South African winemakers adopt ducks for eco-friendly pest control

Farmers in South Africa's Stellenbosch wine region are increasingly adopting the use of Indian Runner ducks as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. At Vergenoegd Low Wine Estate, approximately 890 ducks are utilized to forage for pests such as aphids, worms, and snails within the vineyards.

Farm manager Christiaan Cloete noted that the practice aims to create a more biodiverse ecology, as chemical pesticides can inadvertently kill beneficial insects. The flightless ducks, originally bred in Indonesia for rice paddies, are particularly effective due to their long necks, which allow them to reach pests on raised, trellised vines.

The method is part of a broader shift toward regenerative farming, which seeks to restore soil health. In addition to pest control, the ducks assist in breaking down manure from the farm's sheep and cattle, contributing to nutrient-rich soil. The practice, which the estate has used for 40 years, is gaining popularity, with several surrounding farms now purchasing ducks from the estate.