Goedgedacht Trust, a small olive farm located at the foot of Kasteelberg near Riebeek-Kasteel in the Western Cape, achieved a record-breaking olive harvest in 2024. The farm harvested 150 tonnes of olives, the second-largest yield in its history, resulting in 27 000 litres of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
Goedgedacht’s farm manager Pieter Brand said the achievement by the farm marked the highest production ever recorded at the farm.
“The farm covers 164.5 hectares, with 36 ha dedicated to olive trees, mainly Frantoio and Mission cultivars. In April, a team of 90 seasonal workers completed the olive harvest within a month using hand rakes and nets,’’ revealed Brand.
Regenerative farming increases yields
Goedgedacht’s success is largely attributed to its adoption of regenerative farming practices. These methods have improved the resilience of their olive trees and consistently increased yields.
“Our trees perform better, are more resilient to heat stress, and we have fewer pest problems. Our olive quality has improved, and our yields consistently surpass those from our previous conventional farming methods,” he said.
Brand shared that the farm’s average yield per block has increased from 14-15% to 17%, with some blocks reaching up to 22%. Overall production rose from 25 000 litres of olive oil in 2022 to 27 000 litres in 2024. He noted that while harvest yields vary by region, 10 tonnes per hectare is a good average.
“Where we previously harvested two to three tonnes of olives per hectare, we now achieve five to seven tonnes. Some producers harvest 12 to 15 tonnes, so we see significant growth potential. Our 17% average yield per block is an improvement from our previous 14 to 15%, with some blocks reaching up to 22%. We’re aiming for 18 to 25% in the future,” he said.
Eleanor Stoker, chief executive officer of Willow Creek Olive Estate, shared that Willow Creek has been responsible for pressing, certifying, and selling Goedgedacht’s olives.
Committed to community
Meanwhile, Deon Snyman, managing director of Goedgedacht Trust, shared that the trust is committed to community development through its Path Onto Prosperity (POP) programme.
He explained that this initiative supports children from birth to early adulthood, focusing on early childhood development, education, and empowerment. The trust operates six POP centres in the Swartland region, funded by farming and hospitality activities.
“Donors assist us in empowering underprivileged communities through early childhood development, grade R classes, holiday programmes, parent training, family support groups, our Care for the Planet initiatives, as well as our olive grove,” said Snyman.
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