How does growing in South Africa differ from the Netherlands?

Noud Visschers founded an export company in South Africa in 2008.They grow flowers that occur naturally in South Africa, such as Protea and Leucospermum. The growing conditions are perfect: dry and warm summers and cool, wet winters. But what are the main differences?

Noud: “In South Africa, we grow outdoors in the fields, without greenhouses or shade nets, and as mentioned, we very much depend on microclimates. It involves labour-intensive cultivation, whereas in the Netherlands there is more mechanization. The climate in South African is ideal for the flowers, but it also has risks such as fire, hail, flooding and water shortages. These water problems are of course familiar to Dutch outdoor growers.” 

What are the biggest challenges in growing in South Africa?

Noud: “Nature and politics can be unpredictable. For example, we can suffer from extreme drought, while last year was very wet. External factors, such as air freight restrictions during the Covid pandemic and exchange rate fluctuations, also make it challenging.”