A fallow site on Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West in the Western Cape that was previously used for plums has been transformed into a subterranean wonder.
Five metres below the ground and accessed by a curved ramp that is also wheelchair friendly, a 24m-long excavated chamber is revealed. This is Earthbox, which the organisers claim is a world first.
Reaching Earthbox is by means of a tractor-drawn trailer that passes Bon Chretien pear orchards and sunflower fields on land previously dedicated to Chardonnay grapes.
Best known for its wine production, Lourensford also has 90ha to apples and pears, 85ha to plums and 42ha of vineyards. About 22ha of avocado are also part of its 4 000ha area on a historic farm, originally owned by Willem Adriaan van der Stel and established in 1700.
Lourensford has an on-site cellar with wine-tasting and sales facilities, but the other fruit is marketed through New Vision, based in Durbanville in the Western Cape.
The Lourensford Market is a popular foodie experience and the Millhouse Kitchen is also acclaimed. The Coffee Roasting Company as well as Lourensford’s sculpture-rich gardens and retail outlets all contribute to making this a destination farm.
But, since November 2023, Earthbox has brought an entirely different focus. According to Lourensford general manager Koos Jordaan, the estate is proud that such an initiative was born and bred in South Africa. “Earthbox is an attraction of a high international standard. The Dream Commission, the people who conceptualised and manage Earthbox, have given us all an even greater appreciation of the earth beneath our feet,” he says.
Denne historien er fra February 16, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 16, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
