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Growing Global: Springfield Farm Launch

Celebrating LEAF's First International Demonstration Farm

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Date: 23rd September 2025

Time: 08.30 BST / 09.30 SAST

Address: Pecan Farm Guesthouse, Sterkstroom Farm, Piesanghoek Road, PO 345, Louis Trichardt 0920

Join us to celebrate the official launch of Springfield Farm in Northern Limpopo, South Africa - the very first international LEAF Demonstration Farm.

This milestone moment represents more than just the beginning for Springfield and LEAF. It marks a significant step in LEAF’s expanding global outreach — connecting farmers, communities, and partners across borders through shared values of sustainable, regenerative agriculture. As part of our growing international network, Springfield Farm will showcase their practical and innovative approaches to a more climate-resilient and nature-friendly farming future, helping to inspire positive change around the world.

The launch event will be held both IN PERSON and ONLINE (via a live webinar) to allow broad participation, both for those local to the farm in South Africa and for attendees joining remotely from elsewhere.

Morning Session – Live Webinar

This webinar will be hosted live at Springfield Farm. It will feature inspiring talks and discussions from LEAF representatives, Springfield Farm, and wider industry experts. Attendees in South Africa are warmly invited to join this session either in person or online.

Afternoon Session – In-Person Farm Tour:

In the afternoon, an in-person farm tour will take place - starting at Pecan Farm Guesthouse. The tour will give local farmers, partners, and stakeholders the opportunity to see sustainable farming in action—exploring how regenerative principles are being applied on the ground.
The day will be led by Valerie and Graeme Whyte, who have been instrumental in shaping the vision and direction of this family-run farm. Rooted in a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, they’ve transformed the farm into a living example of innovation and sustainability working hand in hand. From reducing inputs to improving carbon footprints, the Whytes are rethinking conventional practices and pushing boundaries to shape a more resilient farming future.

Live Webinar Itinerary: 08.30 - 10.00 BST (09.30 - 11.00 SAST)

  • Introduction to LEAF, including the LEAF Marque and the LEAF Network
  • Introduction to Springfield Farm
  • Highlights of the farm walk illustrating different aspects of Integrated Farm Management (IFM)
  • Net Zero journey: highlights from the Co-op Net Zero project
  • Springfield Farm in focus - a practical look at sustainability challenges and solutions for growers
  • Q&A
Sign up for the webinar here

Farm Tour Itinerary: 11.00-12:30 SAST

Join us on the ground for an in-person tour — a chance for local farmers and stakeholders to explore the site and see sustainable farming in action.  The tour will conclude with a special tree planting ceremony to commemorate the launch of Springfield Farm as a LEAF Demonstration Farm.

Lunch and networking: 12:30-13.30 SAST
Made with local and homegrown ingredients from the farm!

Closing remarks and departure: 13.30 SAST

Sign up to attend in person

About Springfield Farm

Situated in Northern Limpopo, South Africa, Springfield Farm is a family-run business, comprising approximately 2000 hectares of avocados, macadamia nuts, pecans, timber, and woodland. The Whyte family are passionate about environmentally friendly farming and have introduced a range of measures to conserve and protect local wildlife and vegetation, with a central focus on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). As a pro-active business, the Whytes want to make every effort to change their farming system and be a pioneer in their journey towards net zero. They are part of LEAF's Journey to Net Zero project, kindly funded by the Co-op Foundation.