What does it actually look like to transition a working commercial orchard toward biological management?

 

Anton de Jager began studying with the Soil Food Web School in 2020 with one mission in mind: to transition De Keur Fruit Orchards away from chemical agriculture. Join us as he shares the real-world journey of moving from heavy chemical reliance toward a more biologically supported system.

 

Rather than abandoning conventional tools overnight, Anton and his team adopted a hybrid approach—combining biologically complete composts and extracts, sap analysis, foliar nutrition, and livestock integration. Along the way, they faced challenges with compost extract, irrigation management, pest pressure, and nutrient balancing—lessons that shaped their evolving strategy.

 

Joining Anton for this session is special guest SFW Consultant Nick Tomasini, who will lend his consulting perspective and share insights from working alongside growers to implement biological programs in orchard systems. Together, they will explore both the on-the-ground farmer experience and the technical support required to make meaningful change.

 

This webinar will share the full journey—including the mistakes, the breakthroughs, and the practical decisions that helped move their orchard system forward.