A winery in South Africa has raised a “duck army” to eat pests in the vineyards, ensuring the quality of the grapes used to produce highly sought-after wine bottles worldwide.
Located in the outskirts of Cape Town, Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate has ensured the quality of its wine production materials by raising a duck army to keep the vineyards pest-free, according to CNN on July 14.
“Duck army” of Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate – existing for over 300 years. (Photo: CNN).
Inspired by ducks that help eliminate pests in rice fields across Asia, this winery has raised around 1,600 ducks, which have stabilized the business.
“I call these ducks the soldiers of the vineyard,” said Vergenoegd Löw director Corius Visser. “They eat aphids, snails, and small insects, keeping the vineyard completely pest-free.”
Mr. Visser is raising the Indian Runner Duck—a flightless breed with a highly developed sense of smell. “The army” of ducks roams the estate for 14 days, and their movement also helps fertilize the soil.
This duck brigade also enjoys an “annual vacation” during the harvest season to prevent them from eating the grapes. During this time, they forage in the pastures, swim in the pond near the vineyard, and go through a breeding phase.
“The world is gradually shifting from conventional to organic farming,” Mr. Visser stated. “At Vergenoegd, our goal is to reduce the impact on land and the environment.” His estate also utilizes solar power and has a 25-hectare wetland conservation area.
Vergenoegd Löw hopes that other wineries will adopt similar methods. Mr. Visser plans to sell 750 ducks to other vineyards, while the remaining ducks will continue to breed.
