Westfalia Fruit, a multinational supplier of avocados and an array of fresh fruits, unveiled, for the first time in virtual reality, its "Orchard of the Future" at Fruit Attraction 2023 in Madrid. Dr. Merensky's vision, encapsulated in the motto "To Do Good," serves as the guiding principle for the entire organisation. Today, operating in 17 countries across five continents, Westfalia Fruit remains committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
Pioneering research for sustainable agriculture
Westfalia Fruit, a leader in applied research, hosts the largest privately funded subtropical fruit research organization globally. The heart of this effort is the "Orchard of the Future," spanning 13 hectares within the Westfalia Fruit Estate in Tzaneen, South Africa. This orchard serves as a living laboratory, allowing researchers to bridge the gap between laboratory studies and real-world agricultural challenges.
Four key focus areas: a blueprint for sustainable farming
The Orchard of the Future at the Kiaat farm has a clear mandate: to develop and refine sustainable farming practices for the avocado industry, focusing on four critical areas—water usage, environmental management, disease control, and genetic efficiency.
Dr. Zelda van Rooyen, Research Manager at Westfalia Technological Services, emphasizes the unique strength of Westfalia Fruit. Real scientists are hard at work in 50 hectares of orchards, where nature throws its challenges, providing invaluable real-life experience. The dedication of these experts is complemented by the vast scale of thousands of hectares of commercial orchards.
The Orchards of the Future project at Westfalia Fruit is on a mission to redefine the future of avocado cultivation. This visionary project tackles a broad spectrum of challenges facing modern agriculture, including climate change and resource scarcity. It aspires to lead the avocado industry towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
A defining feature of this project is its commitment to research and experimentation. Westfalia Fruit's Orchards of the Future provide an expansive canvas where various growing conditions and stresses can be meticulously studied. This resource allows researchers to monitor and assess tree responses, ultimately enhancing our understanding of avocado cultivation and optimising various factors.
An evolving journey
The Orchards of the Future are not static; it is an evolving project. Agriculture is a dynamic field, and this initiative adapts to meet changing challenges and opportunities. It serves as a dynamic platform for testing emerging technologies and state-of-the-art practices, adhering to the principles of experimentation, demonstration, and eventual commercialisation.
A global outlook
“Westfalia Fruit's Orchards of the Future initiative exemplifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of avocado cultivation. Through continuous research, experimentation, and knowledge sharing, this project is poised to revolutionize the industry.” mentioned Dr. Zelda van Rooyen, research manager at Westfalia “It pays homage to the enduring legacy of the company's founders and their dedication to sustainable and innovative avocado farming practices, ensuring a fruitful and prosperous future for all growers.” added Zelda.
For more information:
Danielle Willems
Westfalia Fruit
Tel: +27 0110768358
Email: danielle.willems@westfaliafruit.com
www.westfaliafruit.com