GROWING SMALL-SCALE ORGANIC BERRIES

Marcus Rosochacki of Rosoberry at Hermanus River Farm says his choice to grow organic berries is based on evidence that suggests certain common herbicides used between orchard rows are harmful to human health. “There are certainly published papers that discuss the negative impact of various chemicals on the environment at large. To move away from this is worthwhile and worth paying extra for by eco-conscious consumers. So aside from just being health conscious, there is the angle of environmental concern too,” he says.

“There are several factors to my decision to focus on organic, smallvolume, for local-only production. In order of importance they are: the initial investment costs are extremely high; the industry is not protected from logistical nightmares such as Transnet failures, which, in the wrong week, can sink the year; the achievable production window in the Overstrand falls outside of optimal export market prices; the Overstrand is home to an ever-growing affluent, health-conscious, pro small-farmer population who will pay good prices for chemical-free or organic berries; and my trials in organic practices have been very successful. Thanks to the massive production levels and ever-decreasing prices to consumers, blueberries are becoming a steady part of many people’s diets. This opens the window to small producers like myself to provide a premium, higher-health option to discerning customers.

“It does not help for me to advise farmers to grow organic berries on a small scale for local production when their goal is to utilise many hectares and make millions in sales. However, if a farmer seeks to diversify their farming operation for greater income or economic resilience, then maybe my message is worth listening to. If you want to make R1 million, a lofty goal in my view, from a hectare of berries, then find your market, cultivate your brand and loyal customer base, and keep your 1ha to

1ha instead of 5ha or 20ha or more. The local market is only so big, so anyone wanting to produce many tons will have to export. One hectare of berries could flood your area depending on where you are.

“After two years of growing with constant change, such as abandoning varieties, adding new ones, experimenting with cultivation practices, and expanding by 1 000m2 every six to 12 months, I can say that my trial block almost pays for itself in berry sales. I hope to achieve profits of up to R700 000/ha when I have finally populated my block with mature plants of the best-performing varieties.”