Stella Organics

Established in 2002 by the four Rossouw brohers, set up as a joint venture with a local farmer's group. Awarded Fairtrade staus in 2004, the workers now on 26% of the shares.

However Stellar's history with Fairtrade stems back to a truck accident in 1989 which killed 53 Stella workers, when they donated land and infrastructure towards 3 Community halls after receiving donations. Today the Trust serves as a forum for workers to identify their needs and manages the income derived from Fairtrade sales as well as the projects in hand.

Projects include fencing for workers houses, free housing and electricity and water for permanent farm workers and a trained health care committee on the farm for workers. In addition all schooling and child-care facilities are subsidised. They also encourage the workforce to take advantage of further education such as winemaking. Other projects in hand include an organic vegetable garden-where the vegetables grwn cn be sold at the local market and money raised will be used for teriary education of the workers children.Stellar Organics are also one of the leading wineies in the world producing wines with no added sulphur.