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Fairview A Beacon of Cheese Excellence in the South African Dairy Industry

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Fairview Cheese Company, nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, has long been synonymous with high-quality dairy products. Established over decades of innovation and tradition, Fairview has carved out a niche for itself with a diverse range of both cow’s milk and goat’s milk cheeses. One of the farm’s most notable attractions is the iconic Goat Tower, a unique structure that adds a whimsical charm to the vineyard and is a must-see for visitors.

Fairview’s cheese range is expansive, featuring over 50 artisanal varieties including white mould cheeses, blue cheeses, feta, and cream cheeses. This selection caters to all tastes, from the traditional Brie and Camembert to innovative creations like White and Blue Rock cheeses. All Fairview cheeses are made with non-animal rennet, ensuring they are Halal and Kosher certified.

The company’s commitment to excellence was recently highlighted at the South African Dairy Awards, where Fairview won 10 awards.

FairviewNotable winners included their Woolworths Feta with Red Pepper & Chilli, Fairview Cream Cheese Black Pepper, Fairview Triple Cream Camembert, and Fairview Cream Cheese Onion & Chives. These accolades underscore Fairview’s dedication to quality, from the careful selection of milk to the meticulous aging process.

Visiting Fairview offers more than just cheese tasting; it’s an experience. Guests can explore the farm, meet the famous goats that contribute to the cheesemaking process, and indulge in the vast array of products available. Fairview not only promises a delightful culinary journey, but also a memorable day out in the scenic Cape Winelands.

Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with wine, or used in gourmet dishes, Fairview cheese is a testament to the art of cheesemaking. As you savour these award-winning cheeses, you’re not just tasting cheese; you’re experiencing a piece of South African dairy heritage.

Discover the Best of the Cape at the Inaugural Winelands Autumn Expo

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The inaugural Winelands Autumn Expo, scheduled for 24 – 25 May, 2024, in Worcester, Cape Winelands District, offers a unique celebration of the region’s diverse offerings.

Spanning 23,000 km², the district is known for its rich agricultural heritage, pristine mountains, unique fauna and flora, and endless blue skies, making it a picturesque setting for the event.

This first-of-its-kind event offers an opportunity to explore the rich agricultural heritage and scenic beauty of the area, encompassing five renowned areas: Breede Valley, Drakenstein, Langeberg, Stellenbosch, and Witzenberg.

Visitors can indulge in a variety of local products, including award-winning wines, artisanal beers, and gourmet foods, while enjoying live performances and arts and crafts. The expo will feature a wide range of stalls offering local produce, exquisite spirits, and more.

Family-friendly amenities include a special activity area for children, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Additionally, attendees can participate in competitions to win weekend getaways, adding an element of excitement to the event.
The event promises to be an enriching experience, showcasing the best of the Winelands’ hospitality and adventure opportunities.

Experience the Winelands

Embark on a weekend journey of discovery as you explore the best adventures the Winelands has to offer. From camping and MTB displays to historical tours, art galleries, botanical gardens and thrilling experiences for adventures of all ages, there’s no shortage of excitement.

Ticket via Webtickets

Augsburg Landbougimnasium: ‘n Baken van Landbou-Onderwys in die Wes-Kaap

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Augsburg Landbougimnasium, geleë in Clanwilliam teen die hange van Karookop, is ‘n toonbeeld van landbou-opvoeding in die Wes-Kaap. Die skool se unieke ligging, met ‘n skoolgebou in die hart van Clanwilliam en drie plase – Augsburg, Warmhoek en Taaiboskraal, geleë 3 kilometer buite die dorp – maak dit die skool met die grootste oppervlakte onder landbouskole in die provinsie. Hier, skep Augsburg ‘n omvattende en unieke onder-wysomgewing vir sy leerders.

Augsburg Landbougimnasium

Die diversiteit van landbouproduksie op die plase is indrukwekkend. Van uiesaad tot sitrus, wyndruiwe tot rooibos, en ‘n verskeidenheid kleinvee insluitend Dorpers, Boerbokke, Merinos, en Melkbokke – Augsburg dek die volle spektrum van landboubedrywighede. Uniek onder landbouskole, bied Augsburg nie net laerskool onderrig aan nie, maar sluit ook dogterleerders in. Dit maak dit die enigste landbouskool in die Wes-Kaap wat dogters toelaat.

Passie vir Landbou en Wyn

Augsburg LandbougimnasiumElke jaar neem die leerders van Augsburg deel aan die opwinding van die parstyd, waar druiwe geoes word vir die produksie van hulle eie Karookopwyn. Verder bied Augsburg ook rooibostee-opleiding aan, wat ‘n unieke aanvulling tot sy landbouklasse is, en maak dit die enigste skool ter wêreld met hierdie spesialis opleiding.

Die opleidingsprogramme by Augsburg is ongeëwenaard. Met ‘n wye verskeidenheid vakke en 14 geakkrediteerde kursusse, bied die skool ‘n platform vir leerders om hul vaardighede te ontwikkel. Augsburg se kursusse rus sy leerders toe vir ‘n suksesvolle loopbaan in die landboubedryf, wat wissel van vurkhyser-drywing tot draadspan, en van skaaphantering tot brandweer-opleiding en nog vele meer.

‘n Erfenis van Sukses

Die Jeugskou is ‘n belangrike hoogtepunt op Augsburg se kalender. Die skool se verteenwoordiging by die Wes-Kaap Jeugskou is ongeëwenaard, en hul leerders skou met ‘n trots en passie wat ‘n weerspieëling is van die skool se toewyding tot uitnemendheid.
Augsburg Landbougimnasium is nie net ‘n skool nie – dit is ‘n lewenswyse gebaseer op trots en passie. Hierdie instelling vorm nie net landboukundiges nie, maar kweek ook leiers met ‘n diep liefde vir die landboubedryf. “Augsburg is waar jou kind wil wees.”

Vir meer inligting besoek www.augsburggim.co.za

Port of Cape Town Struggles with Recovery, Jeopardizing Citrus Exports and Economic Growth

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Port of Cape Town Struggles with Recovery, Jeopardizing Citrus Exports and Economic Growth

Extensive efforts have been made from industry and the Western Cape Government (WCG) to work with Transnet Port Terminals to ensure that a credible and reliable recovery plan is in place to stabilise operations in the short-term.

Now, South African citrus exports are set to increase rapidly towards the end of May 2024, with an anticipated increase of 16.6 million 15kg cartons of fruit needing to be moved through various ports, including the Port of Cape Town.

However, with Transnet’s Cape Town Container Terminal’s (CTCT) failure to meet its own recovery targets and Ship Working Hours – CTCT’s headline productivity measure which measures the average container moves on a vessel per hour – sitting at an average of 25 hours compared to the 30 hour target, significant concerns are mounting about the ability of the Port of Cape Town to be able to efficiently process and ship the goods.

“The WCG has been repeatedly raising our concerns with national government and stakeholders across the logistics sector about the inefficiencies in the operations at the Port of Cape Town. I am deeply frustrated that despite commitments from the Minister of Public Enterprises, Transnet and leadership at the port since early last year, once again another critical harvest season is in jeopardy. We cannot allow this to happen again to our agriculture sector, a key economic driver and employer not just for our province but the rest of the country too. While we welcome the longer-term discussions about bringing in private sector role players, right now Transnet should be bringing in the top team to support port operations,” said Premier Alan Winde.

Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, expressed deep concern, saying that “the targets set in the Transnet and container terminal recovery plan for the Port of Cape Town, designed to be conservative and achievable, are not even being achieved. I am especially concerned that, with the citrus season fast approaching, we are heading towards another export crisis. Citrus yields are up, but all indicators show that performance at the port will not be able to handle the increased volumes this year.”

In terms of the operational performance recovery plan, the ship working hours actual performance versus the target at the CTCT for the first four months of 2024 were:

  • January 2024: 22.5 actual ship working hours against a target of 26 hours
  • February 2024: 23.4 actual ship working hours against a target of 27 hours
  • March 2024: 24.5 actual ship working hours against a target of 28
  • April 2024: 25 actual ship working hours against a target of 30

In addition, average performance indicators at the CTCT for April 2024 show:

  • Average total vessel turnaround time for April 2024 was 8.9 days against a target of 4 days;
  • Average time at berth during April 2024 was 4.3 days against a target of 3; and
  • Average waiting time to berth during April 2024 was 4.6 days against a target of 1 day

“Fundamentally, these indicators show that the current terminal performance will not be sufficient to accommodate cargo volumes during the upcoming peak citrus season. It is therefore imperative that there be an urgent review of the targets in the improvement plan so that they are functional, credible, reliable, and achievable – and so that our exporters can trust in the commitments made to enable making alternative arrangements well in advance, if needed, to mitigate the negative impacts this crisis would have on their businesses,” continued Minister Wenger.

She continued, “Our research shows that an efficient and properly equipped PoCT has the potential to contribute an additional R6bn in exports, roughly 20 000 direct and indirect jobs, and over R1.6 billion in additional taxes by 2026, if there is significant investment in key infrastructure. To achieve this goal, we need the private sector to be brought in to improve the efficiency of the port. While there have been encouraging signs recently of a willingness to invite the private sector in, the fact of the matter is that we must work together to urgently review the current recovery plan.”

“As part of this, our technical team are available to assist in identifying key areas of underperformance and action steps towards improved and efficient operations. Put simply, when our ports work, the whole of South Africa’s economy works, and South Africa cannot wait any longer. It is high time that the private sector is brought in to boost the efficiency of operations at the Port of Cape Town so we can work together to achieve the kind of breakout economic growth we need to create thousands of new jobs in the province, and in South Africa” concluded Wenger.

Stellenbosch’s Provincial Veterinary Lab Unveiled

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Stellenbosch’s Provincial Veterinary Lab Unveiled

In a significant leap forward for the agricultural sector, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ivan Meyer, recently inaugurated the newly renovated Provincial Veterinary Laboratory (PVL) in Stellenbosch. This key event celebrated the enhanced capabilities and improved infrastructure of a facility that has been instrumental in safeguarding animal health and public welfare for over fifty years.

Enhanced Capabilities for Nationwide Impact

During the ceremony, Minister Meyer highlighted the importance of the PVL, stating, “This is a moment for celebration by the Western Cape veterinary community as it ushers in an enhanced level of services to the agricultural sector by this government.” The PVL, which is celebrating its 51st anniversary, has been revitalized with a substantial investment of approximately R25 million aimed at modernizing the aging facility.

Minister Meyer underscored the lab’s crucial role in biosecurity and its services that extend beyond regional boundaries. “The laboratory serves clients across South Africa, with at least 55% of annual tests conducted for clients outside the Western Cape,” he noted, emphasizing the nationwide impact of the PVL.

One of the beneficiaries of the PVL’s services, Dr. Riaan Putter from the George Herd Health Veterinary Consulting Practice, expressed his satisfaction with the lab’s performance. “We have always received good service from the Western Cape’s PVL,” Dr. Putter remarked. He further added that the collaboration between state and private veterinarians is essential for national food security and safeguarding the livelihoods within the livestock industry.

Commitment to Excellence and Expansion

Highlighting the laboratory’s capabilities, Dr. Ilse Trautmann, Deputy Director General responsible for Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, pointed out that the PVL is the largest government veterinary lab in terms of accredited testing scope in South Africa. “Our ISO 17025 accredited PVL laboratory boasts the largest scope of accredited tests among government veterinary laboratories in the country,” Dr. Trautmann mentioned. She also revealed that plans are in place to further expand testing capacity in the coming fiscal year.

Minister Meyer expressed his gratitude for the patience shown by clients during the renovation period and reaffirmed the facility’s commitment to meeting their needs. “The re-opening of the PVL builds on our already strong foundation and commitment to strengthen our capacity to respond to the needs of the agriculture sector,” he concluded.

The upgraded Provincial Veterinary Laboratory in Stellenbosch is more than just a building; it is a beacon of hope and reliability for the agricultural sector, promising enhanced service delivery and sustained health standards for livestock across the nation.

For more information about the services offered by the PVL  visit:

https://www.elsenburg.com/western-cape/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-provincial-veterinary-laboratory/

 

ABC Pumps Announces Expansion in the Garden Route, Opens New George Service Centre

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ABC Pumps and Engineering group of companies is pleased to announce a significant expansion in the Garden Route of the Western Cape.

With the ABC Head Office being situated in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), and other major service & support centres in Cape Town, we are now also conveniently situated in George. Thus more efficiently providing a comprehensive service to our KEY Customers in the Garden Route through Sales, Support and local stockholding.

ABC Pumps

ABC Pumps George is a branch opening soon as a fully stocked warehouse and comprehensive service centre. The focus behind this strategic event is to offer the complete solution to pump-related needs in various fields. This includes the wholesale distribution, commissioning, and preventative maintenance of our wide variety of top-quality products. We pride ourselves in continuously striving to provide our clients with value-add services and products at competitive prices.

ABC Pumps now import a comprehensive range of SOLAR pumps and drives to cater for surface and submersed solutions. All accessories from panels, frames and cabling is available ex stock.

ABC Pumps is well respected in the importation and wholesale distribution of International Brands such as:  DAB Water Technology, KSB, Amandla Pumps, Difful, Ebara, Tesk, ABC Aqua and C.R.I Pumps.

The new testing and repair facility has been installed and will be commissioned to cater for the largest surface and submersible water pumps in the Territory, including motors up to 45KW. We have the ability to test 10 inch boreholes, of up to 5 meters in length, and vertically submersed in the water pit.

State of the art flow and pressure electronics with Variable speed drives are integral to the system.

 

For more information contact:
Office – 044 110 0285 | Neville Vosloo – 0832577061
Kobus Stals – 082 922 3516 | Daniel Vosloo – 082 312 1268
or visit www.abcpumps.co.za

Stellenbosch hosts annual Wine Tourism Conference highlighting industry growth

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Stellenbosch hosts annual Wine Tourism Conference highlighting industry growth

The 8th Annual Wine Tourism Conference, scheduled for 30 May 2024, presents an impressive lineup of international and local speakers tackling “The Business Case for Wine Tourism.” Set in the scenic Stellenbosch at Lanzerac, the event is designed to underscore the expanding of wine tourism, evidenced by significant increases in international tourist arrivals and heightened activity at Cape Town International Airport. Spearheaded by tourism and hospitality specialist Margi Biggs, the conference aims to showcase the upward trajectory of South African wine tourism, a trend that mirrors global movements despite local industry challenges.

Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine, highlights the sector’s “exponential growth,” with the winelands drawing visitors globally. The forthcoming Winelands airport, expected to be operational by 2027, is anticipated to further boost this trend, positioning Cape Town and its surrounding winelands as key destinations for wine enthusiasts. The conference features prominent figures such as Paul Wagner, a noted authority in US wine tourism and marketing, and Peter McAtamney from Wine Business Solutions, who will provide insights into effective marketing and business strategies for enhancing wine tourism revenue. Mike Ratcliffe, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, will discuss profitability enhancement strategies in wine tourism, reflecting the area’s distinguished wine industry position.

Other speakers include Mark Wilkinson of the Cape Winelands Airport and Kevin Campbell from Delta Air Lines, focusing on the critical role of air access to wine regions. Francois Rautenbach will explore the interplay between tourism and wine, drawing from his experience with Singita’s Premier Wine Direct programme.

The event will also feature discussions on the value of tasting room sales conversions and the keys to building a successful wine tourism business, led by experts like Eric Matkovich and Xania van der Merwe. Following the presentations, workshops will provide deeper dives into these subjects, culminating in a closing session and an informal wine tasting by the Stellenbosch Wine Route. This conference represents a crucial gathering for wine tourism stakeholders, offering valuable insights, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities aimed at navigating and capitalizing on the evolving landscape of wine tourism.

Hortgro Legacy Foundation Boosts SA Fruit Industry with Sustainability Focus

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The newly inaugurated Hortgro Legacy Foundation (HLF) in Paarl promises to revolutionize South Africa’s deciduous fruit sector by integrating alternative income sources to supplement traditional funding. This strategic move, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the pome and stone fruit industries, comes at a critical time when global agricultural sectors face mounting pressures from climate change and economic shifts.

Anton Rabe, Executive Director of Hortgro, emphasized the urgent need for self-reliance in light of worsening climate conditions and local challenges. The foundation will focus on essential areas such as humanitarian welfare, environmental stewardship, and technological and research advancements to fortify the industry against future crises.

Highlighting the foundation’s unique approach, Angelo Petersen, HLF Chairperson, and Nicholas Dicey, Hortgro Chairperson and HLF Trustee, reiterated that the HLF is not merely a replica of existing structures, but a proactive entity dedicated to research, technology, and humanitarian efforts within the sustainability framework.

Their objective is to create a resilient agricultural sector that promotes rural stability and socio-economic development.

The HLF’s comprehensive strategy encompasses humanitarian aid, environmental protection, community upliftment, and innovation.
This approach not only aims to improve fruit production and disease resistance, but also pledges to uphold the well-being of those working within the industry, ensuring no one is left behind in the pursuit of agricultural excellence and sustainability.

Die Opwindende Landskap van Jeugskoue in die Wes-Kaap in 2024

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Al die jeugskoue in die Wes-Kaap het tot dusver in 2024 vir groot opwinding gesorg, met ‘n reeks geleenthede wat die talent en vaardighede van die jeug in die kollig plaas. Die jaar het afgeskop met die Heidelberg en Riversdal skoue in Februarie, gevolg deur die Swellendam skou in Maart en Clanwilliam Skou in April.

Elke jeugskou het sover ‘n unieke vertoning van plaaslike talent aangegebied. Maar een skou wat uitgestaan het, was die Swellendam skou, wat ‘n besondere mylpaal behaal het, deur die insluiting van blinde en swaksiende leerders.

Nuwe geleenthede

Met ‘n indrukwekkende 204 inskrywings, het die Swellendam Jeugskou vanjaar die grootste streekjeugskou in die Wes-Kaap geword. Vir die eerste keer ooit het blinde en swaksiende leerders van die Pionierskool vir Blindes en Swaksiendes in Worcester aktief deelgeneem aan ‘n jeugskou. Hierdie geleentheid het ‘n gedenkwaardige oomblik gebied vir die gemeenskap, en spesifiek vir die deelnemende leerders wat hul vaardighede ten toon gestel het in die ontwikkelingsklas vir pluimvee en konyne. Vier seuns het met hoenders geskou, terwyl vier dogters hul vaardighede met konyne geskou het. Hierdie deelname het nie net die diversiteit van die jeugskou weerspieël nie, maar dit is ook ‘n stap in die regte rigting vir die inklusiwiteit van alle jong mense, ongeag hulle vermoëns.

WP Kampioenskap

Die hoogtepunt van die jaar sal die Westelike Provinsie (WP) Kampioenskap wees, wat van 16 – 18 Junie by Nampo Park in Bredasdorp aangebied word. Hierdie geleentheid bring deelnemers van regoor die provinsie bymekaar om hul vaardighede te demonstreer in kategorieë soos vleisbees, perde, pluimvee, wolskape, konyne, afslaers en nog baie meer.

Die WP Kampioenskap sal ook ‘n nuwe afdeling vir fotografie insluit, wat ‘n nuwe platform vir die kreatiwiteit aan die jeug bied. Annaline van Wyk verduidelik die kompetisiestrukture: “Daar is 9 streekskoue deur die jaar waarin die kinders deelneem. Die 2 beste punte van die skoue van elke deelnemer word gekies, en hulle word genooi na die WP kampioenskap toe. Daar is gewoonlik so 220 deelnemers.”

Die kompetisies dien nie net as ‘n podium vir jong mense om hul vaardighede te toon nie, maar dit is ook ‘n geleentheid vir provinsies om hul beste talent te identifiseer wat hulle by die nasionale kompetisie sal verteenwoordig. Hierdie geleenthede bevorder nie net die plaaslike landbou- en kultuurervaring nie, maar dit versterk ook die samehorigheid en diversiteit binne die gemeenskap.

Met die George Jeugskou op 29 Augustus, Moorreesburg op 4 September, Nampo Kaap op 14 September en Villiersdorp op 12 Oktober op die horison, is daar ‘n groot opwinding vir die jeugskoue in die Wes-Kaap in die vooruitsig vir die res van die jaar.

Elkeen van hierdie geleenthede beloof ‘n unieke viering van plaaslike talent en ‘n platform vir jong mense om hul vaardighede te wys.
Vir meer inligting besoek www.youngfarmers.co.za

Stellenbosch University Pioneers Climate-Conscious Meal Preparation

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Stellenbosch University Pioneers Climate-Conscious Meal Preparation

Food production accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a quarter of the world’s total. This impact is due to various factors including farming practices, food processing, fisheries, and crop production. Consequently, the choices we make in food consumption directly influence climate change through the carbon emissions associated with ingredient production.

In response to this urgent environmental challenge, Stellenbosch University (SU) is pioneering a sustainable approach to dining by collaborating with the Swedish-based startup Klimato. As the first African higher education institution to adopt Klimato’s carbon footprint software, SU is taking proactive steps to promote eco-conscious practices among its staff and students.

The partnership between SU’s Compliance and Catering Office and Klimato signifies a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable practices within the university’s operations. By leveraging Klimato’s software, SU aims to educate its community about the environmental impact of meal choices and empower individuals to make more sustainable decisions.

Earlier this year, SU’s Compliance and Catering Office reported a staggering 806,693 meals booked online from January to December 2023. This high volume underscores the pressing need for a more sustainable approach to food preparation and selection, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact.

Once implemented across campus, the partnership with Klimato aims to achieve several key objectives:

  1. Demonstrate Environmental Impact: The initiative seeks to illustrate to students the environmental impact of various menu options, providing insights into the carbon footprint of different meals. By raising awareness, SU aims to empower students to make informed and sustainable choices about their food consumption.
  2. Recipe Improvement: SU is committed to refining meal recipes to produce lower carbon emissions. Collaborating closely with catering service providers, the university will explore ways to reduce the environmental footprint of its meals without compromising on taste or quality.
  3. Data Localization: The partnership with Klimato involves localizing data to enrich the Klimato South African database. By contributing region-specific information, SU aims to facilitate more accurate carbon footprint calculations for meal ingredients and preparation methods.
  4. Widespread Adoption: SU aims to encourage the widespread adoption of climate-conscious meal preparation practices within its campus community and beyond. By sharing insights and best practices, the university seeks to inspire positive change in dining practices across institutions and organizations.
  5. Emissions Reduction: Ultimately, the goal of the partnership is to enable a reduction in the carbon emissions produced by catering service providers appointed by the Compliance and Catering Office. Through the implementation of sustainable practices and the utilization of technology, SU aims to minimize its environmental impact and lead by example in the fight against climate change.

Bennie Malan, Head of SUNCOM’s Compliance and Catering Office, emphasizes the university’s commitment to sustainability: “To showcase our commitment to sustainability, we prioritize initiatives to preserve the environment, promote social responsibility, and ensure economic viability for future generations.”

As SU continues to innovate and lead by example, its Sustainable Development Impact Hub plays a crucial role in driving progress towards sustainability goals. The release of the second Sustainable Development Annual Report, titled “A Sustainable Africa: Partnerships for Progress,” highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development and its contributions to the UN and AU agendas.

Through strategic partnerships, innovative technologies, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Stellenbosch University is shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for its community and beyond.

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