Netafim Supports NextGen Fruit Group on Blueberry Farm Visit in South Africa

Yesterday, Team Netafim joined the NextGen Fruit Group at Hex Berries, a blueberry farm in the United Exports group, as part of their South African tour. NextGen Fruit Group is a UK-based organisation for young, motivated, and passionate professionals in the fruit industry. The visit was sponsored by Netafim UK and provided a platform for knowledge sharing, practical demonstrations, and hands-on learning in modern fruit production techniques. Team Netafim shared technical expertise on drip irrigation and crop management, while the NextGen participants observed sustainable practices that can be applied on farms worldwide. The engagement highlighted how collaboration and technology can improve efficiency, yield, and overall farm productivity.

Hex Berries produces around 40 hectares of different blueberry varieties, cultivated in both soil and substrate systems under drip irrigation. The farm focuses on out-of-season varieties, enabling harvesting for nearly 50 weeks of the year. During the visit, participants observed irrigation layouts, substrate management, and pruning techniques that optimize fruit quality and plant health. The team discussed practical approaches to managing pests and diseases, maintaining soil fertility, and scheduling irrigation to reduce water usage while supporting consistent growth. This hands-on exposure gave participants actionable insights into running a high-performing blueberry operation.

Alana Deacon, Chair of the NextGen Fruit Group and Senior Production Manager for Blueberries and Blackberries at Driscoll’s Northern Europe, joined the visit. She highlighted the value of the tour for learning directly from South African farmers. Deacon noted the diversity of agriculture in the region, including stone fruit, soft fruit, pome fruit, and vineyards, and praised the openness and willingness of farmers to share knowledge. She emphasized practical differences between UK and South African agriculture, such as climate conditions and labour costs, while pointing out shared values like passion for food production and innovation. Her insights reinforced the importance of applying lessons from international farms to improve productivity and sustainability.

The visit also focused on practical takeaways for smallholder and commercial farmers. Participants learned how drip irrigation can increase water efficiency and reduce operational costs, how substrate systems support root health and fruit quality, and how careful pruning and variety selection can extend the harvest season. Discussions included strategies to improve labour efficiency, optimize fertilization, and implement integrated pest management. These insights provide local and international farmers with tools to enhance crop performance and profitability.

Through this collaboration, Team Netafim and the NextGen Fruit Group demonstrated the impact of combining technology, expertise, and practical farm experience. The tour equips young fruit industry professionals with skills and strategies to improve farm management, adopt sustainable practices, and increase production. By observing modern irrigation and crop management techniques at Hex Berries, participants gained actionable knowledge to apply directly on their own farms, reinforcing South Africa’s role as a hub for innovative and efficient fruit production.