep
D
ie Noordelike (Limpopo) produsente kom elke vier tot ses
weke bymekaar om spesifieke onderwerpe aan te pak en
kundiges se insette te hanteer, ten einde produksie en mark-
geleenthede te optimiseer.
Hulle het einde verlede jaar versoek dat so ‘n studiebesoek ook Die groep besoek De Fynne Kwekery.
aan die bedryfstrukture en produsente in die Wes-Kaap gereël
word om eerstehandse blootstelling van die spektrum en bedryfs- Daar is ook besoek afgelê by Sandrivier-landgoed waar die groep ‘n
dienste te kry. Dié steenvrugprodusente-studiegroep wou ook die toer deur die pakhuis en boorde meegemaak het.
geleentheid gebruik om uit mede-produsente se praktyke in die Die produsente het ook De Fynne Kwekery besoek, ’n Steenvrug
tradisionele gebiede te leer. Derhalwe die vierdag blootstelling JMF bygewoon en die dag by die plaas Bergvliet afgesluit. Culdevco
aan navorsing, plantverbetering, nuwe kultivars en evaluasie, die en Provar het die manne ook aan nuwe kultivars laat proe. Die
vrugtevliegprogram en handel-/mark-kwessies. studiegroep was dit eens dat hulle heelwat geleer het, maar was bly
Die groep se Januarie-besoek het verskillende bedryfsorga- om weer die pad te vat na Bloubulland.
nisasies soos FruitFly Africa, LNR-Infruitec, Hortgro Science en
SAPO ingesluit. TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS: CARMÉ NAUDÉ
14 TEGNOLOGIE HORTGRO | APRIL/MEI 2019BIED 'N WETENSKAPLIKE BENADERING TOT
GRONDBEROKING MET AGROCELONE NE TM
WAT IS DOEL VAN
GRONDBEROKING? GRONDBEROKING?
Dit is die disinfestering en disinfeksie van grond deur middel van Grondberoking word voor plant gebruik om herplantsiekte wat
die toediening van geregistreerde berokingmiddels soos deur patogene en aalwurms veroorsaak word te beheer. Dit sal
Agrocelone NE™. ook ontkiemende onkruidsaad beheer.
WAT IS AGROCELONE NE™?
Agrocelone NE™ bestaan uit twee aktiewe bestanddele, 1,3 Dichloropropeen en Chloropikrien. Agrocelone NE™ het `n unieke
formulasie wat toediening makliker en veiliger maak.
WATTER TOERUSTING WORD BENODIG? HOE WORD DIT TOEGEDIEN?
NexusAG se span van gelisensieërde pesbeheer operateurs maak Agrocelone NE™ kan deur drip-besproeiing of deur middel van ’n
gebruik van die nuutste vloeimeters, pomptoerusting en GPS trekker-ondersteunde tand-implement 30 – 90 cm diep in die grond
gedrewe trekkers vir die akkurate toediening van Agrocelone NE™. toegedien word. Grond word met plastiek geseël na toediening.
NEXUSAG BIED DIE VOLGENDE:
• Unieke formulasie:
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en -toerusting
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akkurate toediening
KONTAK JOU NAASTE NEXUSAG GEWAS ADVISEUR VIR ‘N VOLLEDIGE KWOTASIE.
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APRIL/MAY 2019 | TECHNOLOGY HORTGRO 15C
Last season’s drought rises can come into our lives, despite our irrigation during the dry season.
taught us so much best efforts to avoid them, and often “None of us will ever think about water in the same
more than we they can be turned into an opportunity. way again,” says Müller. “In the past there were
already know about These words of wisdom come from certain speculations that people now know to be
Dutoit Agri’s Research and Development true, like the perception that you can’t really use
water management,
Manager, Willie Kotze. If you look at drip irrigation to produce apples and pears. I think
irrigation, mulch-
crises from a different perspective, you this idea has now been proven to be false.”
ing and other water might learn how to take advantage of them – as The general feeling, says Steyn, is that given the
efficiency techniques. in the case with the previous season’s drought, he challenging circumstances, the industry did not
But most importantly, reminisces. do too poorly, and this is largely thanks to good
it demonstrated “The drought forced us to sharpen our knowledge. management, thorough planning and various
the resilience of We learnt to manage with less water and to reduce interventions.
the deciduous fruit waste,” says Kotze. Whether the strategy was drip irrigation, mulching
industry. According to Wiehann Steyn, Assistant General
or other techniques, extensive planning was vital
to ensure that last year’s production was a success.
GRETHE BESTBIER Manager at Hortgro Science, the most important
Dutoit Agri devised a solid strategy ahead of the
spoke to several lessons learnt were in the area of irrigation. “There
year, says Kotze, using drought management tips
technical advisors were many ways that producers stretched irrigation
published by Hortgro. Its starting point was setting
during the drought. Some growers simply allowed
about lessons learnt up a ‘water budget’ for the season, to determine
longer intervals between irrigations, or used less
during the 2017-18 which orchards would be fully irrigated and where
water during each irrigation. Many already used
drought. they would save water. Orchards that they had
mulch to reduce surface evaporation.”
planned to remove in the near future, because of
Kromco’s Technical Manager, Anton Müller, says low profitability, were pulled out. Where this was
it was crucial to shift the focus increasingly to drip not the case, they reduced the harvest drastically,
16 BEDRYFSNUUS | APRIL/MEI 2019according to the water availability. With young
trees, however, irrigation was non-negotiable –
these trees are the future and couldn’t be left with
too little water.
They also relied on water saving techniques such as
short radius irrigation, ensuring that only the effec-
tive root depth is reached, and very importantly,
invested in mulching. With a long-term strategy in
place, their immediate goal was the conservation of
the orchards. “Putting the right technology in place
during the drought was expensive, but we reaped
the benefits,” says Kotze.
This does not mean that they were immune to the
drought’s impact. According to Kotze, Dutoit Agri
saw increased cases of large fruit with bitterpit
in Golden Delicious apples, more prominent tips
and uneven maturing in some stone fruit, as well of extra people then need to be absorbed and
as a few cases of fast-decreasing firmness during accommodated by the cities, which would present
storage of some pears and Royal Gala apples. social and welfare problems.
Good chemical thinning early in the season greatly
“I think the interconnectedness of things, like where
contributed to good fruit size overall. Only in
water and food come from, is a positive lesson for
extreme cases did orchards bear fruit where size
the general public,” says Steyn.
was a problem.
Cape Town residents have reduced their collective
Looking to the future and the possible knock-on
daily water use from 1.2 billion to about 600 million
effects of the drought, Müller says that it is hard
litres, and consequently compete less with agricul-
to predict the drought’s future consequences by
ture for water supply (in theory). However, even
just looking at the trees. He does not expect major
though people are now more informed, the problem
long-term effects, and Kotze agrees.
is still far from being fully solved. Water is still our
“Most of the orchards recovered well after the single biggest restriction in the Cape, and even more
drought and the carry-over effect is limited,” says needs to be done to assure its sustainability.
Kotze. “There is a small percentage of orchards with
“If you look at the Ceres area, there is a lot of land
a lighter harvest this year. I guess it is a combina-
available to plant apples, but you cannot plant more
tion of lower reserve status, as well as the heat
because there is not enough water. Water has always
wave in October that delivered a weaker set. There
been a limitation,” says Steyn. “We know it will rain
are also single cases where orchards’ growth and
less in the future and we know the city of Cape Town
root volume were damaged. This is mostly on sites
will grow. So, the demand for water will increase,
where water was restricted for the past three years.”
while its supply is decreasing. This means that we
According to Steyn, the drought bore lessons for
can’t continue doing what we are doing at this stage.”
both the agricultural industry and the general
Even if it was just reinforcing what was already
public. Where people from cities and urban areas
known, lessons learned during times of drought
previously might have thought it a good idea to
should be remembered and implemented even
cut off water supplies to farms and simply import
in times of abundant rain, as water shortages are
fruit, the drought helped them to understand the
the reality in the agricultural community of SA. It
complexity and importance of agriculture in our
is a permanent fixture, and the crisis has definitely
country. As Steyn explains, it is not that simple.
helped prepare the industry to map the way forward.
Without water, trees can suffer damage that may
last for seasons to come. If agriculture suffers, so “A positive thing is that our industry is much more
do jobs, the government, shipping companies, resilient than people think,” says Steyn. “A shake-
irrigation companies, as well as many small towns out (such as the drought) every now and then, may
that have agriculture as their mainstay. Thousands actually benefit the industry in the long run.”
APRIL/MAY 2019 | INDUSTRY NEWS 17THE IMPACT OF THE 2017-18 DROUGHT:
A case study using
FruitLook data
PICTURE: CAREN JARMAIN
RUBEN GOUDRIAAN1, CAREN JARMAIN2,
MECHTELD ANDRIESSEN1, KRISTIN ABRAHAM1, Figure 1. Dust storm in Theewaterskloof Dam, the biggest dam in
ROAN NAUDÉ, PETER KEUCK3 the Western Cape responsible for feeding water to Cape Town, as
well as the local agricultural community.
eLEAF, www.eleaf.com, ruben.goudriaan@eleaf.com, Wageningen, the Netherlands
1
2
Independent consultant, cjarmain@gmail.com 39% , by far not enough to fulfil all domestic, industrial and
Western Cape Department of Agriculture, www.elsenburg.com, peterk@elsenburg.com
3 agricultural water demands expected during the SA summer.
As a result, firm measures were implemented to avoid potential
D
disaster. New water sources had to be found, water losses (leak-
uring the 2017-18 summer, dwindling dam levels in the
ages) curbed, and firm water restrictions implemented.
Western Cape became the focus of many conversations. Dust
The drought had a devastating impact on irrigated agriculture
storms could be seen clouding the sky above bare dams, as
during the 2017-18 season, so much so that an estimated
shown in Figure 1. Three consecutive dry winters caused dam
R6 billion in economic losses was incurred, and 30 000 jobs were
levels to drop to record-low levels. At the end of October 2017
lost in the agricultural sector 1,2.
the average dam storage level in the Western Cape was approximately
During the 2017-18 summer production season water restrictions
of 50% were implemented in the Breede Valley, 60% in the Berg
FruitLook in numbers in 2017-18 River and Riviersonderend region, and various other regions and
85% or more in the Lower Olifants River Valley3. In response to
1 The FruitLook program is unique to the Western Cape.
the water limitations, crops in many areas were removed and
5 The water management areas covered by FruitLook include the Olifants-Doorn region, shredded to produce mulch for fields that were to be kept in
Berg, Breede, Gouritz and Fish to Tsitsikamma. production. For orchards and vineyards, this approach will have
9 FruitLook datasets describing crop growth, crop water usage and nitrogen content. a long-term impact on productivity, as it will take a very long
time to replace the trees and vines that were removed. Where
50 Open FruitLook training sessions that were provided at Elsenburg and in various other
regions in the Western Cape during FruitLook 2017-18. such extreme actions were not followed, an insufficient amount
of water resulted in a reduction in yield quantity and quality. It is
63 Percentage of users who have indicated that FruitLook made their water management
further expected that the absence of post-harvest irrigations will
at least 10% more efficient.
negatively impact production in the 2018-19 season.
74 Percentage FruitLook users that are farmers. FruitLook is also used by consultants,
For this article the impact of the 2017-18 drought on the West-
scientists, students and many others.
ern Cape agricultural sector is assessed using satellite-based
218 The amount of raw satellite images processed to create the FruitLook data products for data products available via FruitLook (www.fruitlook.co.za).
the 2017-18 season
The spatial FruitLook data is used to identify the impact of the
776 Number of users in 2017-18 drought in two distinct regions: the Groenland Water Manage-
ment area and the Lower Olifants Water Management Area. The
2011 The year FruitLook became available to farmers in the Western Cape. The data of earlier
seasons is still available via the FruitLook website for users. Groenland area is relatively wet and indications are the impact
of the drought on production levels was minimal during the
16 507 Fields ordered during 2017-18
2017-18 season. The Lower Olifants area faced a water deficit
53 049 Hectares ordered during 2017-18 of approximately 85% at the start of the season4. The results
85 000 The approximate amount of fruit fields available for use on FruitLook from this analysis displays the disastrous impact of a drought,
but equally shows how varied this impact can be in one single
200 000 The approximate amount of fruit hectares available on FruitLook
province.
18 BEDRYFSNUUS | APRIL/MEI 2019Figure 2. Actual Biomass
Production for a table grape
2 3 field covering the period
21 February to 27 February
2018. The actual biomass
production is provided in kg/
ha, providing a quantita-
tive indicator of dry matter
growth in a field. The
biomass production includes
The FruitLook Project Look dataset. The information behind the FruitLook
portal is available for all major agricultural areas in roots, shoots, leaves, fruit
Since 2011 farmers in the Western Cape have had
the Western Cape, as can be seen in Figure 3. and all in-between.
access to satellite-based crop monitoring informa-
tion via FruitLook (www.fruitlook.co.za). Complete FruitLook data was used to assess the effect of the
Figure 3. The data behind
funding by the Western Cape Department of drought on production levels within the Groenland
FruitLook consists of raster
Agriculture makes it possible to offer the use of and Lower Olifants water management areas. The
maps describing production
FruitLook free of charge for the end user. FruitLook accumulated biomass (= total growth) production
in the entire Western Cape
enables the efficient use of water resources by during the 2016-17 season is compared to the
on a weekly basis. In this
farmers via the provision of smart satellite-based accumulated biomass production during the
case, a biomass production
data products. More than 750 users monitored 2017-18 season, specifically for the months October
map shows the vegeta-
over 50,000 ha of agricultural land via FruitLook, to April, thereby covering the main fruit production
tion growth from 25 to 31
between August 2017 and April 2018. season. By expressing the accumulated biomass
October 2017.
Satellites are integral to the success of FruitLook for the 2017-18 season in relative terms to the
operations. Near-infrared light, visible to insects 2016-17 season, the impact of drought is shown as
but not to humans, can be captured via modern a percentage reduction of biomass production from
sensors mounted on satellites. Via an ingenious 2016-17 to 2017-18. www.fruitlook.co.za
combination of satellite data sources, weather info@fruitlook.co.za /
information and smart models, data is created each
Assessing drought impact via FruitLook data
week, describing crop growth, water consumption help@fruitlook.co.za
(= actual evapotranspiration) and plant nitrogen Groenland is located in the south of the Western
content. Through the FruitLook portal this data Cape, near Grabouw, and Eikenhof is the main dam (+27) 074 322 6574
has been helping farmers to assess crop develop- in the Groenland water management area. The
ment, and to take efficient and timely mitigation water in this dam is primarily used for irrigated fruit
measures where needed, leading to an improved farming. The Groenland WUA, allowing for a 10%
crop production process. In the context of water curtailment, could adequately supply water in the
management, farmers can use FruitLook for assess- demand of their users. The major irrigated crop
ing and comparing field water consumption, assess- types in this region are pears and apples, with some
ment of water shortages and crop stress, getting an wine grapes and stone fruit also present in the area.
indication of efficient water use, probe placement When comparing the 2016-17 production season
and interpretation and detection of leakages. with the 2017-18 production season, accumulated
Figure 2 shows biomass production for a table biomass production figures are relatively similar. A
grape field as visible on the FruitLook web-portal. comparison was made on a field-by-field basis for
The image clearly displays in-field variation in 4 302 fields covering close to 9 000 hectares. This
growth. Variation in biomass production can be due comparison is visualised within the histogram for
to a myriad reasons, including differences in soil or the Groenland area shown in Figure 4.
disease, fungi or other problems within the crop The histogram shows a normal distribution and the
production process. Figure 2 shows a single field, average difference between 2016-17 and 2017-18
each pixel represents an area of 20 x 20 m. Analysis is almost 0%. This means, for the two years consid-
exceeding field scale is also feasible via the Fruit- ered in the Groenland area, the amount of fields
APRIL/MAY 2019 | INDUSTRY NEWS 19which showed an increase in growth (biomass production) is similar to the amount
of fields showing a decrease in growth. For more than 2/3 of all fields in the region,
the difference in accumulated biomass production between the 2017-18 and the
2016-17 production season was less than 10%. It also indicates the that the amount
of fields in production is relatively stable: almost as many fields show a sharp
decrease in production as there are fields showing a sharp increase. According to
the histogram this water management area displays little to no detrimental effects
Figure 4 Histogram showing impact on actual biomass
of drought. This suggests that this area had adequate water for plant growth and
production due to the effect of the 2017-18 drought in
that the data reflects the fact that minimal water conservation measures were
the Groenland water management area. No particular
needed in this area.
impact of drought is visible.
This is confirmed in Figure 5, showing the drought impact on a map, where
vegetation growth in 2017-18 is expressed in relation to 2016-17. Most fields show
little drought impact (yellow), meaning that production during 2017-18 is similar
to 2016-17. The data suggests that some orchards were taken out (in red), but
also that new fields were planted or came into production (dark green). Although
the data considered in this assessment shows vegetation growth (total biomass
production) and not crop yield, it would indicate a close to average production
season, compared to the year before.
A similar assessment for the Lower Olifants water management area (LORWUA)
tells a completely different story. The LORWUA region is highly dependent on the
Clanwilliam dam, which feeds water through a system of canals to the water users
downstream. In this area 90% of all irrigated fields are under wine and table grape
Figure 5 Map showing impact on actual biomass
cultivation. Table grapes are particularly vulnerable in drought conditions.
production due to the effect of the 2017-18 drought in
the Groenland water management area. No particular At the start of the 2017-18 season, the Clanwilliam Dam was filled to only 40% of its
impact of drought is visible on the biomass production capacity, prompting the introduction of major water restrictions for irrigated crop
figures. The dark red fields were likely removed over the production. Under 20% of the normal water quota was made available to producers.
past season. Simultaneously, the dark green fields are The data clearly shows the dramatic consequences of a season experiencing a
likely new in production. severe drought. The histogram (Figure 6) displays the effect of the 2017-18 drought
by comparing the biomass production figures to that from 2016-17. Close to
15 000 ha was analysed covering 5 027 fields. On average, nearly 25% less biomass
was produced over the entire Lower Olifants water management area. This
perceived drop in production is confirmed by the SA Wine Harvest Report 2018
from Vinpro: low water availability from the Clanwilliam dam led to reduced crop
vigour, smaller canopies and increased water stress5. The number of fields that
show a (close to) 100% reduction in growth is concerning, because it indicates the
removal of vineyards or their complete die-off.
Figure 7 maps this significant decrease in crop growth (biomass production) result-
ing from decreased water availability. Almost all fields visible on the map show a
drop in production figures. The fields coloured in deep-red are likely cleared.
Assuming a drop larger than 90% indicates permanent removal of the crop, based
Figure 6 Histogram showing impact on actual on the FruitLook data it is estimated that close to 200 fields were cleared over the
biomass production due to the effect of the 2017-18 course of the 2017-18 season. This accounts for close to 5% of all vineyards and
drought in the Lower Olifants water management orchards in the region. At the same time almost no darker green fields are visible,
area. Strong impact by drought is visible. meaning there were nearly no new plantings during the 2017-18 season. The
20 BEDRYFSNUUS | APRIL/MEI 2019histogram displayed in Figure 6 highlights this too: a large part of the fields shows
a -90% drop (or more) in biomass production, while almost no fields show a sharp
growth increase between the two years.
Adding to the difficulties stated above, there was no water available to produc-
ers for post-harvest irrigation. The impact of this still remains to be seen during
the 2018-19 season. The combined effect of decrease in productive area and the
Figure 7 Map showing impact on actual biomass
absence of post-harvest irrigation means the 2017-18 drought will be felt for years
production due to the effect of the 2017-18 drought in
to come in this region.
the Lower Olifants water management area. A strong
reduction in biomass production is visible for almost
Conclusion all production fields. Additionally, many fields show a
Satellite-based data is extremely useful to assess the impact of droughts. The (close to) 100% decline in growth, which means these
effectiveness of doing so is shown within this article: although the causes, effects fields are likely cleared.
and predictions on the 2017-18 drought made headlines throughout the West-
ern Cape, satellite imagery shows the agricultural impact of the drought varied
FruitLook 2018-19 provides data from 1 August
strongly between regions. In Groenland, sufficient water was available, enabling
the farming community to run a relatively normal season. In stark contrast, farmers
2018 to 31 July 2019 and can be used for planning,
in the Lower Olifants region were watching the sky expectantly for rainfall that monitoring and evaluating farming activities:
never came. As the FruitLook data analysis shows, the farms in the Lower Olifants PLANNING: FruitLook data can be used to draw up
region were severely impacted during the 2017-18 production season. water budgets and prioritise water allocations in
It underlines the vital importance of available water as the resource most critical terms of field water use efficiency.
to agricultural production. Climate models predict a gradual to rapid change in MONITOR: FruitLook data can assist with water
climatic conditions and an increased likelihood of extreme weather conditions management (how much water should be applied
like hail, flooding and prolonged droughts in the Western Cape. Agriculture, and where and when), probe placement, selective
wine and fruit production in particular, are vulnerable to this changing of the sampling prior to and during harvesting and
climate and additional stress from drought on the already limited water supplies. In general problem detection through deviations
combination with significant non-climatic pressures, like increasing competition for in the spatial pictures and data trends, and in
water from the urban and industrial sector, climate change forms a potent threat to subscribing to FruitSupport.
agricultural sustainability. EVALUATE: FruitLook allows users to do a post-
To effectively mitigate the challenges of the future, the agricultural sector needs to seasonal analysis, relating crop yield to the Fruit-
find ways to access more water and at the same time, irrigate more efficiently and Look data, and to analyse changes implemented.
with a higher precision. More water might be accessed via expensive measures, Interested to learn more? Hands-on training on Fruit-
like the introduction of new dams, increasing the storage of existing ones, and Look is offered for optimal use of this program. Train-
increasing groundwater abstraction reducing vulnerability to drought. Simultane- ing sessions are presented at Elsenburg free of charge,
ously, fresh water is ultimately a limited resource and the efficient use of water in visit the FruitLook website for more information.
irrigation is essential for a sustainable (agricultural) future. This is where tools like
FruitLook can help - now, and in the future.
1
Informing the Western Cape agricultural sector on the 2015-2017 drought, A
Fortunately, the Clanwilliam Dam was completely refilled during the winter of Drought Fact Sheet. Western Cape Department of Agriculture, November 2017.
2018, making the future of agriculture in the Lower Olifants region a lot brighter 2
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-04-23-western-cape-drought-
than it seemed a few months ago. This is also true for most regions in the province impact-hard-long-term-and-requiring-tough-intervention/
where the water situation at the start of the 2018-19 production season was less
3
http://www.wwf.org.za/water/?25441/Agricultural-water-file-Farming-for-a-
drier-future
dire than the previous year. It brings hope and perspective – there are better times 4
http://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/article/175645/olifants-river-asks-water-
to come. At the same time areas like the Little Karoo and Central Karoo continue to questions
face drought challenges. As such the lessons learned from last year(s) remain vital: 5
South African Wine Harvest Report 2018 – Big challenges in the vineyards,
water is life, let’s use it wisely and responsibly. big surprises in the cellar. VINPRO, in collaboration with SAWIS, May 2018.
APRIL/MAY 2019 | INDUSTRY NEWS 21You can also read
