The Western Cape department of agriculture has teamed up with Babylonstoren and its newest venture, Soetmelksvlei, to bring unique fig cultivars to the heritage gardens of these iconic farms. The move saw the department supply special genetic plant material from its extensive fig collection at the Oudtshoorn research farm.
In a recent ceremony, Western Cape minister of agriculture, economic development and tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, planted a Cape Black Fig, a standout cultivar, at Soetmelksvlei’s historic fig orchard near Simondium.
Dr Ilse Trautmann, deputy director general for research and regulatory services, highlighted the department’s commitment to preserving rare plant species.
“The Oudtshoorn farm holds the largest collection of fig cultivars in South Africa, a vital resource for future research and conservation,” she said. “This partnership with Soetmelksvlei is another step toward safeguarding our agricultural legacy, while also expanding Babylonstoren’s offerings.”
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Trautmann further mentioned that fig cultivars from Oudtshoorn, along with the Beurre pear, have been carefully preserved since 2014 under strict protocols at the South African Plant Improvement Organisation in Stellenbosch.
Living heritage and agritourism
Adele Johnson, head of Soetmelksvlei, described the farm as a window into the late 19th century farm life. “Visitors will soon get to explore a historic fig orchard, filled with cultivars gifted by the Western Cape department of agriculture, in addition to experiencing the charm of our farmyard.”
Meyer, who planted the fig tree, noted the importance of living heritage projects like Soetmelksvlei in promoting agritourism and preserving the Western Cape’s agricultural history.
“Agritourism plays a vital role in the Western Cape’s tourism economy, particularly wine tourism, which directly contributed R3.05 billion to South Africa’s GDP in 2022, supporting thousands of jobs.”
He added, “Farms like Soetmelksvlei and Babylonstoren offer visitors a hands-on experience of our province’s rich agricultural history. Whether it’s flower picking, cheese making, or harvesting, these experiences showcase the beauty and importance of agritourism in the Western Cape.”
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