A distinguished group of South African delegates, including leading academics from Stellenbosch University, recently made notable contributions at the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE). This event, which draws global experts to address critical issues in agricultural economics, featured several insightful presentations from Stellenbosch researchers.

Dr Melissa van der Merwe of Stellenbosch University, the immediate Past President of the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), played a significant role in the conference. She presented a contributed paper titled "Transformations in South Africa's Agri-Food Exports to the European Union," offering a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of these exports. Dr van der Merwe further highlighted Stellenbosch University's influence by participating in the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) ‘quick-fire’ panel discussion, where she shared her experiences as a mentee in the second cohort of this impactful mentorship program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Dr van der Merwe also took part in two high-profile sessions: an invited panel on alternative protein organised by Claudia Ringle from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and a symposium on Trade and Supply Chain Organisation in the Wine Market. In this symposium, Prof Nick Vink, an emeritus professor at Stellenbosch University, presented their joint work on "Trends in South African Real Wine Grape Prices." Prof Vink also concluded his impressive 12-year service as an executive of the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE), where he made substantial contributions to the field.

The participation of Stellenbosch University academics at the ICAE underscores the institution's growing influence and expertise in agricultural economics. The contributions by Prof Vink and Dr van der Merwe offer valuable insights into global discussions on the dynamics of food system transformations.

Article supplied by Dr Melissa van der Merwe