Eco Projects
Policy
The environmental policy of the company is in line with its Vision to produce a
high quality, healthy, naturally produced and environmentally friendly red meat
product.
Production systems have been designed by experts in their fields and a strong
emphasis has been on the utilisation of natural resources in a manner that not
only preserves them but also enhances their continued existence and improvement.
Marketing of the product mirrors the environmental and animal welfare issues.
These include safe-to-eat products that are not harmful to humans or their
environment and are free from veterinary chemicals. All environmental policies
are therefore communicated to the consumer in support of the eco-awareness
programme.
We have included a bio-monitoring component into our certification process
and this unique process uses the dung beetle impact as its indicator
(click here for more information )
Policy Sustainability
In order to implement an effective and sustainable environmental policy it is
critical that those responsible for its success remain financially sound.
Although farmers are generally aware of the eco issues, they are too often
forced to look for cheaper methods of production in order to survive. These
methods are often detrimental to the environment.
The marketing policies of the company provide participating farmers with a
viable and strong global market making the benefits of adhering to the
production criteria highly beneficial. The temptation to use production methods
and chemicals that are detrimental to the sustainability of the environmental
policy is therefore eliminated.
Pollution
Chemicals that pollute the environment and harm humans, wildlife, birds and
insects are strictly controlled or banned on farms and audited under our
quality systems. Farmers are made aware of the benefit of using pesticides that
do not kill off insects such as dung beetles etc. and are encouraged to rather
rely on natural predators such as ox-peckers to control parasites. Health
programmes are designed to minimise the dependence on veterinary chemicals.
Farms are monitored for high levels of heavy metals and harmful persistent
chemicals and problem areas are appropriately managed. Residue avoidance
programmes are strictly enforced and monitored.
Eco-Impact
In addition to the financial sustainability already mentioned, awareness
programmes and training are essential to minimise the eco-impact by farming
operations.
Farmers within the group are chosen for their ability to farm using low impact
methods. These are usually leaders in their respective communities that will
ultimately influence others to apply the same eco-friendly production criteria
to their own properties.
The re-introduction of dung beetles in certain areas has resulted in the
transformation of natural grazing and in certain cases farmers are now able to
double their stocking density with a positive impact on the condition of the
environment.
Funding
The entire eco-project needs to be self-supporting as funding by outside
institutions is usually not sufficient for effective sustainability and growth.
Apart from the obvious benefits derived from eco-tourism, consumer support of
the ‘natural’ products has tremendous financial advantages for the project.
Direct involvement of the participating farmers is a reliable way of self
funding. Further to this, the commitment of participating abattoirs to donate
certified residue-free condemned material on a constant basis will be the
ultimate critical factor in sustaining the eco-project.
Scientific Studies
The Department of Animal Science and Nature Management of the University of
Pretoria have identified a number of different scientific studies and have
direct involvement in the project.
Research data will be shared with other students, farmers, zoos and
environmentalists allowing them to follow the latest developments and to
communicate directly with the researchers and farmers on the project via the
internet. This will generate a strong sense of social commitment and involvement
in environmental issues.
.gif){kind=small}
