Sustainable agriculture is aimed at preserving the earth’s natural resources for future generations while creating a better quality of life for animals and humans. Furthermore, sustainable agriculture safeguards the environment by preventing pollution, improving food production without being wasteful, and it is economically beneficial for farmers (present and future farmers) as social equality is practiced.
In the 1980’s the demand for organic produce and sustainable farming practices grew but it was only in early 2000 that South African farmers started adopting sustainable farming methods. Since then several sustainable farming practices have emerged which include planting cover crops, rotating crops, reducing, or eliminating tillage, adopting agroforestry practices, embracing crop diversity, and using green manures and rainwater harvesting. A new unique approach is to connect sustainable farming practices with nature.
At Afrikelp, we engaged in this innovative method by utilising nature, more specifically our ocean, for the endless benefits it holds for sustainable farming. South Africa has a coastline that has two ocean currents namely the Benguela and Agulhas Currents. These ocean systems are dynamic and contribute to the high biodiversity and productivity in marine ecosystems. There are 136 different habitat types of which kelp forests are endemic to the south and west coasts. This kelp forest is made up of a brown seaweed called Ecklonia maxima, and dominates the rocky inshore regions forming kelp beds in water as deep as 10 meters. Ecklonia maxima can reach lengths of 13 m but are generally 4 – 8 m long and is rich in plant hormones including trace elements; therefore, this species is of economic importance. E. maxima is harvested as a food source for abalone farming and is a raw material in the production of biostimulants, which are known to stimulate healthy plant growth and improve crop quality and yield.
The harvesting of kelp is closely monitored by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Only a few holders are granted access to harvest this species and Taurus, an affiliate of Afrikelp, holds the largest concession, which covers a large area off Gansbaai – a fishing town in the Western Cape. Taurus follows a harvesting method that is sustainable as they ensure kelp beds are not destroyed and remain intact for reproduction. The kelp fronds are cut 25 cm from where it joins the primary blade as this enables the fronds to continuously grow and regenerate itself. In this manner the kelp beds are left protected, making it possible for future generations to equally enjoy the benefits from our kelp forests.
Once harvesting is complete, the kelp is taken to the Gansbaai factory, where the kelp is washed. Thereafter, the Cold Micronisation Process (CMP) produces a natural kelp extract without the use of heat, harmful chemicals, or harsh temperatures, which allows for an efficient extraction of biostimulants. These concentrated liquid kelp extracts are then transported to Afrikelp (Cape Town) where blending and standardisation of the final products are performed. Every batch of Afrikelp’s liquid seaweed goes through an extensive quality control process to ensure that exceptional standards are upheld so we continue to bring the benefits of the ocean to your farm.
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