INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

We strive to conserve, improve and protect what we have inherited. We place eco-friendly production and worker safety amongst our highest priorities, and by so doing, we create a beautiful environment, which is linked to a healthy, safe fruit.

*Soil: We are acquainted with the Environment Conservation Act. A consultant is always used to do a thorough study before new development or planting takes place

*Water: Maintenance of irrigation systems and pumps are carried out on monitoring system is implied. Under no circumstance can water be contaminated by eg. chemicals. The distance between water sources and potential points of contamination is sufficient to prevent contamination in the case of an accident of spillage.

* Energy: We strive to ensure that no waste of energy occurs. Workers pay for their electricity. All vehicles and equipment are purchase bearing a weekly basis, preventing unnecessary waste of fuel.

* Waste: We have a waste managing plan, implemented and fully controlled by trained people. Organic matter, wherever possible, is used as mulch. Waste is contained in a designated area on the farm (see map). Although some materials are burned people and animals are not effected.

*Noise: We are acquainted with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. No farming equipment exceeds the legal noise level. No tractor operator works continuously for 6 hours without ear protection (noise level 85 decibels).

Responsible Cultural Practices

On Rekopane we strive for sustainable production of top quality, healthy grapes - but which does not take place at the cost of the environment or the safety of our workers. Fertilisation, cultivation, irrigation and pest and disease control are applied according to norms recommended by proficient consultants.

*New Plantings: An analysis of the physical characteristics of the soil is done and suitable varieties are chosen in consultation with a proficient consultant
Inter-row Management: Weed control is done and the weed-free area is covered with chipped vine prunings.

*Nutrition: A laboratory accredited to perform the task does leaf analysis. A proficient advisor (Doctor Clauss Orth) ensures that nutrient balance is maintained.

* Water management: We are well aware that water is scarce and very precious, and we strive to minimize wastage by proper scheduling and regulation of water use. People, responsible for the irrigation, attend regular courses. The design of the irrigation system is done by ANDRAG - a company specializing in irrigation systems. A trained worker is being employed to see that the drainage system is fully functional.

*Pruning and Canopy Management: This is planned and executed according to the guidelines suggested in the publication of G.G. van der Merwe and P.D. Geldenhuys.
work on a weekly basis on Rekopane - advising and implementing pruning and canopy practices.

* Vineyard Sanitation: Workers are well trained to cut out and remove any damaged or decaying berries, without damaging sound ones. Infected berries are collected and remove to designated area. (See map)

Responsible Crop Protection:

We are well aware of the buyers' needs and we are well informed on the market demands. Our aim, therefore, is to maintain sustainability in production, to promote natural, biological control and to enhance the health of the environment and the people.

*Use of crop protection products: Only permitted dosages and applications, as indicated on the labels of the product is used. We have a proficient consultant, C Liebenberg, (AVCASA certificate) advising us, and a record and monitor system is implemented and ensures that the maximum residue level allow on grapes is not exceeded.

*At weekly meetings instructions for the preparation and application of agro-chemical spray mixture is issued, by the managing director to farm managers. Misunderstanding, forgetting and subsequent faulty application are eliminated by a thorough system of procedures and record keeping.

*With exemption of foliar feeds and other forms of fertilizers, nobody is allowed into the vineyards within 24 hours after any agro-chemical has been applied.

*WE ARE PROUD TO BOAST OF NO AGRO-CHEMICAL ACCIDENTS, FOR THE LAST 18 YEARS

*All treatments are in accordance with the principles in the Capespan ICM guidelines.

*All our vineyards are monitored regularly and the presence and levels of all relevant pests and diseases as well as nutrient disorders, are documented.

*All our vineyard monitors have completed the Capespan Vineyard Monitor Course and they are in the possession of a certificate proving the successful completion of the course.

* Our spray programmes are based on the information obtained from scientific monitor programmes.

*All scales are calibrated once a year and dates of calibration, done by a proficient advisor, are recorded.

*Spray machines are calibrated and appropriate information is indicated on a calibration sheet. The person responsible for all calibration holds an AVCASA certificate.

* Our pest advisor has completed an IPM score evaluation.

OCCUPATIONAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY:

We maintain the health and safety of all our employees by thorough training, development of proficiencies and continuous evaluation of all activities.

Rekopane's chemical store complies with all AVCASA standards.

*All employees working with agro-chemicals wear proper protective clothing and masks. Provision has been made in the chemical store for all contaminated clothes to be washed and cared for. Record keeping is done.

*Our spray operators have completed a Capespan course in the Save Handling Of Agro-Chemicals.

* Medical check-ups are done annually at Upington Private Hospital.

* Redundant agro-chemicals and containers are either given back to the consultant or dealt with as specified in the AVCASA guidelines.

*Our filling-up points are designed to collect spillage, should it accidentally happen.

*We place a high value on vineyard sanitation and worker health and hygiene practices. Personal hygiene and hygienic handling practices, during harvesting and the packing of grapes is of utmost importance.

*We have acquainted ourselves with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and adhere to it.

*All employees have assess to a medical trained person on the farm. People in need of medical attention are taken to Gordonia Hospital (Upington) or Keimoes Hospital (Keimoes) or the nearest doctor. Permanent employees, as well as the foremen of all temporary employees, know that there is a contact person at hand, should anyone need medical attention at any time of the day or night.

WORKER WELFARE:

*We believe in equal opportunities in employment, including training, without discrimination on the basis of race, religion or gender.

*We are committed to the fair and just treatment and remuneration. We acknowledge the stipulations of the national legislation related to Worker Welfare Issues.

*A management and staff consultant is employed on issues concerning labour law, staff training and worker welfare.

*Rekopane Estates currently employs 80 full time staff together with 1000 temporary staff.

* We emphasise the importance of working contentedly and efficiently together and by so doing ensuring and maintaining a high production level of excellent quality.

But above all - we are committed never to stop learning!

SIGNED

JP de V Bezuidenhout
MANAGING DIRECTOR

PJ Roos
SYSTEM MANAGER

HP Kearney
PRODUCTION MANAGER

JHB Valentine
PRODUCTION MANAGER

J Kruger
PRODUCTION MANAGER

G Cloete
PRODUCTION MANAGER