Carmen produces Fertilis Earthworm Castings on Ditton’s Farm in Muldersdrift, (Gauteng); in Elgin (W. Cape); in KZN (franchised operation) and is currently establishing a Fertilis operation in Botswana.

Plants are also grown in CropCirclz (organic vegetables and herbs) on Ditton’s Farm, which is sold to various local canteens and schools.

Carmen believes that the earthworm is capable of converting waste from various sources, hence her overall objective – EARTHWORM WASTE MANAGEMENT. She manufactures and sells the Earthworm Buddies Domestic and Commercial Worm Farms for food waste conversion. She has also developed the Doggie-Loo and is currently involved in a research project aimed at proving the effectiveness and safe conversion of abattoir waste, using earthworms, in conjunction with GDACE (Gauteng Department Agriculture, Conservation and Environment), Veterinary Public Health.

Carmen is a founder member of EIGSA (Earthworm Interest Group of South Africa). She is currently a committee member and hosts the EIGSA Open Days on Ditton’s Farm.

Carmen can be reached via carmen@livingearth.co.za or at Planner Bee Plant Care, P O Box 3093, Cresta, 2118.