Dole South Africa’s Water Management Strategy focuses on strengthening water measurement systems, setting water efficiency targets and developing a site Water Management Plan in line with SIZA Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) guidelines. SIZA’s EPA has been designed to assist us in evaluating our current compliance and environmental risks, both at a farm and regional catchment level. The standard drives site-specific improvement measures and farm environmental management systems. Further information can be found on the SIZA website.

Dole has started, at an operational level, to scope creative ways of efficiently managing water on its farms and at packing facilities. We continue to make steady progress as we engage with the local stakeholders and water authorities.

On our six citrus and grape farms, located in the Northern and Western Cape, we implement robust water management systems . These regions are already water-stressed and projections from the South African Department of Water and Sanitation suggest that the situation is not likely to improve in the immediate future.

Bulk water supply installations are well maintained and installed to ensure optimal distribution of water at a cost as low as possible, with minimal use of energy and maximum output. By ridging the soil (above right), the growing area is restricted and managed better – water and nutrients can be applied in a more targeted and concentrated way.

Elevated micro jets, left, allow targeted watering to maximize effectivity.

Pumpstations (below) are well designed and maintained to ensure optimal usage of energy and minimal loss of water.