Industry Leader Award – Johannes Fourie

Afr

Eng

Johannes Fourie from Lofdal Fourie Farming in the Northern Cape receives the O.S.H Reinecke industry leader award from the deciduous fruit industry.

Fourie was a board member of the SA Dried Fruit Cooperative (SAD) and the Dried Fruit Council until its dissolution in 1996. He served as director for a term of Pioneer Foods and was director and chairman of Dried Fruit Technical Services. He also fulfilled the role of chairman of Raisins SA as well as the Dried Fruit Industry Trust, and was chairman of the International Raisins Association for two terms.

The farm Sanddraai en Opwag is located outside Groblershoop and farms include dried grapes, pecans and livestock. The involvement of the family, who share the same values in this farm, is what makes it unique and successful. By showing respect for the Creator, their people, plants, animals, and farm equipment, they build. Fourie views family farming as the backbone of passing on knowledge from one generation to the next and believes that knowledge transfer and values are the important building blocks that lead to success.

The raisin industry is quite labour intensive and therefore their people are considered very important. The focus is on investing in people through job creation and training. “It gives me hope to see how people grow and develop, and to plant a block of vineyard with passion and to see how it develops and produces”, says Johannes in an article by Landbou Burger.

One of our civil engineers and agriculturists, NJ Hand is involved with Lofdal and works closely with Johannes and his family.

“Johannes is truly a sincere farmer who works in harmony with mother nature. His honesty and concern for the well-being of his workers is remarkable. “

Years of dedication and perseverance definitely lead to success. Congratulations Johannes Fourie on this well-deserved honour! We at Bergrivier Besproeiing share the same family values and look forward to many more years of service to Lofdal Fourie farming.