Page 23 - LandscapeSAIssue114

FEATURE

and growers; this is aimed at uplifting and
supporting the communities from which Blueberries are the fastest growing horticultural product in South Africa, with the industry
the workers come. Projects include building having created thousands of full time jobs over the past five years. Within the country’s
creches, a library, upgrading canteens overall berry family, blueberry production is the largest.
and supporting education and medical
initiatives. Schutte says that these projects The industry began during the 1970’s in Mpumalanga’s Lydenburg district, reaching the
have a positive impact on the lives of the Western Cape in 1987. Currently, about 72% of South African blueberries are exported,
people on the farms, as well as improving the mainly to the Netherlands and UK.
environmental and social impact of the fruit
that is grown.
Text and photos supplied by Elzette Schutte of Berries ZA. n

EVERGREEN

Landscape SA • Issue 114 2022 21