Notorious Western Cape fires ravage organic farm

The notorious Western Cape fires have ravaged a farm just outside Porterville. Lushof is one of the few organic farms in the country and it has lost more than 50% of its crops.

Seasonal farm workers will see an even shorter work contract due to the blaze. Lushof just outside Porterville is a livelihood in ashes. This is where the fire is suspected to have started. It raged throughout the weekend and was finally doused yesterday morning. Negligence could now cost these farm workers their dreams. Lushof is in the process of being sold to foreign investors from England and Holland.

Warren Bam, the farm manager, says farm workers are hoping to also buy into the deal. Meanwhile, down to brass tax - a hefty some of money has been lost. Jean Kotze, the general manager, says the economic implications of the fire will run into the millions. The farm was able to export two shipments of organic table grapes to the United States. Those fruitful business dealings could come to an end now that the farm is in tatters.