Rikus Landbou
Agriculture in Patensie

Gamtoos Nursery had its beginnings in 1987 as a vegetable seedling nursery in the small town of Patensie in the Gamtoos Valley, gateway to the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve, a World Heritage Site. Since then it has grown to include an organic liquid fertilizer plant, distributor of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, distributor of seed and grower of a wide range of indigenous trees and shrubs. The nursery is fully accredited by the Seedling Growers Association and Global Gap. At the nursery we offer a one-stop service to the agriculture, taking the crop from seed to the market. We strive to become one of the market leaders in the production and distributing of agricultural chemical and organic needs. The challenge of globalising markets is nowhere greater than in the primary food sector. As nurserymen and members of the SGASA we have responsibilities to the industry and to the association. To maintain the nursery in neat, tidy and hygenic state; a spotless appearance is important to customer perception of industry professionalism. To avoid growing crops near the nursery which may carry the same diseases as nursery plants. To eliminate weeds in and around the nursery as these are also reservoirs of insects and diseases. To avoid selling diseased or aged seedlings as they will die and give the system a bad reputation. To avoid discounts and price cutting, which may be very destructive business practices to the detriment of all. It is vital that correct accounting practices are used in the calculation of prices, to include all real overheads and other costs. To maintain a high level of efficiency of management: order controls, seed sowing, nursery management, dispatch, invoicing must be conducted with professional excellence. To avoid the use of suspect seed or chemicals, or those packages with inadequate labels. To offer customers after-service advice on issues such as cultivar choices, disease control, post-delivery seedling care, planting practices, etc. The grower and supply members of the SGASA should support each other wherever possible: a long-term symbiosis is better value than short-term profit, for both parties. To conduct ecologically sound agrochemical and fertilizer practices. To conduct sound labour relations, including provision for training, transport, housing and safety needs.