The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown regulations left huge numbers of South Africans unemployed, as businesses were forced to downscale or even shut down. Numerous families found themselves destitute, and food security and nutrition suddenly became priorities.
Seeing the increasing hunger amongst their fellow citizens, many farmers, agricultural organisations and communities made a commitment to do something about it. One such person was Rossouw Cillié of Laastedrif farm in Ceres, who plants 1 200ha to fruit and vegetables all year round, and supplies markets and retailers.
HOW IT STARTED
Cillié says he has a passion for helping people. “It’s something I inherited from my mother, Irene. She was an incredibly caring person.”
He explains that the initiative started when the national lockdown coincided with his apple and pear harvest coming to an end in April.
“My seasonal workers had to stay at home and were unable to look for work. It was my moral duty to feed these people. So we gave each of them a pack of fruit and diced vegetables every week,” he says.
This aid later extended to soup kitchens in Ceres, Elands Bay, Redelinghuys, Touws River and Worcester.
“Suddenly, the initiative boomed, as more industry role players started to offer their support,” he recalls.
Today, Ceres Fruit Growers, Cape Agri, Tru- Cape, Agri SA, Revolute Systems, HFR Refrigerated Transport, TE Coetzee and Yara Fertilisers all support the initiative, and farmer Stef Stephan from the Sandveld regularly donates potatoes.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 02, 2020 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 02, 2020 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Meet some of the heroes behind avitourism destinations
Exploring what the Garden Route offers birdwatchers, Brian Berkman discovers some special people who run hospitable places to meet and see a variety of species.
What the Citrus Academy offers aspiring producers
Cobus du Plessis takes a look at the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa's Citrus Academy and how it is helping to develop aspiring farmers in the sector.
Seeder kick-starts vegetation in challenging environments.
Dr George Craven of Noorspoort, Steytlerville, in the south-eastern Karoo, is successfully using a home-built 'bedstead seeder' to re-establish veld plants in an arid area, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Sowing seeds for the future: unravelling estate planning challenges for farmers
PJ Veldhuizen, managing director of specialist commercial law firm Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc, emphasises the critical role of legal expertise in unravelling the ins and outs of estate planning.
Visiting olive oil producers in Spain
A group of agricultural journalists representing 15 member countries of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists recently visited the south of Spain to explore the agricultural operations and opportunities unique to that region. Magda du Toit reports.
SA genetics ready to take on the world
The South African Braunvieh has all it takes to become a serious contender in the international red meat production arena, says Gawie Naudé, owner of the award-winning Eduan Braunvieh Stud near Rhodes in the Eastern Cape. Annelie Coleman reports.
Local company serves farmers and communities
Magda du Toit writes about how a company in Limpopo is training and empowering agricultural workers.
Except for pork, meat prices traded lower this past month
While the local livestock industry continues to battle many challenges, an uptick in beef exports as well as the poultry industry's strides to replenish the chicken supply bode well, says Absa AgriBusiness.
Africa goes from net carbon sink to source
New research shows Africa's impact on greenhouse gases and the need to focus on climate-smart agriculture, writes Jyothi Laldas.
Zero-residue fresh produce a reality
Retail giants are calling for caution when using biologicals and chemical pesticides, writes Lindi Botha.