Company
Groenheuwel Boerdery
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Products
Organic Lemons
Organic Mandarins
Country
South Africa
Hi, we are André and Madaléne Spangenberg, and we cultivate organic citrus for Nature & More in Augrabies, about 120 km from Upington in South Africa. Our farm, Groenheuwel Boerdery, is located in the fertile valley of the Orange River, one of South Africa’s largest rivers—an area with excellent conditions for growing citrus.
Organic since 2001
We decided to start farming all citrus organically in 2001. Organic is healthier for both the people working with the crop and for the end consumer. At the same time, it is more challenging: we make our own compost and manage exports ourselves, which requires constant attention to quality and detail.
A farm built for long-term impact
Over the years we expanded the property to approximately 6,000 hectares. Around 445 hectares are dedicated to fruit growing, and 160 hectares have been cultivated organically since 2001. Diversification was an important motivation for starting organic citrus—alongside the goal of creating more stable, year-round employment on the farm.
Climate-smart energy on the farm
Groenheuwel has also invested in renewable energy at scale. In 2020, André installed 2,775 solar panels, producing 2,393 MWh per year, enabling the warehouse to run largely on solar power and reducing grid electricity use and costs. This work was recognised through award nominations and later a Climate Change Award in partnership with Eosta.
Our positive impact
Climate
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Since 2001 they cultivate citrus organically — no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used, which drastically lowers CO₂-emissions and energy inputs.
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In 2020 they installed 2,775 solar panels, producing ~2,393 MWh per year — this reduces reliance on coal-heavy grid electricity and cuts their carbon footprint significantly.
Water
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Compost is used to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity, helping the soil buffer between dry and wet periods and reducing water stress.
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Efficient water use practices (e.g. careful irrigation) in their dry climate environment help avoid overuse of scarce water resources.
Soil
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They enrich the soil with high-quality compost made from a mix of wood chips, straw, manure and organic waste — this supports soil fertility naturally, without chemicals.
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No synthetic agro-chemicals are used, preserving soil microbiology and long-term soil health.
Biodiversity
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Organic management encourages soil organisms (worms, insects), native plants and wildlife — a sign of a healthy, balanced ecosystem on the farm.
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Use of indigenous plants and avoidance of pesticides helps maintain local species diversity in plants and animals.
Individual
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Because no synthetic pesticides or chemical inputs are used, workers are not exposed to harmful agrochemicals — providing a safer work environment.
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The farm invests in employee well-being: housing, daily morning prayers fostering community, adult education and training (e.g. composting, tractor driving, irrigation) for personal and professional growth.
Society
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By providing year-round employment (citrus replaces seasonal crops) the farm offers economic stability to local families in a rural area.
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Social cohesion is supported through community rituals and inclusive governance (workers participate in decisions via joint ventures), strengthening collective agency and solidarity.
Economy
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Organic citrus from Groenheuwel meets premium demand for healthy, sustainably produced fruit — providing better market positioning and value.
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Long-term commitment (organic since 2001), scale (6000 ha farm, 445 ha orchard, 160 ha organic) and solar energy investments enhance business resilience and sustainability.
Greetings from our farm!
Location
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