La Priére & Le Domaine Farms are located in the district of Montagu in the heart of the Little Karoo, an area which lends itself to cultivation of stone fruit and table grapes.

Montagu falls in a winter rainfall area with hot dry summer months, providing optimum conditions for high quality fruit. The terroir lends itself to Brix levels that are generally higher than the norm. Fruit is packed and cooled on site, prior to distribution by RuBisCO to world markets. La Priére has an additional well established local market, which is supplied by top quality fruit in the La Priére Brand.

The farms are GlobalGAP accredited, ensuring safe, reliable and traceable handling of all fruit. Great care is taken for the safety and health of all personnel. An integrated pest control plan is applied on the farms.

La Priére en Le Domaine are at the forefront of testing new varieties of fruit, which undergo strict evaluation before distribution to overseas markets.

La Priére was acquired in 1993 and has since cultivated 40 ha. The on-farm modern pack-house with cooling facilities ensure fruit is picked, packed and cooled within optimal protocols.  Correct sizing, quality and colour of fruit are of paramount importance in complying with the required standards.

Le Domaine Eco Reserve is situated on La Priére and comprises 37 ha. All installations are green oriented in order to promote an eco friendly environment. Constant rehabilitation of soil and vegetation is programmed in order to preserve the eco friendly lifestyle and environment.

Le Domaine was acquired in 2006 and has since been established with 33 ha of stonefruit.  Eco/farm tourism has been established with 8 guest cottages amongst the orchards enabling city dwellers to experience farm life within the working farm environment.

Our commitment to preserving the natural environment is in line with our commitment to deliver our fruit to international and local markets at optimum conditions. Our social commitment to the personnel at La Priére/ Le Domaine ensures a safe and conducive working environment, where our personnel are constantly motivated to grow and develop their skills and achievements.

Jacques Marais, the owner of La Priére and Le Domaine has BCom and Industrial Engineering qualifications and is well positioned to lead the Team. He has over 20 years practical farming experience.

Jacques is assisted by Gerhard Otto, who has over 30 years farming experience and complemented by Francois Hess and Pieter Marais, Jacques’ son.

Patrick Pokwas heads up the management of the 3 cooling facilities as well as the pack house. Patrick regularly attends educational and enrichment courses to further enhance his knowledge and abilities. Patrick has been part of the team for the past 18 years.

The farm employs 45 permanent employees consisting of 33 men and 12 women. During season this number increases by an additional 35 men and 70 women. Seasonal workers are key to the functionality of the farms. 

Personnel are regularly evaluated for further education and regularly sent on courses to enhance their skills. Qualified first aid personnel are on duty daily and also form part of the daily workforce.

Montagu is considered to be amongst the most ideal areas for the cultivation of stonefruit, since the climatic conditions of high sun intensity provide for the harvest of fruit with high sugars (providing optimum shelf life), excellent sizing and good colour with enhanced taste.

Our ongoing commitment to high quality great tasting fruit and the welfare of our workforce remains paramount to the operation of our farms.