Boland College, Worcester Campus, is proud to announce recent advancements in renewable energy at our Worcester Campus, as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation. In the past few weeks, the College hosted a significant training session on “GLOBALG.A.P. and Food Safety in the Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chain,” conducted by our Q Point partners, Feline Heussen and Mark Bos. This training is an integral component of the Nuffic-funded project titled “Sustainable Horticultural Value Chains in the Boland Region with Integration of Renewable Energy Concepts,” in collaboration with Koue Bokkeveld Opleidingsentrum.

During the training, Vincent Uys provided a comprehensive overview of the newly installed solar panel system at our Worcester Campus. Completed in June 2024, this solar installation is fully operational, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to renewable energy. The project was made possible through a collaborative effort between Boland College, Soly, and Q-Point.

“Integrating renewable energy into farming practices is not just about embracing technology; it’s about ensuring the longevity and health of our environment for future generations. By harnessing sustainable energy solutions, we empower farmers to reduce their carbon footprint and operate more efficiently, all while fostering a greener and more resilient agricultural sector,” said Mr Vincent Uys.

In addition, we are excited to announce our upcoming initiative, the “RenewHortiSA” project. This pioneering endeavor aims to further integrate renewable energy solutions into South Africa’s horticulture sector, promoting sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship. By incorporating state-of-the-art renewable energy technologies, including advanced water solutions powered by renewable energy, we strive to enhance horticultural practices and support a greener future.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Vincent Uys (Senior Educational Specialist in Agriculture: Farming Management & Entrepreneurship), Mr. Derrick Mathee (Acting Campus Manager: Worcester Campus), and all our external stakeholders. Their dedication, passion for farming, and commitment to sustainable practices are instrumental in shaping a sustainable future for agriculture.