Landboubedrywighede in die Franschhoekvallei, 1688 - 1827.

Abstract

• Opsomming: Die vestiging van die groot groep Hugenote in die Franschhoekvallei sedert 1688 het aan die gebied 'n besondere agrariese karakter verleen. Wynboerdery was van meet af aan die vernaamste bedryf. Graanverbouing is vanweë klimaatsfaktore verwaarloos, terwyl vrugte-, groente- en veeboerdery hoofsaaklik vir persoonlike verbruik beoefen is. Enkele wynboere het met verloop van tyd aansienlike vooruitgang gemaak, hoewel faktore soos die jarelange wag om eiendomsreg op grond te verkry, die skaarste aan arbeiders en drostery, droogtes, ontydige Teen, die daling in die wynprys, hoe vervoerkoste, swak paaie, groot afstande na markte en dranksmokkelary die wynbedryf nadelig geraak het. Nietemin het die Hugenote en ander pioniers met toewyding en vlyt die grondslag gelê vir die uitnemende wyn- en vrugteboerdery in die huidige Franschhoekvallei.

• Summary: Franschhoek Valley's unique agrarian character can be attributed to the settlement of a large group of Huguenots in this region since 1688. From the beginning wine farming was the most important industry. Grain production was neglected due to climatic conditions, while fruit, vegetables and cattle were farmed mainly for private consumption. In time, some wine farmers made considerable progress in spite of detrimental factors such as long delays in the granting of freehold on land, the labour shortage and desertion, droughts, unseasonable rains, the drop in the price of wine, the high cost of transport, poor roads, long distances to the markets and liquor-running. However, by their dedication and diligence the Huguenots and other pioneers laid the foundation of the renowned wine and fruit industries in the present-day Franschhoek Valley.