Regenerative agriculture takes root in South Africa's export fruit industry
Regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum across South Africa's commercial fruit industry as growers increasingly recognise that healthier soils, improved water management and greater biodiversity are fundamental to sustainable production.
Once associated mainly with smaller alternative farming operations, regenerative practices are now being adopted by established citrus, table grape, apple and pear producers seeking to improve resilience to climate change while remaining competitive in international markets.
The shift comes at a time when South Africa's horticultural sector is playing an increasingly important role in the national economy. According to AgriSA's 2025 Agricultural Trade Report, horticultural exports reached R143.4 billion, with citrus, grapes, apples, pears, wine and nuts among the leading contributors. Protecting the natural resources that sustain these industries is therefore becoming both an environmental and economic priority.
Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving the biological functioning of agricultural land rather than simply maintaining existing production systems. Practices include minimising soil disturbance, maintaining permanent or seasonal ground cover, incorporating organic matter, increasing biodiversity and reducing unnecessary chemical inputs.
In commercial orchards and vineyards, these approaches are increasingly being integrated into established production systems rather than replacing them entirely.
Improving soil health and water resilience
For South African fruit growers, the benefits of healthier soils have become particularly relevant following repeated droughts, rising temperatures and growing competition for water resources.
Cover crops, mulching and composting can improve soil structure, promote biological activity and reduce moisture losses through evaporation. Integrated pest management and biological controls can also help reduce dependence on conventional pesticides.
An example of this transition can be seen among the growers supplying Zonnehaven, a grower-owned fruit export business in the Ceres region. In a report published by Hortgro on 29 October 2026, the company described how its shareholder producers, including Howbill Farming and Doornkraal Agri, have progressively introduced regenerative practices across their apple and pear orchards.
Howbill Farming has adopted regenerative management across approximately 500 hectares of orchards, while Doornkraal is introducing similar practices across its 600 hectares. The transition began partly as a response to the severe 2017/18 drought, when growers introduced wood-chip mulch to conserve soil moisture. The subsequent benefits to soil health encouraged them to expand their approach.
Growers reported improvements in soil structure, greater biological activity and reduced irrigation requirements in certain established orchards where cover crops were successfully managed. The farms have also introduced more targeted soil sampling, precision fertiliser applications and pest monitoring systems to reduce unnecessary inputs without compromising export yields or fruit quality.
A gradual transition rather than an overnight change
The Zonnehaven experience illustrates an important feature of regenerative agriculture: successful implementation requires experimentation, careful measurement and adaptation to local conditions.
Growers must still produce fruit that meets demanding international specifications for size, appearance, quality and phytosanitary compliance. As a result, regenerative farming does not necessarily mean eliminating synthetic fertilisers or crop protection products. Instead, it involves improving the efficiency and environmental impact of their use while gradually building healthier production systems.
The movement is also gaining momentum in other fruit industries. In July 2025, Agrimark managing director Arno Abeln told Bizcommunity that significant investment in regenerative practices was already taking place among South African wine, citrus, table grape, apple and pear producers.
The growing interest reflects a broader change in how growers assess the long-term sustainability of their businesses.
For South Africa's export fruit industry, regenerative agriculture represents more than an environmental commitment. It is an evolving production strategy aimed at protecting soil and water resources, improving resilience to climatic extremes and ensuring that commercial orchards remain productive and profitable for future generations.
Sources:
Hortgro
https://www.hortgro.co.za/news/zonnehaven-step-by-step-towards-sustainability
Bizcommunity
AgriSA
https://www.agrisa.org.za/agricultural-trade/south-african-agriculture-reaches-record-trade-surplus
Sustainable Food Trust
https://sustainablefoodtrust.org/news-views/regenerative-agriculture-is-trending-in-south-africa