The orchards of Rotondo Walnuts are situated just outside Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, on the banks of the Orange River. In total 490ha, which amounts to approximately 74 000 trees, were established between 2000 - 2008. Of these trees, 85% were self-rooted (SR) in vitro trees. These were imported self-rooted culture trees from Vitotech in Spain. The trees had to be treated to change the growth pattern from the Northern to the Southern Hemisphere. Essentially hydrological, soil and climate studies identified suitable areas in which to establish a commercial project. These studies resulted in the establishment of Rotondo Walnuts near Aliwal North, as the first commercial walnut farm in South Africa.