South Africa: Farming with zest
In the past few years, the South African citrus industry has firmly established its international reputation by adopting varieties that are in demand globally and by consistently delivering high-quality export fruit. It’s no wonder then that the country is the world’s second largest exporter of citrus by volume.
Reliable, reputable producers form the successful foundation of the local industry. Farmsecure is such a producer. A privately owned company, Farmsecure is an innovative participator throughout the entire agricultural value chain. Their presence from ‘soil to shelf’ enables a greater understanding of clients’ needs and allows the company to offer a holistic, comprehensive service.
The company has a presence throughout the country’s nine provinces, including its own fruit-farming operations, three of which produce citrus for export from February–September annually. In line with the company’s vision of creating sustainable and profitable agricultural enterprises, Farmsecure applies sound scientific farming practices on its farms to ensure premium product and optimized processes throughout the season.
Farmsecure’s fruit carton production for the 2012/3 season could potentially exceed 6.5 million. Its fruit-growing division – Farmsecure Fruit – grows a variety of citrus fruit for export on strategically placed farming operations across the country, specialising in Navels and Valencias, grapefruit, easy peelers and lemons. The fruit farming operations cover more than 1 900 production ha and include packhouse and de-greening facilities.
On Chennells farm in the KwaZulu-Natal province, Farmsecure Fruit produces Valencias, grapefruit and lemons on 538 ha from April–September. Navels, Valencias and soft citrus are harvested on Kaspersnek farm in the Mpumalanga province during the same period on 202 ha. In the Limpopo province, Navels, Valencias, grapefruit and soft citrus are produced March–August on Maswiri farm which covers 871 ha.
With strategic partners across the value chain, Farmsecure is able to enhance the fruit of their labour through optimized processes that lead the field. Their extensive fruit footprint places it in the perfect position to offer an extensive range of export citrus to cater for the needs of international clients.
For more information:
Farmsecure Fruit
Bradley Yazbek
Tel.: +27 21 974 1939
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.farmsecure.co.za
