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" Today farming is a science and needs a level headed person to make a success ." -Johan Vlok
There is much success to be found in diversity. The valley has a Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for growing deciduous fruit such as table grapes and stone fruit (peaches, nectarines and plums), as well as wine grapes, citrus and olives. Pomegranates were added in the early part of this decade. Due to the hot summers, fruit from the Riebeek Valley has been described as flavoursome and extremely sweet! Water is vital in fruit production and we use drip-irrigation from our dams and the Berg River Water Scheme to ensure that our crops reach their full potential. |
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Harvesting takes place through out the year, except for July and September and the fruit must be handled with care. This makes it a labour intensive form of farming and for six months of the year, we employ a number of seasonal workers. The fruit is prepared mainly for the export market, but around 5% of our yield is supplied to local markets under the Kasteelberg brand.
Johan Vlok uses the bio-dynamic equilibrium method of farming incorporating Globalgap and Natures Choice approved soft chemicals which adhere strictly to world wide export regulations.
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