The Farm
A Cut Above. From Seed to Sale.
With an unwavering emphasis on professionalism and quality, our world-class farm is the result of adhering to very high standards with an uncompromising focus on using a scientific approach to problem-solving.
Located just outside the Western Cape town of Stanford (50 kms from Hermanus), in the Papiesvlei area, the 440-hectare Madron farm sits in a picturesque valley against the backdrop of the Cape’s iconic mountains.
The farm currently constitutes 40 hectares of irrigable fields, two hectares of hydroponics, a modern seedling nursery, and a storage and sorting facility. The cool climate of the region is ideally suited to leaf growing, making our ‘address’ a key factor in our ability to deliver premium produce on time, all year round.
The large area outside of the farm’s growing area is home to wetlands, mountains, and dams. Sandy Jenkin, a keen amateur botanist, has identified over 500 plant species to date, including the exciting and rare Spider Orchard – a particularly special find. A wide range of wildlife makes our farm their home – bushbuck, duiker, caracal, bat-eared fox, porcupine, wild pig, and leopard, to name just a few. Working closely with the Walker Bay Conservancy we have aspirations to clear our mountains of alien vegetation and promote a protected safe haven for the region’s precious fauna and flora.
“Our farms are a massive point of difference, the driving force behind our competitive edge, and a testament to how taking care of every small detail makes a big difference.”
How we farm is as important as what we farm
A core focus on expanding our protected hydroponic farming systems, protecting our soil crops from hail and exceptional cold chain management is what enables our unique point of difference – our consistent supply; an order fill of 96% for the year. This commitment to excellence and delivery on our promises is not only something we’re proud of, but committed to maintaining and improving on, with every 5am start, every day of the year.
The way we farm reflects our passion for farming with the wellbeing of the planet in mind. Our expanding protected undercover farming methods mean that our productivity is not at the mercy of unpredictable weather or leaf-loving wildlife. Through hydroponics we’re able to use 80% less water than normal soil-based farming. We are also committed to accelerating our use of biological methods to control pests and diseases.
“Over two decades of hydroponic farming experience has honed our ability to work with a very sensitive product; planning and executing complex processes which we are constantly evolving and fine-tuning to proactively handle the long list of challenges we face on a daily basis.”
OUR CURRENT CERTIFICATION
This program and related Woolworths specific audit take an in-depth look at farming practices, with a focus on resources and farming practices that improve sustainability.
This international standard farming audit focuses on crop safety, good soil and water practices, and staff safety pertaining to farm practices.