For the first time ever, vineyard workers can sharpen their skills online thanks to an e-learning platform for the wine industry. This was among the feedback shared with wine grape producers, cellar representatives, viticulturists and other interest groups at Vinpro and Winetech’s recent information days.
Hosted at different venues in the Olifants River, Paarl, Swartland, Worcester, Robertson and Breedekloof, attendees gained first-hand information about the latest research and innovation in viticulture.
Commenting on the new training platform, Kachné Ross, manager at Winetech Learning and Development, says, “A teach-the-learner principle is followed by which a person from the farm or institution receives training to aid their colleagues’ online learning experience.”
The platform is currently rolled out by industry body Winetech Learning and Development. The aim, says Ross, is to offer quality training to people from across the wine industry value chain in a simple and accessible format.
Vinpro consultation service manager Conrad Schutte says, “It is important to continuously exchange knowledge in the industry so that we can continue to apply world standards in vineyard management, thereby ensuring a more sustainable and responsible industry.”
Besides developments with the e-learning platform, Winetech and Vinpro also shared new soil health and mealybug control techniques, as well as irrigation scheduling, amongst other topics.
Irrigation and load shedding
Attendees at the Vinpro information days also discussed alternatives for load shedding at farm level in the wake of continued power cuts at Eskom.
Ruan Gerber from Breërivier Irrigation says remains important that existing irrigation systems function as effectively as possible. This brings savings, he says. “Talk to your irrigation consultant about alternatives for savings and load shedding relief for your farm. That way you get advice that is tailored to your requirements.”
Jan Nortjé, the mastermind behind NOVAP underground irrigation, emphasised that this system has no losses to the evaporation of water. “The NOVAP underground irrigation system offers up to 50% savings of irrigation water. There are several advantages to underground irrigation.”
Meanwhile, Gert Engelbrecht, Vinpro’s viticultural consultant in the Olifants River region, urged attendees at the Vinpro and Wintech information days to prioritise soil health.
“An important aspect of wise farming is to stop the wrong practices that harm soil health. Use existing beneficial winter weeds as cover crops if possible. Wild barley and creeping saltbush work well,” advised Engelbrecht.
He stressed that minimum cultivation, living healthy roots, ground cover, crop rotation and integration of livestock were important.
