Klipopmekaar- Producing top quality Rooibos tea since 1961.
 
Situated high-up in the pristine heart of the northern Cederberg mountain range, Klipopmekaar is one of the largest organic Rooibos farms in the world. Klipopmekaar produces top quality, ethically grown and organically certified (ECOCERT EU, NOP & USDA) Rooibos.
 
We sell Rooibos directly to leading local South African tea processing and packing companies; and we export directly to trade buyers of bulk or packed tea world-wide.
 
At Klipopmekaar, we're committed to producing organic Rooibos tea in an ethical, environmentally sustainable and socially mindful manner. We recognize that the welfare of our labour, and the biodiversity and preservation of our incredibly beautiful farm are at the heart of our long-term success. Organic Farming
 
Klipopmekaar is farmed organically and is certified for world-wide organic export by ECOCERT. Not only are we certified organic, but we're also on the vanguard of organic farming techniques development... such as investigating new ways to organically cultivate Rooibos seedlings, and pioneering owl habitat projects.
 
Right Rooibos
Klipopmekaar's owner, Richard Bowsher, currently serves on the Right Rooibos (formerly Rooibos Biodiversity Initiative) industry steering committee. Right Rooibos is a social, biodiversity, environmental and farming methods standard and accreditation being developed by the Rooibos Council. This best practices accreditation is being created by the council to improve farming, environmental and social practices of Rooibos producers throughout the industry.
 
Renewable Energy
Wherever possible renewable energy is used at Klipopmekaar. Most water used on the farm is pumped using solar energy and most cleaning water is heated using solar energy. The main farm house is entirely solar powered and off the electrical grid.
 
Thermally Intelligent
All the farm's homes and buildings have been designed in a thermally intelligent manner to minimize heat transfer and maximize the living and working comfort of valued workers. Low energy light bulbs (CFL's and LED's) are fitted throughout the farm. Composting toilets and low water volume flush toilets are fitted throughout the farm.
 
Conservation Tillage
Klipopmekaar practices conservation tillage, which means that the soil structure of its fields are carefully preserved as long term soil health for future generations is critical. Conventional plowing destroys soil structure and soil ecosystem integrity. When preparing our fields for cultivation, they are ripped with advanced custom developed tine implements which don't overturn the soil but rather create deep un-invasive furrows in which Rooibos seedlings can take root.
 
Biodiversity Preservation
Veld strips of between 10m-15m are either left untouched or are cultivated within all our fields at 40m-50m intervals. These fynbos strips create natural corridors for species migration, biodiversity preservation, wind erosion prevention and natural protection of the cultivated Rooibos.
 
Organic Vegetables
Organic vegetables are produced all year-round in our vegetable gardens. The vegetables are provided weekly to farm management, farm workers and private guests. Our favorite crops at the moment include coriander, carrots, radishes and snap peas.
 
Recycling
All farm waste and trash is recycled as much as possible. Cans, glass, and paper are regularly collected and transported to recycling depots. And scrap steel is often used to create art installations on the farm.