Durban — If you’re interested in owning a berry and avocado farm that has export trade links, then the Mount Verde Estate could be what you’re looking for.
The prime piece of property, located in the Hilton area of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, was put up for auction this week but failed to attract any buyers.
There have been many eyes on the Mount Verde Estate, which is a few kilometres from Hilton, and boasts the largest commercial berry farm and pack house in the province.
The advert – on the Broll Auctions and Sales website – describes the farm as a haven that seamlessly merges the charms of rural life with the conveniences of urban living.
“The farm boasts 23 hectares devoted to blueberries, meticulously nurtured under 17 hectares of Crystal Blue Shade netting – a lush expanse comprising a remarkable 81 000 bushes ... [and] an additional six-hectare orchard cradling 1 900 Lamb Hass avocado trees, each receiving attentive care through drip irrigation.”
According to the auctioneers, apart from its close proximity to the N3, the property has adequate infrastructure, as well as a farm manager, available for employment, who has over 15 years experience in blueberry farming.
The farm also includes a GlobalG.A.P. accredited pack house, which has allowed the business to access global markets. Existing export relationships exist, ranging from the EU to the UAE, Singapore and Malaysia, meaning “your premium blueberries and avocados will have the opportunity to delight discerning palates across borders”.
Speaking to the Sunday Tribune, the auction company’s Matthew Counsell confirmed the property had not been sold and that they were still open to buyers, and were positive of getting a good price for it.
He also dismissed suggestions the farm owners were under financial strain, pointing out that auctions were no longer about properties in distress, but were seen as a move to get better offers from the market, citing an episode recently to underline his point.
“There was prime retail property at Mafikeng in North West whose owners had been trying for months to dispose of, but had been unable to, despite the fact that it boasted well-known brand retailers.
“However, when it was put under auction the same properly was sold within a month,” said Counsell.
While not revealing the target they had set for themselves as a deadline in which to sell the property, the auctioneer was optimistic it would happen soon.
There have been questions in some quarters about what would prompt the sale of such prime property with such potential.
William Burbon-Leftley from the South African Strawberry Growers’ Association, said he did not know the farm and because of that was not able to say what could be behind the sale. However, he said farming was a tough operation that demanded a lot of attention and resources.
African Farmers’ Association of South Africa KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Mbongeni Sikhakhane said he was shocked that what was supposed to be a thriving operation was up for sale.
“In our experience such a field is normally profitable, and given the farm’s proximity to the N3, the sense is that this is really prime property,” said Sikhakhane.
He challenged government to consider buying the property, noting there was a demand for land by aspiring farmers and the purchase could help address this topical issue.
The next auction is set for August 22 at the Wanderers Club in Gauteng.
Sunday Tribune