Frutas Moçambique
A commercial agricultural enterprise with a big community heart
About Us
Frutas Moçambique is an agricultural business in the Jangamo District of Inhambane Province. It is a commercial agricultural enterprise with a big community heart. Founding members Richard Bernardo, his son Daniel Bernardo, and nephew Luke le Roux, along with resident expert and advisor, Jacinto Chauque, have built the project from the ground up – taking it from green shoots to great expansion in less than a decade. All four individuals remain integrally involved as the project grows and continues to evolve.
Our Story
The main objective of Frutas Moçambique is the establishment of subtropical orchards in specific microclimates within Mozambique.
A survey of the country was undertaken to locate the most suitable location for the establishment of such orchards, and trials were conducted to determine the performance and adaptability of specific varieties.
The construction of related agro-processing infrastructure is an integral part of Frutas Moçambique operations. Another focal point is the upscaling of the value chain within the country.
Superior Quality
Frutas Moçambique is ensuring superior quality agricultural produce by selecting, processing, sorting and packing in Mozambique. Being able to pack in-country, according to customers’ specific requirements, saves duplicate handling of perishable fresh produce, and is a huge advantage in the reduction of packaging material for environmental reasons.
Our Projects
Bambela Farm
Jangamo District
Inhambane Province
Organic production of bananas, macadamias, litchis & vegetables for local consumption & export.
Basic infrastructure forms the foundation of any project of this nature. In 2015, we put in place the first infrastructure at Bambela Farm. The construction of our nursery was a priority because it meant being able to produce our own tree and plant material for our projects.
- In 2019, the organic banana farm was initiated with the first arrival of tissue culture plants from South Africa.
- In 2020, we planted the first commercial macadamia and litchi orchards.
- In 2022, the banana farm received full Ecocert Organic Certification.
We supply produce to niche markets in Maputo, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Frutas Moçambique enhances food security by growing vegetables for local consumption.
Our Projects
Inhassune Farm
Inhambane Province
Production of commercial & organically grown community cotton.
The Panda Cotton Project was initiated in 2021 with the planting of 170 hectares of commercial cotton and 38 hectares of organically grown community cotton.
Frutas Moçambique is working closely with industry partners to develop a cotton strategy. It will emphasise the expansion of the organic component of cotton production, working hand in hand with local communities, all spheres of government, and key international role players.
Our Farming Principles
Sustainable Farming
This is of great importance to Frutas Moçambique and we have made strategic decisions in terms of sustainable farming, right from the onset of our project:
- Certified organic farming
- Encourage no-till practices
- Intercropping of plants in tree orchards
- Use of beneficial plants to sustain certain insects like bees and lady bugs
- Leaving wild areas in amongst farmed areas to maintain habitats for owls, birds of prey and other smaller insect-eating birds
- Use of goats and chickens in-between rows of plants, to keep in check grass and worms, instead of spraying insecticides
Solar Power
With the installation of 47 x 350W solar panels, Frutas Moçambique is completely off-grid, using the abundance of sunlight available naturally in this area, to provide all our energy needs. We use solar inverters to enhance the pumping of water. This water is used to supply our community, and to irrigate our crops.
Water-wise Management Systems
We use a wide range of methods to maximise water efficiency. These include night irrigation to prevent evaporation; state-of-the-art drip technology that saves up to 40% on water use; and drainage furrows that lead rainwater to the planted blocks.
Our Communities
Frutas Moçambique was born out of the community, and we identify strongly with the challenges faced by our society.
Collective Approach to Community Participation
From the outset of our project, Richard Bernardo and Jacinto Chauque held numerous community liaisons. At these meetings we shared and discussed the project goals and ideals with our community and together we have found common cause in understanding and embracing each other’s objectives and collectively working towards achieving them.
Logistics and Marketing Solutions
A vital component to the success of any production unit is the marketing of its products. To this end, Frutas Moçambique provides logistics and marketing solutions for community producers, allowing them to connect their produce with markets which would otherwise be inaccessible to them.
Communal Growing Associations
As part of our collective approach to community participation, Frutas Moçambique has established Communal Growing Associations that give local communities direct access to taking part in commercial agricultural operations. Joint venture agreements have been undertaken whereby Frutas Moçambique provides farming input and expertise.
Access to Water
As part of our ongoing commitment to our community we built a water point which provides 5,000 litres of potable water per day.
Contact Us
Bambela Farm
Frutas de Moçambique Lda, Localidade de Bambela, Distrito de Jangamo, Provincia de Inhambane, Mozambique
Inhassune Farm
Algodão de Moçambique, Inhassune Farm, Distrito de Panda, Provincia de Inhambane, Mozambique