Force of nature: Amoré Viljoen revives black-owned fruit farm

Amoré Viljoen is not your average farmer. This pioneering woman in agriculture is a force of nature, rewriting the rules at Lakeview Farm. However, it is not just a farm, but a 100% black-owned apple and pear operation managed by a woman in a male-dominated field.

Working under a management agreement with Two-a-Day, Viljoen leads Lakeview Farm outside Villiersdorp in the Western Cape, a business owned by 71 beneficiaries. Her role is a powerful example of collaboration, as this skilled producer guides a community enterprise toward financial and agricultural success. Together, they are proving that modern farming is a team sport.

“Lakeview is not a token BEE farm – it’s a fully functional commercial farming unit,” says Viljoen. “Our goal is to maximise productivity, improve orchard quality, and build long-term sustainability.”

Orchard renewal: From overgrown to outstanding

When Viljoen took the reins in December 2020, she didn’t just inherit a farm to oversee; she inherited a major challenge. Over half the apple and pear orchards were old and underperforming.

“You are fighting to get production from these old trees and dated trellising systems. It is challenging to apply modern ideas to these old-fashioned orchards. However, our yields and quality are not bad, given the orchards and varieties.”

Without hesitation, she launched a radical renewal strategy. The old, underperforming trees were removed to make way for new, high-value cultivars like Joya, Rosemarie Select, and Forelle.

“You don’t have to prove you can do everything a man can – farming is about managing resources, people, and systems. Mutual respect is key.”

Planted on modern, high-density systems with funding from the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (Casp), this transformation is happening one block at a time.

Viljoen has a simple philosophy: “I believe land is just a medium – with the right management, even soil once thought unplantable can produce exceptional fruit.

“Since 2020, we’ve planted new orchards using stronger rootstocks and tighter row spacing to increase yield per hectare.”

Today, the farm spans 63 hectares, with all its premium fruit sold globally through Tru-Cape.

Fruit farming innovation

Farming on a north-facing slope, Viljoen sees advantages where others see obstacles. The hot days and cool nights are perfect for developing vibrant colours in fruit, and lower rainfall means less disease pressure. It’s all about working with nature, not against it.

Her secret weapon? An intense focus on soil health. As she puts it, “What happens above ground is a reflection of what’s going on below. Healthy soil equals healthy trees – and ultimately, healthy, market-ready fruit.”

Raised in a farming town, Viljoen originally dreamed of being a vet. However, destiny and a well-timed opportunity led her to pome fruit. “Someone I respect once told me that if an opportunity comes, you must already be standing at the bus stop ready to get on,” she laughs. When Two-a-Day came calling, she jumped on that bus and never looked back.

Her leadership is a mix of discipline and heart. “This is no longer just farming; it’s business management. It’s about leading people, making smart financial decisions, and staying focused on the bigger picture, no matter the daily challenges.”

She jokes that her love for animals taught her to nurture, a skill she now applies to her trees.

“It is my personality to nurture, to care, and be loving, and it seems I’ve learned to love an apple tree.”

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Woman farm manager breaking barriers

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, her message is that farming isn’t about strength, but about smarts. “You don’t have to prove you can do everything a man can – farming is about managing resources, people, and systems. Mutual respect is key.”

Viljoen believes women bring a unique set of strengths, like attention to detail and observation. Her own success is proof. “I have a strong personality – I set high standards, and my team knows we don’t compromise on quality.”

Her advice to young women entering the field is to stay focused on their goals, even in difficult times.

“Don’t let challenges cloud your vision. Work hard, learn from those with experience, and never be afraid to innovate. Always prioritise what is important.”

The results speak for themselves. This year, Lakeview’s BigBucks Gala orchard was ranked number one in its category across the entire Two-a-Day group. It’s a stunning achievement, proving that with the right leadership, anything is possible.

“I’m incredibly proud of this milestone. It shows what’s possible when you combine technical excellence with passion and determination.”

The industry, according to Viljoen, is strong and innovative. “We’ve come through tough years, but growers are resilient, always finding ways to adapt and improve. There’s so much potential ahead.”

She’s particularly excited about the new fruit varieties that keep the South African industry at the forefront of global agriculture. “We don’t stay behind, and I think producers abroad can learn a lot from us.”