SUSTAINABLE HORTICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION AND RENEWABLE ENERGY AT BALMORAL

• At Balmoral we are fortunate to have as an environmental consultant Mr Steve Cupitt of Crossroads Rural and Environment. Steve is a highly qualified and experienced environmental scientist.

• With Steve's consultation and advice we endeavour to sustain and enhance the ecological balance of our pristine environment and preserve this special area for future generations.

• Belts of natural bush-land have been preserved around the perimeter of plantation blocks. These provide a habitat for local wildlife and birds as well as providing a natural wind-break for the avocado trees.

   

• Production and application of mulch conserves water and maintains tree health.

• Use of renewable energy from our three on-site solar energy plants reduces costs and reliance on the grid.

  

• Water conservation is a high priority at Balmoral Orchard. Our on-site bore water resource is augmented by rain-water run-off which is collected by a system of contour banks and diverted into our two dams. Computerised soil moisture monitoring allows best possible water conservation.
  

•  Natural Pollination: numerous native "bush" bees are active during flower set in September assisting with pollination. Also the bees from the on-site apiaries aid this process, ensuring fruit-set.

Bee hives at Balmoral (left) and a honey bee pollinating the avocado flowers