The Microbial world of FULL CIRCLE

The Microbial world of

FULL CIRCLE

Full Circle is a specialized greens production farm in the Elgin Valley, Western Cape.

Produce are grown in four hydroponics units in 3ha multi-span greenhouses. The farm produces several crops with special focus on soft herbs. Full Circle delivers to three retail chain groups with individual production programs for each of these.

Cobus Pienaar, CEO of Full Circle has an interesting background. Both his parents were in education, but in the broader family, a number were engaged in grains and sheep farming. Cobus became engaged in the technical arena and did product development for different companies. A culmination of circumstances offered him the opportunity to investigate intensive farming. Cobus was fascinated by this farming sector and it led him to new prospects. This resulted that even now, eleven years later he is looking forward to new horizons in this exciting field. “The microbial world is phenomenal and plays a cardinal role in plant development. My background in research and development continually produces new applications under the microscope.

Through close cooperation with local and international experts, we developed a unique growing process called the Integrated Growing Method (IGM),” Cobus explains. “IGM put us in the position to grow purely organic, semi-organic and even purely conventional by using hydroponic techniques. Depending on the market and product requirements, we are able to interchange between the different methods relatively quickly,” he said. “Haygrove is an important role player in Full Circle’s business. Their knowledge and experience made it possible to make quick decisions at strategic times. Their continuous interaction with Full Circle is most important especially when it comes to new product development and best practice innovation. A unique function of Haygrove is its capacity to integrate historic product lines with developments without drama,” Cobus said, much impressed. Full Circle uses two different grow methods. Firstly, DWC (Deep Water Culture) and secondly organic media beds are used. This allows them to acquire high plant density (up to 1100/m2). They use both active and passive control over the most important parameters during the growth process. The process is dynamic and important to manage with precision. If control is lost, it is very challenging to get back to the flow of the process. “Wastage in any business is a bad principle, especially in intensive farming. We invest continually in research and development activities with a view on improved utilization of all our inputs. This results in continuous improvement in profitability and sustainability. “Water is one of our most important input resources. Through IGM we are able to recirculate our water and only add when required. We never have to discard water

like in conventional hydroponics systems. Water remaining in our DWC system has been there for almost ten years,” Cobus said. Each crop has its own unique preferences, which makes management quite challenging. Over and above temperature and humidity, there are plant feed requirements and dynamic water parameters which require proper management. Dissolved oxygen, pH fluctuations and water temperature were initial challenges for which Full Circle needed solutions. Also, a solution is only a solution when it is cost-effective. Innovation and dedication to problem solving – for sure characteristics every farmer should have. Greenhouse farming offers a buffer against environmental changes in any climate zone. Though, all implicates costs to the producer. Cost effective interventions and control systems remains a challenge but it is for the individual farmer to decide how solutions will be applied. “At Full Circle we intend to function along with nature and the environment as far as possible; rather than fight against it. This influences the crops and seasonal cultivar choices we make. In our specific market it is all important to deliver sustainable supplies during 52 weeks of the year. “Labour is one of our main cost drivers. We have specialist teams that rotate between production units to maximise labour efficiency. To us it is important to keep the teams stimulated otherwise their daily tasks can quickly become boring, which in turn may lead to other problems. “We primarily deliver to pack houses which packs for retail chain groups. The relationship between producer, packer and consumer is most important and demands years of dedication. Trust and mutual agreement are not built without sustained dedicated effort. Full Circle is Global Gap and Farming for The Future Certified and committed to continually strive for improvements in all we do. “The future looks pretty attractive for our business. There are numerous opportunities in which to expand our horizon. However, Rome was not built in a day and therefore we take each step with careful planning. The consumer determines what we do and when we are able to do so. It is a dynamic relationship that we respect and value very much,” Cobus Pienaar of Full Circle concluded. JS

Training staff takes place regularly at Full Circle.