SATI Beyond The Bunch 3rd Quarter 2026

DEWALD KIRSTEN | LUCENTLANDS

A THREE-STEP PLAN FOR GROWERS

South African table grape growers already implement climate friendly practices such as protective netting.

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THREE

1. Track your emissions Carbon footprints are built from data. Although growers can start with 12 months of data , they will need data collected over at least three years to average out seasonal variation and identify areas for improvement. For example, a grower might use more electricity for irrigation or less fuel for spray applications in some years than others. The data are fed into a carbon calculator. Growers who are registered with SIZA can enter their data into SIZATrack360 (formerly the SIZA Digital Recordkeeping Programme). They can

Globally and locally, climate change policies are giving rise to regulations, and businesses must measure, report, and, in some cases, pay taxes on their emissions. Large companies, including the major retailers, also experience consumer and investor pressure. Tracking, publishing, and reducing emissions helps them manage reputational risk and meet reporting requirements. As a result, they are asking suppliers for their carbon footprints. So, how can growers protect their markets? Fortunately, the South African agricultural sector has access to a wealth of tools to support their transition to lower carbon.

BEYOND THE BUNCH • 8 • QUARTER 3 • 2026