Hi, I’m Martli Slabber, founder of Hexrivier Citrus, a family-owned farm in Citrusdal, in the beautiful Western Cape of South Africa. Every August, our farm transforms into a sea of wildflowers—an annual reminder of the biodiversity that nature can offer when we farm in harmony with the landscape.

Sustainability as a way of life

For us, sustainability is not a project—it is a way of life. This commitment is reflected in many parts of our business, including our platinum certification for sound employment practices, which we are proud of.

Inspired by natural farming

I’ve been farming since my mid-twenties (and I’m now in my fifties). In 2008, I transitioned to organic farming, inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka’s natural farming principles. One practical step was introducing indigenous plants from the Cape Floral region into our orchards. These native plants enrich the soil by supporting bacteria and micro-organisms, which in turn nourish the citrus trees naturally.

Regenerative orchards, thriving ecosystems

Our commitment to regenerative agriculture has helped create healthy, productive orchards with minimal pest pressure, while fostering a thriving ecosystem where birds, insects, and even predators like caracals coexist in balance.

Commitment beyond the farm

Our sustainability efforts also extend beyond our own fields. We have expanded recycling and waste management programmes to benefit the wider Citrusdal community, because a healthy farming future depends on healthy communities as well.