SHARING OUR FYNBOS FLOWERS, RESPONSIBLY

In the midst of the Cape Floristic Region, we often take the local wild plants for granted. However, in other parts of South Africa and around the world in fact, flowers from our unique Fynbos are considered to be very special.

It is wonderful to be able to share our flowers responsibly with the rest of the world. Several Fynbos suppliers in the Gansbaai area have been accredited to conduct ethical trade in wild Fynbos by the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA). The association’s standards ensure that the suppliers meet specific social and labour standards. The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) was formed in the 1990’s to help improve the conditions of workers throughout the world.

Ethical trade, like fair trade, aims to help poor and otherwise disadvantaged communities to participate in the international trade network.

These international labels also help discerning consumers to make ethical purchasing choices. The steps to accreditation of the Fynbos suppliers, however, are not simply based on meeting these ethical criteria. They also have to observe a stringent code of practice in the sustainable harvesting of wild Fynbos. These standards ensure that Fynbos harvesting activities do not exploit or harm the natural environment.

Fynbos harvesting has been an important source of income for many Overberg farmers for a long time. Responsibly done, it will benefit both people and the environment in the long term.