Agriculture

• EPL Agri is based in Piggs Peak, eSwatini
• With a focus to diversify into Agriculture, eSwatini Plantations started converting 100ha of Forestry land into Avocado orchards.
• The decision was made in 2020 to plant late season fruit, mainly Gem and Lamb Hass
• The farm is managed by two farm managers, Sam Magagula and Thabiso Sikhondze, both eSwatini born and educated and specifically trained in farming Avocado’s and Macadamia nuts.  The training was done through RecruitAgri, focusing on skills development in young farmers.
• Our packhouse is currently in the planning phase and will only be operational in the 2025 season.

Folly Farm was bought by Mr. Guy Anthony Chalkley in 1921 which consisted mainly of Eucalyptus plantations.  GA Chalkley Estates was established in 2003 to run the farming operations on Folly Farm. Initially a forestry business, Errol Kromhout started establishing Macadamias in 1998 and grew the farm over time to 80ha by removing Eucalyptus plantation. In 2013 the plan to increase the Macadamias was put into action with Errol and his team working tirelessly to increase the 80ha to 340 ha by 2018. During this period two more managers were appointed to assist in the development. John Clark is overseeing the young trees in maintenance and the newly built dehusking and drying facility. Gerhard Grobler and his staff are ensuring that the mature productive trees perform above the industry standards.  As of 2023, Folly Farm has a total of 25ha planted with Avocado.

Firefly Estate was established in 2014.

The farm is owned by GA Chalkley Estates (Pty) Ltd, Lochaber (Pty) Ltd, HGH Prettejohn Trust and Peter Warrener.

The farm is situated on the edge of Klipkoippie Dam and are planted with 60ha of Macadamias.