Company
Modderfontein
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Products
Organic Lemons
Country
South Africa
Hi, my name is Mike Stekhoven and together with Willie Odendaal and a passionate team we grow organic lemons at the historic Modderfontein farm.
A historic farm with a long memory
Modderfontein’s history reaches back to 1725, when it was established as the first farm of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the Citrusdal valley. That heritage is still tangible today, and it shapes how we think about stewardship: farming here means caring for a landscape that has been productive for centuries.
Restoring and converting to organic
Mike acquired Modderfontein in 2001 and began restoring the farm’s historic buildings, while also converting the operation to organic farming practices. The goal has been to build a farm that is productive and resilient—while respecting the local environment and the character of this unique place.
Diverse organic production
Today, Modderfontein is deliberately diverse citrus. This mix supports a more balanced farming system and helps the farm stay adaptable over time—while delivering the organic quality buyers expect.
Our positive impact
Climate
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Organic citrus production avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, reducing emissions and energy use.
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Nature-inclusive orchard management and manual practices keep the climate footprint low.
Water
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Compost and organic matter improve soil structure and water retention, reducing irrigation needs in this dry region.
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Responsible water management helps conserve scarce freshwater resources.
Soil
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Soil fertility is built with compost from manure and agro-waste, supporting long-term soil health.
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Chemical-free cultivation protects soil organisms and prevents degradation.
Biodiversity
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Organic citrus orchards support beneficial insects, birds and native wildlife due to the absence of synthetic pesticides.
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Natural habitat areas on the farm strengthen ecological balance and species diversity.
Individual
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Workers are not exposed to harmful agrochemicals, ensuring safer working conditions.
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Training and a nature-respecting work culture support personal development and well-being.
Society
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The farm provides stable employment and contributes to rural livelihoods in the valley.
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Restoring and preserving the historic farm buildings strengthens regional heritage and community identity.
Economy
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High-quality organic citrus secures access to premium export markets and supports better farm income stability.
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Long-term investment in soil health and sustainability builds a resilient and future-proof farming business.
Greetings from our farm!
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