Company
Carpe Diem
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Products
Organic table grapes
Country
South Africa
Hi, I’m Gog van der Colff, owner and manager of Carpe Diem, a 200-hectare organic farm in the Orange River valley in the Northern Cape of South Africa, close to the town of Upington. Here we grow organic table grapes for Nature & More. With sunny winter days just below freezing, hot and dry summers around 45°C and water from the Orange River, this region offers some of the best conditions in the world for grape production.
From cattle to organic grapes
I took over the farm in 2000, when my father Johan decided to move into cattle. Fascinated by organic agriculture, I started conversion in 2006. It was not an easy path—my father was sceptical and there was little local experience to lean on—but in 2009 we harvested and exported our first organic grape crop. Since then things have gone very well, and in 2011 I was honoured to receive South Africa’s Young Farmer of the Year award.
Soil full of life
I strongly believe that soil health is the foundation of good grapes. At Carpe Diem we use large amounts of compost and experiment with vermicompost to create a soil that is “full of life”. Continuous groundcover in the vineyards protects the soil, improves the water balance and supports a resilient root system for the vines.
Water-smart grapes in a dry climate
Farming grapes organically in this hot, dry climate means we have to be very efficient with water. Using modern irrigation techniques, we make sure water from the Orange River is used as carefully as possible, while the living soil and groundcover help retain moisture in the vineyards. Together, climate, soil and water management enable us to produce consistent, high-quality organic grapes.
Caring for people and community
Carpe Diem is more than a farm; it is also a company that takes responsibility for its workers and neighbours. We have set up childcare for employees, made drinking water available to the nearby township and built a sports field where several football teams compete in the regional league. Investing in people and community is, for us, part of what sustainable grape growing means.
Our positive impact
Climate
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Carpe Diem grows organic grapes in the Orange River Valley with minimal external inputs, avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
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The farm uses solar water heaters and electric golf carts to reduce fossil fuel use and embraces technology for energy efficiency.
Water
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Located near the Orange River, the farm benefits from reliable river water and uses efficient irrigation technology to save water.
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Compost and organic soil management improve water retention, helping the vines thrive in a semi-desert climate.
Soil
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Continuous ground cover and annual compost applications build fertile, living soil ideal for grape production.
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Gog also experiments with vermicompost to enhance nutrient content and soil health.
Biodiversity
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The farm protects indigenous plants such as Camel Thorn and Quiver trees and actively grows and plants them.
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Native vegetation, wild gardens and mixed plantings create habitat for wildlife across the farm landscape.
Individual
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Workers are valued with open, participative management and opportunities for advancement.
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The farm provides amenities like childcare and access to clean drinking water for the local community.
Society
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Gog supports surrounding townships by supplying drinking water and investing in community facilities like sports fields.
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The farm fosters inclusive management and equal rights for full-time, seasonal and part-time employees.
Economy
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Carpe Diem has grown into a trusted organic grape supplier with excellent quality and reliable harvest timing for key seasons.
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The farm’s long-term planning, certifications and team commitment support consistent production and export success.
Greetings from our farm!
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