Chikwala Farm, nestled in the heart of the Loskop Valley, is a family-owned operation where
innovation and sustainability are at the core of its citrus farming practices. Willem van der Merwe,
the second generation to farm this land, has taken the farm in a new direction, building on his
father’s legacy of table grapes to establish a flourishing citrus division known as Circuva.
When Willem took over the farm in 2018, he made a significant decision to replace the existing table
grapes with citrus orchards. Today, these orchards span 155 hectares and are home to varieties such
as Orri, RHM, and Witkrans. This transition wasn’t just about changing crops; it was about embracing
a new philosophy in farming—one that prioritizes the health of the soil, the trees, and ultimately,
the fruit.
A major development at Circuva this year has been the construction of a new packhouse. For
Willem, this wasn’t merely an expansion of infrastructure; it was a strategic move to gain more
control over the product and improve the value chain. “Having our own packhouse allows us to
ensure the highest standards from the moment the fruit is picked to when it leaves for markets
around the world,” Willem explains.
Willem’s approach to farming is deeply rooted in his passion for science, a passion nurtured from an
early age by his pharmacist parents. His commitment to producing citrus with the lowest Maximum
Residue Levels (MRLs) in the industry is evident in his farming practices. Circuva embraces a
biological approach—no herbicides are used, and the soil is always covered to promote health. This
method not only keeps the trees healthy and thriving, but also results in fruit with exceptional
internal qualities, such as optimal sugar-to-acid ratios.
“We’ve developed strategies that don’t rely on traditional chemicals,” says Willem. “For example,
we’ve created a fruit-setting process for our Orri mandarins that completely eliminates the use of
gibberellic acid. The results speak for themselves.”
Willem’s innovative spirit didn’t stop at farming. He founded Origin Agri Science, a venture that
works closely with Circuva. Together, they are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in citrus
farming by integrating biological practices into every stage of production. Their research focuses on
further reducing MRL scores and enhancing the nutrient density of the fruit. By 2026, Willem aims to
achieve zero MRL scores, a goal that reflects his dedication to sustainability and quality.
Looking ahead, Willem envisions Circuva to continue to refine its methods, moving towards more
organic practices, and ensuring that the land is left in better shape for the next generation.
“Regenerative agriculture isn’t just a trend for us,” Willem notes. “It’s a commitment to producing
the healthiest and most nutritious citrus, with a minimal environmental footprint.”
Willem’s partnership with Bet-El Fruits, a relationship built on shared values of honesty and integrity,
is another step in ensuring that the fruit from Circuva reaches markets across the globe. As he
humbly puts it, “We’re just doing our part to grow exceptional fruit in a way that respects the earth
and the people who live on it.”
In a world where agriculture faces constant challenges, Circuva stands out as a beacon of how
innovation and sustainability can work hand in hand to create something truly special.