Nico Slinger (De Lille Farming), a farmer based in Clanwilliam, recently walked away as the winner of the annual Rooibos Producer of the Year competition. The competition aims to recognise and celebrate the efforts of local Rooibos farmers in South Africa.
Gerrie Koopman from the farm, Sonderwaterkraal, was named the runner-up in the Rooibos Producer of the Year category. Maria Koopman from Sorco in Kleinvlei was named Upcoming Rooibos Producer of the Year. Cheslin Koopman, also from Sorco, bagged second place in this category.
The prize for Most Sustainable Rooibos Community was awarded to Sedervlei Rooibos Farming Primary Co-Op. Cederberg Feed Primary Co-Op earned second place in this category. Wupperthal Original Rooibos Primary Agricultural Co-Op was named the Best Sustainable Rooibos Community Agri Processing organisation.
As part of the program, some members of Rooibos Limited gave keynote addresses at the event. Johan Brand, Technical Manager at Rooibos Limited, gave the audience an overview of the Rooibos industry. Our Producer Liaison, Melissa Ferreira, presented a gift to the Keynote Speaker, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa (HoD of the Dept of Agriculture, Western Cape Government), who was also in attendance.
