Page 9 - Standard Bank KZN Top Business Women 2021

We all need to play our part in making positive social, environmental

and economic changes by supporting local and ethical producers.

Business Owner and Founder of Greenheart Organics farming has become the greatest challenge of all, with “So,” says Donna, “We actually pay customers to return
Pty Ltd and Organic Farmer, Member of PGSSA / worms at top of the list! I don’t think farming is something their waste to us! Customers are actively participating in
Greenpeace Activist I was born to do, but it has been an incredibly fun learning this waste reduction drive, which has been a huge success.
experience and I can honestly say that I love what I do. At This is the first waste free initiative of its kind in KZN,
the end of the day, the challenges are so worth it when I which is very exciting for us!”
onna Barnard has over a decade of business
know exactly where my food has come from, and I can say,
experience, which was gained through the “We also advocate organic and sustainable living by being
I grew that!”
start-up and running of Console Care, a active members of a Participatory Guarantee System
Dhome-based nursing agency. Currently, Supporting local, reducing waste, and activating (PGS) South Africa, which inspires local supply chains
Donna has found herself in an entirely different arena and organic growing methods. Greenheart Organics is the
for change
with a growing passion for organic food and farming. first PGS group in KZN to introduce an organic assurance
Greenheart Organics’ grass roots ethos is to support local, system into the KZN marketplace. The group is basically a
In 2017, Donna embarked on an entrepreneurial journey
to reduce waste, and to gain momentum in the organic and network of organic farmers who monitor and mentor each
and centred Greenheart Organics, which is a one stop
wholefood movement. Currently, the company is enjoying other and this has really helped to overcome many farming
organic food store, around a vision that started with the
much growth and has tripled their customer following over and supply challenges. The group audits farms on a bi-
simple purpose of sourcing chemical and pesticide free
the last year. The present focus is on expanding their plant- annual basis to ensure that organic standards are being met
food for her children, family, friends, and community.
based range of products and increasing their network of and are well maintained. In addition, they aim to ensure
Fundamental to Greenheart Organics is sustainable living for social justice in that fair labour practice and fair pricing
small-scale producers.
and food sovereignty, which is an ethos set in stone.
are audit criterias.
“We source ethical products and suppliers with clean
She explains, “I have always believed that health is one’s On a personal level, Donna has recently become a Green-
ingredients. No nasties are allowed, which means no
greatest wealth and so the business has evolved around peace activist and aims to campaign against the growing
GMOs (genetically modified organisms), no pesticides,
a natural journey to wellness. I went in search of organic food sovereignty crisis. She explains, “We all have the
no routine antibiotics or hormones, colourants, or artificial
food for my own personal preference and for my family’s right to choose what food to eat, where it comes from
additives are allowed. Our strict criteria ensures that our
wellbeing. The more I searched and the more I researched, and how it is grown. We are at a pivotal point in our fight
suppliers source quality, raw ingredients and engage in
the more I realised just how difficult it was to find bona fide against climate change and conscious consumerism is
sustainable practices. Farmers must also engage in ethical
organic and additive free food, and so for me the business key. We all need to play our part in making positive social,
and humane treatment of animals.”
was born out of necessity really.” environmental and economic changes by supporting
In order to reduce waste, Greenheart Organics has local and ethical producers and engaging in sustainable
A new role as a farmer
introduced a deposit and re-use rebate system as well as living practices.”
The demand for organic food has grown steadily bringing certified compostable packaging for all of their fresh
Donna varied challenges from packing orders until the Follow your passion
produce. This means that customers are rewarded when
early hours of the morning, to building an ecommerce Donna’s motivation to pursue her vision has been
they return their empty, used, plastic waste to Greenheart
website. More recently, she has been arriving home covered provided by her family. “I wanted my children to grow
Organics, which then gets refilled, reused, or recycled.
in black jacks, boots caked in dirt, while attempting a new up understanding the importance of clean nutrition and
For example, remember the milk bottle exchange system
role as a farmer. biodiversity conservation. My husband has always been
from way back then, well its back and its better! Fresh
my rock. He patiently picks up the pieces every time the
One of Donna’s biggest challenges has been to source farm milk gets delivered in glass bottles, which just tastes
going gets tough, and reminds me to count my blessings
and maintain a consistent supply of organic produce. In better for a start. Customers then return their empty glass
and persevere.”
addition, small scale farmers face many issues and despite bottles from the previous week, and they receive a rebate
their best efforts, yields are often low. In an effort to for the return. Customers may also return boxes, crates and In reflecting on the advice that she would give to young
overcome supply challenges, Donna has recently taken on any empty plastic container bought from the Greenheart women with a vision, Donna said, “Follow your passion
a small-scale farmstead. She adds, “I would now say that Organics’ store for a rebate on their account. and do what you love. Inevitably the rest will follow.”
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