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Farming and the Eksteenskuil Economy

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Farming and the Eksteenskuil Economy

Traditionally lentils, peas, cotton and lucerne were produced in the area. Due to the need for economies of scale, and the reduced market, the cultivation of all these traditional crops, except lucerne, has been abandoned. Lucerne remains a valuable contributor to cash flow as crops can be harvested several times a year. Maize is also grown by some farmers, although vines are the most lucrative crop and there are marked divisions between those who grow grapes and those who do not. Temperatures of up to 45°C in the summer are ideal for drying grapes in order to create raisins. The quality of vines is variable as much of the original rootstock was taken as cuttings from commercial farmers many years ago. However, several replanting schemes have been in operation with support from outside agencies and gradually newer varieties, which produce higher, more stable yields, are being planted. Some farmers have started venturing into wine grape production, with the support of the Orange River Cellars. Various external experts comment very favourably upon the farming skills of the Eksteenskuil community, stating that the community contains some of the best farmers in the region whose raisin quality is consistently of a very high standard.

The following video shows Peter Kuilman, CEO of Red Sun Raisins, explain how decisions are made about raisin grading and their value:

A handful of farmers also produce vegetables and fruit on a small scale. This is largely for domestic consumption. Any surplus is sold to local businesses, but is subject to fierce competition from larger producers. Due to the lack of buying power of the sparsely populated region, and the distance to the fresh produce markets, this remains an extremely difficult venture. In the broader area many large, commercial farms produce table grapes, benefitting from easy access to the wide river.

Agriculture dominates employment within Eksteenskuil, with self-employed farmers and farm labourer work, which can be permanent (usually for commercial farmers) or seasonal during harvest and pruning times. Agricultural wage levels are low. Some people in Eksteenskuil work in public services such as education, the police service and local government. Levels of entrepreneurship are very low, although a handful of individuals run mixed businesses, which combine farming with other opportunities such as construction. The building of the paved road through Middle Island and the on-going upgrading of the main bridges in the area have provided welcome boosts in terms of providing jobs and opportunities for sub-contracting.