As FruitLook enters a new phase, we take a moment to reflect on an important chapter that is coming to a close. With the current funded phase ending on 31 March 2026, Blue North’s role as the implementation partner for FruitLook in South Africa will conclude.
Since joining the FruitLook journey in 2020, it has been a privilege for our team to work alongside growers, industry partners, and stakeholders across the Western Cape and beyond. Over the past few years, FruitLook has played a meaningful role in supporting more informed irrigation and crop management decisions, and we are proud to have contributed to making this data accessible, practical, and valuable on the ground.
Our work during this time extended far beyond the platform itself. We engaged directly with the farming community through numerous farm visits, training sessions, workshops, and presentations—both in person and online. These interactions were at the heart of what made the experience so rewarding.
Some highlights from this journey include:
- Developing 24 in-depth case studies showcasing real-world applications of FruitLook
- Producing 61 videos, including tutorials, webinars, farmer interviews, and field visits
- Delivering lectures and training sessions at institutions such as Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, Stellenbosch University, and NMMU (Saasveld)
- Publishing around 17 articles across platforms like SmartAgri Barometer, Fresh Quarterly, AgriProbe, AgriAbout, and our own Blue North News page
- Presenting at industry events including Vinpro farmer days, irrigation symposiums, AECI events, and various study groups
- Exhibiting at major agricultural events such as NAMPO Cape
Most importantly, this journey has been about people. Through FruitLook, we built strong relationships with farmers and gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities they face—particularly in improving water use efficiency, optimising crop performance, and working towards more sustainable farming systems.
It has been inspiring to see how growers have used data to support better decision-making, balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. At the same time, we as a team have learned immensely from these engagements. The exchange of knowledge, experience, and practical insight has been one of the most valuable outcomes of our involvement.
While our role in FruitLook is coming to an end, we remain committed to supporting the agricultural sector. Blue North will continue working with farmers and agribusinesses on sustainability-related services, including carbon and water footprinting, Science-Based Targets, and environmental performance measurement and reporting.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture for their long-standing support of FruitLook over the past 14 years, and to eLEAF for their continued role in developing and advancing the platform. As FruitLook transitions into its next phase, the future of the service will be led by eLEAF in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
For any questions about the platform going forward, please contact the FruitLook team directly at info@fruitlook.co.za.
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has been part of the FruitLook journey with us—growers, partners, and collaborators. It has been a truly rewarding experience, and we look forward to continuing to work together in new ways as the sector evolves.