Farm Krumhuk leads the charge in organic farming

Farm Krumhuk, situated 25 km outside Windhoek, hosted its second organic food jam on Tuesday, organised by the Namibia Organic Association in partnership with the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) and the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Southern Africa (KHSA). The event aimed to enlighten media practitioners on the vital role of organic agricultural practices and sustainable livestock farming.

Organic agriculture, distinguished by its reliance on natural substances and processes, aims to enhance ecological balance while preserving biodiversity and soil fertility. Biodynamic farming, a subset emphasising holistic farming practices, integrates spiritual and organic approaches. Both systems shun synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms, instead prioritising crop rotation and composting.

Optimised production

At Farm Krumhuk, these principles are embodied in their meticulous organic farming methods. Clemens Voights, one of the owners of Farm Krumhuk, highlighted the farm’s commitment to sustainable farming through various organic methods. He emphasised the benefits of planned grazing rotational systems, which are designed to maintain the health of the pasture and soil while optimising livestock health and productivity.

"Planned grazing rotational systems allow us to manage our pastureland more effectively," Voights explained. "By rotating the grazing areas, we give each section of land time to recover, which prevents overgrazing and promotes biodiversity."

The farm serves as a community hub, supporting approximately 80 residents and employing 34 individuals. Beyond agriculture, it hosts a mini shop, bakery, slaughterhouse, guest enterprise, kindergarten and a small school. Farm Krumhuk focuses on raising Nguni cattle for both beef and dairy, utilising mobile kraals for rotational grazing.

In addition to their sustainable farming practices, Farm Krumhuk has developed a robust business model, producing a variety of food products sold at their on-site shop and at local markets such as the Green Market in Windhoek. The farm produces an array of vegetables, fruits, spices, oils, and even ratatouille. They are also one of the key suppliers for the Maerua Mall Super Spar's organic section, meeting the high demand for organic produce. Their popular 'Coffee and Cake' events, held every second Sunday afternoon, attract both adults and children seeking to immerse themselves in nature, surrounded by the picturesque Auas Mountains.

Market demand

Vera Corry, a board member of the Namibia Organic Association, highlighted the current landscape of organic farming in Namibia. She said that with only four certified organic farms and one internationally recognised farm, "the supply of organic produce falls short of market demand."

She added: "Efforts to encourage conventional farmers to adopt organic methods and seek certification face financial and educational barriers."

She said obtaining annual NOA certification ranges from N$3 000 for local certification to N$40 000 to N$50 000 for international certification.

Corry also highlighted a critical issue in the local industry, which is the absence of legal protection for the term 'organic' in Namibia, leaving consumers vulnerable to misleading claims. "It's crucial for consumers to look for the NOA certification logo when seeking genuine organic products," she advised.

Facing challenges

Meanwhile, Voights reflected on the challenges posed by the 2019 drought, which drastically reduced their cattle numbers from 600 to 90.

"The 2019 drought was the worst for us, even worse than the 80s, but has taught us the importance of preparatory soil management to mitigate the impact of the drought, such as the one we are currently experiencing. Fortunately, the little rain that we have had is enough to sustain the herd because of how well the soil has been prepared. By catering to the soil beforehand, we are able to enhance its resilience and ability to retain moisture, which is crucial during dry periods," he noted.

Voights also highlighted Farm Krumhuk's opposition to the dehorning of cattle, a practice often used to meet economic demands by allowing more cattle to be transported. "The dehorning of cattle is a brutal practice that simply seeks to meet the farmers' economic needs," Voights said.

"We see organic farming not as a passing trend but as a fundamental shift towards sustainable agriculture," Corry added. "It's about securing a healthier future for both our land and our communities."