Carpe Diem

solidarity freedom justice: animals; energy; air; water; soil; plants

Hi, I am Gog and I grow grapes in South Africa

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Hi. I'm Gog van der Colff, owner and manager of Carpe Diem, a 200 ha farm that produces table grapes, raisins and pecan nuts. The farm is located near the town of Upington in the Orange River area of the Northern Cape, South Africa.

I took over the farm in 2000 after my father Johan decided to raise cattle and I developed an interest in organic agriculture. I started conversion in 2006 and had to rely entirely on myself, since my father has been skeptical. However, I am proud to say that this year (2009) we have harvested our first organic crop, which will be on sale in Europe.

I am blessed with a committed team of managers and workers who provide me with good feedback and honest opinions. Initially, it was difficult to convince them to change to organic practices, but now they enjoy the benefits of not having to handle any chemical substances and they have turned into a reliable support team.

The farm also includes a packing facility for raisins, which provides us with another source of income and allows us to employ people over a longer period of time.

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Your lovely grapes.

Posted by June Birch at Feb 18, 2012 11:47 PM

We bought the Thompson variety and the Midnight Beauty grapes in Sainsbury's, Islington, London, UK and I am just writing to say that they are absolutely gorgeous and fresh and we are thoroughly enjoying them. Thank you. Congratulations on your award last year and your brave decision to go organic in 2006.
It seems an uphill struggle at times, we have it here, but there is no comparison between organic and non organic fruit and vegetables and it is the only future for the world in my opinion and I include organic growing and eating in the fiction books I write to try to put the message over!
Very best wishes,
Power to you,
June
Inside Outsider Publications (http://www.insideoutsider.co.uk)