Gerrit and All van der Merwe, owners of ALG Citrus Estate in the Cape region of South Africa, have been named the country's farmers of the year by the Agricultural Writers of South Africa.

According to a statement from Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum, the brothers won the award due to “farming and scientific agricultural merit and achievements with good planning and dedication in all kinds of conditions and environments.”

The pair are the latest in a long line of family farmers. The ALG Citrus Estate has been producing citrus since 1750, and now has 26 citrus varieties planted. The brothers' recognition has also extended to their treatment of workers. The company is a registered Fair Trade member and has worked to encourage co-ownership of farms with long time employees in the industry.

The company mostly exports to the U.S., where retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Wegmans, and Whole Foods sell their fruit.

Photo: Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com