Constantia
The farms in the Constantia Valley have become active in committing themselves to all aspects of biodiversity by encouraging a holistic approach to people, plants, animals, soil, air, insects etc, thereby retaining and conserving as many species as possible and looking at friendlier ways of cultivating crops. This will include soil preparation, spraying, fertilising, irrigation and so forth.
To date, all untouched areas of natural vegetation have been mapped out and may not be cultivated. A programme is in motion to clear all farms of aliens, and to move towards more natural and friendly ways of spraying, for example we are already fighting the mealy bug with its natural predators.
The five main farms also belong to the IPW (Integrated Production of Wine) which lays down very strict rules. These rules are there to put us on the road to sustainable farming which can only be achieved if we farm with nature and not against it. The rule is to put back more than you take out.
