The 25th International Grassland Congress (IGC), held from May 14-19 in Covington, Kentucky, USA, brought together researchers and experts from around the world to share new findings and advancements in forage and grassland agriculture. With a rich history dating back to 1927, the congress convenes every four years and serves as a platform for discussing the stewardship of grasslands and the vital role they play in sustaining livestock, wildlife, and the environment.

This year’s event saw the participation of over 1000 delegates from more than 80 countries, providing a unique opportunity for international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Grasslands, aside from being a primary feed source for animals, offer essential ecosystem services such as clean air, water, and soil health. Furthermore, these ecosystems have the potential to sequester carbon and, under appropriate management, contribute to mitigating climate change.

The congress program comprised thematic oral presentations and informative keynote addresses. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including the integration of crops and livestock, a subject that often elicited diverse perspectives and results among researchers. However, there was a prevailing consensus that incorporating grazed pasture and cover crop phases between crop cycles can significantly enhance the sustainability, productivity, and resilience of agricultural systems. Particularly in South African cropping systems, where the benefits of maintaining permanent living roots in the soil are well-documented, further research on long-term cover crop and pasture phases is warranted.

In addition to the presentations, poster sessions provided an opportunity for researchers to showcase their work and engage in discussions with fellow attendees. Guy Musto, an MSc student in Agronomy presented a poster titled “Adaptive multi-paddock grazing of cover crops in integrated crop-livestock systems in Mediterranean regions: a review.” Guy is supervised by Prof Pieter Swanepoel (Agronomy) and Dr Johann Strauss (Western Cape Department of Agriculture). The platform and poster sessions facilitated insightful conversations and the exchange of ideas with leading experts in the field, leaving attendees with valuable insights and potential collaborations.

One of the highlights of the congress was a mid-congress tour, which allowed participants to visit a local Angus beef farm. The farm showcased the benefits of high-density grazing, a technique that mimics the natural movement patterns of large bison herds across the Great Plains of the central United States. The results were impressive, demonstrating a significant improvement in the composition and quality of the pastures. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to visit a university research station, where the latest drone technology for seeding pastures and crops, as well as applying agrochemicals, was demonstrated. These advancements hold promise for enhancing the sustainable management of grasslands and croplands in the future.

The success of Guy Musto’s attendance at the 25th IGC would not have been possible without the support of Stellenbosch University, the Grassland Society of Southern Africa, the Western Cape Agricultural Research Trust, and the South African Society of Crop Production. Their contributions made this invaluable learning experience and the connections forged at the congress possible.

The International Grassland Congress continues to play a crucial role in fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of forage and grassland agriculture. As the world grapples with the need for sustainable food production and environmental conservation, events like the IGC provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to come together, exchange ideas, and shape the future of agriculture for the better.

In June, two staff members of the Department of Plant Pathology assisted the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to prepare countries in Southern and Eastern Africa for a possible incursion of a devastating fungus that causes a lethal disease in bananas. Prof Altus Viljoen and Dr Diane Mostert have been doing research on Fusarium wilt in bananas for more than 15 years and have trained and supported national plant protection organisations (NPPOs), scientists and growers in Africa and globally. They participated in two workshops, one in Johannesburg and the other in Nairobi, Kenya, to help NPPOs from 16 countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and eight Eastern African countries to develop contingency plans should the disease enter their countries.

Bananas serve as an important staple food for many Africans. The crop is an essential source of income and employment and is a nutritious staple food for more than 400 million people. In Africa, bananas to the value of $4.3 billion are grown by more than 20 million resource-poor farmers. However, bananas on the continent may be threatened by a highly virulent strain of the Fusarium wilt fungus, called Foc TR4, that was first detected in northern Mozambique in 2013. At the time, the fungus was identified by the research group of Prof Viljoen and Dr Mostert, who have since presented numerous training events and workshops on the diagnosis and management of the pathogen in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In February of this year, Prof Viljoen visited Ecuador to advise government researchers on methods for mutating bananas for Foc TR4 resistance, while Dr Mostert visited Lebanon in May to evaluate the status of the disease in the country and to propose means to reduce the impact of the fungus on bananas.

Foc TR4 is difficult to manage. The fungus is soilborne and cannot be eradicated from infested soil. It survives as durable spores for decades, affecting all susceptible bananas planted in such fields. Foc TR4 is also difficult to detect when it is introduced into banana farms and may spread locally and regionally before it is contained. It is thus necessary to prepare African countries for a possible incursion of the fungus by strengthening national capacities, raising awareness and introducing preventative measures.

Figure 1. Delegates at an FAO workshop in Johannesburg on strengthening the capacity of plant protection officials in Southern Africa to respond to plant health emergencies. Figure 2. Plant health officials representing eight Eastern African countries met in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss strategies to prevent Foc TR4 from entering their countries.

Fusarium wilt TR4 was detected in Mayotte, two islands in the Comoros archipelago, in 2019, and in the Grand Comoros earlier this year. The latter detection is the direct result of a training workshop for African scientists held by Dr Mostert and other international scientists in November 2022. Apart from Mozambique and the Mayotte islands, Fusarium wilt TR4 has not yet been reported from other Southern and Eastern African countries.

The Foc TR4 workshops in Johannesburg and Nairobi were organised by the FAO with the support of the African Union’s Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (AU-IAPSC). These activities were part of the implementation of the global project, OSRO/GLO/208/USA, financed by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID BHA). The project aims to build alliances between all relevant stakeholders to strengthen the plant health emergency management capacities of FAO member countries.

The International Seed Federation (ISF) held the 99th World Seed Conference 2023, with the theme of “Shared Roots, Greater Heights”, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5 to 7 June 2023. This conference occurs annually; however, it has been 22 years since the last World Seed Conference was hosted in South Africa (at Sun City in 2001). The 100th World Seed Conference 2024 will be hosted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. This year, the World Seed Conference hosted more than 1 200 delegates from more than 60 countries. Of these delegates, only 250 were under the age of 40 and were recognised as the “youth” during the conference. The ISF aims to empower the youth through industry engagement and collaboration, giving opportunities to young scientists wanting to grow in the field. Postgraduate students were invited to attend for this very reason, inspiring and empowering them at the same time. Further, it is worth noting that this year was the first time that a women’s luncheon was hosted at a World Seed Congress, shining a spotlight on women in the industry.

The Department of Agronomy is honoured to have had three postgraduate students, Sandra Hull (MSc), Louise Bestbier (MSc) and Mosima Mabitsela (PhD), out of only eight students chosen for this noteworthy conference, selected to attend and represent our department and university. The ISF, together with the South African National Seed Organisation, created a video competition where postgraduate students throughout South Africa could present their research related to seeds. The eight winners of this competition were selected to attend the conference. These videos were also played throughout the conference, allowing South African students’ research to be showcased to an international audience.

Giants in the industry, such as Bayer, Rijk Zwaan, Syngenta and Sakata, were in attendance, which allowed our delegates to network with CEOs and presidents of the global seed industry. Learning opportunities were plentiful, from seed coating technology, machinery and preservation to seed pathogens and nematodes. This opportunity gave Sandra, Louise and Mosima, as future seed leaders, insights into how their research has a far-reaching impact on a global scale.

Stellenbosch University prides itself on an international network that includes more than 120 formal bilateral agreements, of which more than 25 are with African partners. SU is also part of 15 international consortia, with academic staff participating annually in about 600 independent collaborative projects. Over the past three decades, the University, through its international office, built and maintained networks to advance staff and student development.

In 2020, SU signed a memorandum of understanding with Mendel University in Brno the Czech Republic. Since then, several Mendel University colleagues have visited SU’s Department of Agricultural Economics to establish relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration. During May and June 2023, academic staff members, Drs Melissa van der Merwe and Willem Hoffman, and PhD student, Petri de Beer (Department of Agricultural Economics), visited Mendel University to further develop the relationship between the two institutions.

The following opportunities were identified for collaboration: (i) research on the competitiveness of the South African (SA) wine industry; (ii) capacity building to support research on the profitability of Czech wine farms; (iii) capacity building to upskill subsistence Czech wine farmers to conduct farm-level financial management and analysis; (iv) comparative studies between the SA and Czech wine industries; (v) co-development of an online wine course; and (vi) the exchange of postgraduate students.

The SU colleagues mentioned the following highlights when asked about their visit to Mendel University:

“Being invited to a village of traditional Plźe subsistence wine cellars to drink wine directly from the barrel as is traditional while sitting in front of the cellars.” – Petri de Beer
“Having the opportunity to taste some of the top 100 wines from the Czech Republic and discussing research opportunities in the wine industry with colleagues from the Institute of Regional and Business Economics.” – Dr Melissa van der Merwe

“Sharing my knowledge of budgeting and financial management with colleagues at Mendel University to use as a research tool or to build capacity among Czech farmers to support farm-level financial decision making.” – Dr Willem Hoffmann

The HortiDemoCentre, located at the department of Agronomy, Stellenbosch University, has emerged as a hub for innovative horticultural technology and sustainable farming practices. Since its grand opening on October 20th, 2022, the centre has captivated local and international audiences, showcasing resource-efficient production techniques with great success. The centre is dedicated to advancing climate-smart horticulture and through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, the centre showcases future fit Dutch horticultural technology and provides a platform for teaching and training in innovative cropping systems to support future food security. Its mission is to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary for profitable, productive, sustainable, and climate-smart agronomy.

Exciting news awaits as the HortiDemoCentre announces the launch of a diverse range of climate-smart training opportunities open to the public, set to commence in July 2023. Collaborating with renowned industry leaders such as Delphy BV, Stellenbosch University, Greener Solutions, Ludvig Svensson, Ridder Group, Rijk Zwaan, Control Union, and Koppert South Africa, the centre offers a comprehensive blend of knowledge and cutting-edge technology spanning the entire horticultural value chain.

Participants can expect a curated selection of short courses designed to cater to the needs of students, emerging and commercial farmers, and extension workers. Delving into crucial topics such as Crop Production, Greenhouse Management, and Business Skills for Horticulture, these courses empower attendees with practical skills and insights that will propel their horticultural ventures to new heights of success. The target groups for these short courses include commercial and emerging farmers, students, agronomists, researchers, local government and extension services, as well as value chain actors such as buyers and retailers. Joining our esteemed network offers invaluable opportunities for collaboration and networking, allowing participants to amplify their impact within the horticultural landscape. This is an invitation to embark on a journey of growth and innovation. Enrol in our climate-smart training opportunities at the HortiDemoCentre and unlock the full potential of your horticultural endeavours. Together, we will shape a future where sustainable practices and technological advancements harmoniously coexist, cultivating prosperity at every step. Join us today!

Course dates set for July and August. Dates for courses from August to November to be announced soon:

• Basics of Financial Management – 10 – 14 July
• Tomato production – 24 July
• Greenhouse Management – Hygiene – 25 July
• Crop rotation – 25 July
• Crop strategy – When to plant and harvest – 25 July
• Cultivation system – Type of trellising – 26 July
• Crop Management – Twisting and pruning – 26 July
• Greenhouse management – Climate control – 3 August
• Fertigation – Irrigation management and nutrition management – 17 August
• Post harvest management – 25 August
• Global gap certification – 25 August
• Greenhouse design and construction – 31 August

For more information please visit hortidemocentre.co.za or contact us at info@hortidemocentre.co.za

Article by Engela Duvenhage. Photo taken by Henk Oets

There’s more to Africa’s food system paradox than just agricultural issues, says UN advisor on Africa

Africa can finance its own development and it is already doing it. Unfortunately, too many policymakers in Africa have a mindset of managing poverty, rather than of managing development. Its food system paradox isn’t grounded in a lack of agricultural resources, but in the geopolitical, financing and energy issues plaguing the continent. This was the stern message from Ms Cristina Duarte, United Nations Special Advisor on Africa, and Under-Secretary-General of the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA), who was guest speaker at the recent African Food Dialogue in Stellenbosch.

The event was hosted by the Southern African Food Lab and the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Before joining the UN, Ms Duarte served as Minister of Finance and Planning of the African island nation of Cape Verde, as vice president of Citibank, and as a former director of a World Bank reform program.

During her three-day visit to SU, Ms Duarte through various sessions interacted with academics and students from SU, as well as from the University of the Western Cape and the University of the Free State.

In welcoming Ms Duarte as speaker to the African Food Dialogue series, SU vice-chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers described her talk as a fitting end to Africa Month celebrations at the University. He underlined the importance of the series as a vehicle to bring together diverse, influential stakeholders in the Southern Africa food systems to respond to systemic issues in creative ways and to inspire change in the thinking and tackling of complex social challenges.

Ms Duarte was very vocal in describing Africa’s food systems paradox as a chronic one that existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted it even further. She said it existed despite the resource-rich continent being home to up to 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land.

Africa has not delivered the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 and she doesn’t foresee Africa by 2030 reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were set out as shared blueprints to ensure peace and prosperity for people and the planet.

“In fact, we have gone back since these were adopted 7 years ago. The gap is huge, not to say cosmic,” she noted. “Even if our economies grow by 7%, which it isn’t, there will still be more than 400 million people living in poverty by 2030.”

Ms Duarte added weight to her statements by highlighting the following:

• In 2021, 270 million people in Africa were undernourished – a 42% increase from 2000.
• Around 60% of Africa’s people suffer from moderate or severe food insecurity – double that of the world average of 30%.
• Severe food insecurity has risen from 2014 from 16% to 25% today.
• Smallholder farmers ensured the production of 80% to 90% of all foodstuffs.
• 70% of all people in Africa in some way derive their income from agriculture.
• Africa spends approximately 100 billion dollars on food imports, yet only exports around 50 billion dollars’ worth of foodstuffs.
• The world’s population is expected to increase by a further 2,4 billion people by 2050.
• To feed this growing population overall food production must grow by over 70% by 2050.

The lack of available arable land is a strained resource worldwide. Therefore, any increase in food output is becoming increasingly reliant on optimized farming practices and ways to maximize the value that can be extracted from existing farmland.

“The system already understood something very simple: that Africa must be part of the solution to be able to feed the additional 2,4 billion people. There is no way that this can be done without bringing Africa into the equation, because we have the resources, such as land, water, sun, markets, young working force.

“Unfortunately, we are selling thousands and thousands of hectares of land in Africa. We are losing our young workforce. The growth of Africa’s middle class does not strengthen Africa’s own production. The greater import volumes needed to feed the growing middle class are only benefiting the production and economic growth of other regions.”

To ensure a better future, African nations must build highly productive, labour-intensive economies that can generate 18 million jobs annually.

“The agricultural sector is best placed to deliver on this,” Ms Duarte said.

She added that given geopolitical influences, the agricultural sector will still grow whether Africa decides to play an active role or not.

“The question is not that it will happen, but how it will happen. In fact, it is already happening – again. And we can decide if it will happen in ‘their’ way, or in ‘our’ way,” Ms Duarte challenged. “We need better leadership and more ownership, to better control the huge deficit between our own economies and financial flows.”

She believed it would be “impossible” to unlock Africa’s food systems without adequate energy provision, infrastructure and higher energy usage.

“The continent currently only uses 3% of the world’s electricity supply. To put it into context: in 2019 the European Union consumed over three times as much energy as Africa, and Germany and France’s combined consumption was more than that of the whole of Africa’s.”

Despite possibly being the only segment of the economy that can deliver on SDG promises, the agrofoods sector is unfortunately not seen as such by African partners and African policy makers. Too many economic policies with conflicting objectives are at play.

Ms Duarte said that most UN reports over the past 10 years have typified Africa as suffering from low yields, small markets, low levels of investment, and lack of access to markets, financing or quality goods.

She said the narrow approach of traditional economic policies, which was captured by neo-liberal thinking since the 1960s, dominated essentially by a monetary approach does not provide all the tools to understand Africa’s many paradoxes.

“We need to understand how the geopolitical economy focusing on the relationship between the state, society, individuals, and markets impacts the food system paradoxes at large. A better understanding of the financing paradox will improve understanding of the food system paradox.”

She underlined how Africa is already financing its own development, but how this is not the perception of its leaders across the continent.

“We are not financed by third entities. We can do it ourselves,” she noted.

Only 65% of national budgets are financed with taxes. According to 2021 data from the African Union Commission and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Africa’s development dynamics, three-quarters of the continent’s funding is driven by domestic resources. Private savings contributes 38%, and public revenue (excluding grants) a further 43%.

External flows play an important role but a complementary one:

• 4% through international development enterprises (IDE)
• 3% through portfolio investment
• 7% from remittance
• and 5% through official development assistance (ODA)

A major drawback within this potentially positive scenario is that Africa annually loses $70 billion to inefficient public spending and $46 billion to revenue forgone due to inefficient tax exemption systems. Between 1970 and 2018 illicit financial flows (IFFs) cost Africa $2 trillion. IFFs and debt levels are ever increasing.

She therefore described Africa as “a net exporter of capital to the world” of around $300 billion annually.

Despite Africa potentially having the necessary financial resources, its leaders are begging for debt relief and debt suspension and “have a mindset of managing poverty rather than development”.

“You don’t use the same policy framework for both,” she noted.

According to Ms Duarte, strong systems and institutions are “the missing pieces of the equation”. Internally driven financing within the next ten years is needed to strongly mobilize domestic resources, or else it will be too late to deliver on sustainable financing or sustainable development goals.

She explained how stronger domestic resource mobilization could strengthen countries’ geo-political positions and allow them to enjoy higher decision-making levels on how to finance their public deficit. It will in turn allow countries to redesign and shape their own risk profiles, to tap into international markets and capital markets, and be in an overall much stronger position. The challenge is to build robust domestic resource mobilization systems to increase Africa’s policy space, which, by its turn, is a prerequisite to improve Africa’s economic and financial spaces.

“By building domestic resource mobilization systems you can put your own country in a trajectory of predictable cash flows, which is an aspect that credit rating agencies look for,” Ms Duarte noted.

However, insufficient infrastructure, a weak public finance management value chain and a deficit in state intervention hamper Africa’s food systems.

“It is impossible to unlock food systems in Africa without electricity or water,” she noted in her closing remarks. “We need a conducive environment to unlock it.”

Toasting to the future success of ‘Eco2Wine’: Dr Karien O’Kennedy, Winetech; Professor Florian Bauer, South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI), Stellenbosch University; and Professor Marina Joubert, Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST), Stellenbosch University.

Stellenbosch University is part of a consortium of eight academic institutions from around the world that are involved in the science of winemaking and have joined forces to compete successfully for support from the EU. Funding from the EU Horizon Europe Programme will be invested in cutting-edge research, advanced doctoral training and public communication around novel approaches to vine-growing and winemaking. These institutions have also partnered with industry bodies and private companies in the wine industry. The ‘Eco2Wine’ project will kick off at the end of 2023, with about €2.4 million in joint funding over four years. About R10.4 million will be allocated to Stellenbosch University to train two PhD graduates – one each in wine science and science communication – as well as for research and networking activities.

Two Stellenbosch researchers are involved: Professor Florian Bauer, South African Research Chair in Integrated Wine Science, and Professor Marina Joubert, science engagement researcher at the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST).

Coordinated by the University of Milan, the Eco2Wine consortium partners are in wine-growing countries, including Italy, Germany, France, Georgia, Spain, Slovenia and South Africa. Industry partners in South Africa include Winetech, the Research, Development and Innovation partner of the local wine industry, and Reyneke Wines, a local wine farm and cellar pioneering environmentally sustainable approaches.

The science objective of the Eco2Wine project is to harness the microbial biodiversity that is naturally associated with healthy vines and vineyards as a tool for innovation in winemaking. The aim is to produce sustainable, eco-friendly wines while improving vineyard management and offering consumers a broader choice of wines.

“By understanding the interactions between the multitude of fungi, yeasts and bacteria that are involved in winemaking, we believe we can make the process more sustainable and produce excellent wines more sustainably and with novel characteristics,” explains Professor Bauer. “Our focus will be on delivering innovative wines of high quality that are produced in environmentally friendly ways and that can compete on international markets.” To do this, we need to map and understand the complex functions and interactions of microbes throughout the winemaking process from vineyards to cellars, he adds.

In addition to science skills, the PhD candidates trained via this project will acquire advanced skills in science communication and community engagement. “This is an interesting new approach to combining a science focus with science communication, thereby allowing natural and social scientists to join forces,” notes Lizel Senekal of the Division for Research Development at Stellenbosch University. “We believe this will become the norm in future projects of this nature.”

The study of the dynamics within communities of microbes is known as ‘microbiomics’, Professor Joubert explains. “This is a cutting-edge and complex field of science, and it can be challenging to make new advances and applications relevant and accessible to industry members and consumers,” she explains. “However, these novel wines can only succeed with support from all stakeholders along the winemaking chain. Therefore, ongoing and pro-active engagement and dialogue with all relevant role players will be essential, including co-creating new solutions and approaches with winemakers.”

“As far as consumer preferences go, we know that nowadays people are looking for high-quality wines that also satisfy an emotional need, for example, a positive mood change,” Professor Bauer adds. “This means that they choose wines that match their values and preferences, and consumers are increasingly seeking natural and eco-friendly options.”

In line with the novel scientific approach, the Eco2Wine project will focus on novel and creative public communication and engagement approaches, including digital storytelling, virtual displays and science-art linkages, and efforts to involve relevant groups in co-creating new ideas and knowledge. The team will also ensure ongoing sharing of progress and outcomes via mainstream and social media.

Enquiries:
Professor Florian Bauer: fb2@sun.ac.za
Professor Marina Joubert: marinajoubert@sun.ac.za

Dr Barbara van Asch (Genetics Department) was invited by the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) to participate in an expedition to the Cuanavale source lake, Angola, from 1 to 14 November 2022. The NGOWP has been gathering field data on water and land from the sources in the highlands of Angola to the delta in Botswana to protect the greater Okavango River Basin. The project started in 2015 and currently involves a vast interdisciplinary network of African and international scientists. Dr Barbara van Asch and other experts in the fields of entomology and botany were led by Robert Taylor, research coordinator, and assisted by local staff in a survey of insects and plants in riverine, miombo and forest habitats.

According to Dr Barbara van Asch, “The Okavango River Basin is one of the most biodiverse regions on the continent, and I dare say one of its last wild places. I am ecstatic to have been part of one of the expeditions of the NGOWP. Travelling to this remote area of the source waters is extremely difficult because of landmines and limited infrastructure, meaning that few scientists have had such an opportunity. I collected extensive termite material that will contribute to documenting insect diversity in the greater Okavango River Basin, and it was an honour and a privilege to participate in the largest exploration and conservation project of the 21st century in Africa. The camaraderie was wonderful, and I miss the rice and beans cooked on the fire!”

Dr van Asch collecting specimens of Macrotermes, the largest mound-building, fungus-growing termites.

 

The team of experts included Craig Peter (Rhodes University), Terence Bellingan (Albany Museum), Peter Hawkes (Afribugs; University of Venda) and Alan Gardiner (South African Wildlife College).

On 3 April 2023, eighty plant pathology enthusiasts from all over the Western Cape came together at Neethlingshof Winery, Stellenbosch, to share ideas and learn more about their fellow researchers’ work.

The Western Cape branch meeting of the Southern African Society for Plant Pathologists (SASPP) was kicked off by Prof Gerhard Pietersen, who gave an interesting keynote presentation titled “Management of a serious virus disease through sustained, industry-supported research: The South African grapevine leafroll disease control story”.

Thirteen doctoral students with plant pathology-related projects were then given the opportunity to present their research. The presentations covered a variety of topics, including virus control and pathogenomics; pathogen detection and epidemiology; applied plant pathology; and postharvest pathology and technology. There was also an opportunity to view posters related to the presentations in the wine cellar of the winery.

Dr Isabelle Robene, a visiting researcher from the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) in Réunion, treated attendees to her presentation on “INDICANTS project: INnovative DIagnostiCs for bANana paThogens Surveillance”. She was followed by Dr Ali EE Ali from the University of the Western Cape who presented his work titled “Antifungal role of hydrogen sulfide against Aspergillus flavus in maize”.

At the end of the day, the best PhD presentation and poster were awarded. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Wynand van Jaarsveld, the presentation winner and Stefni van der Walt, the poster winner, on a job well done! We would like to thank all the sponsors of the day – Inqaba, Hill & Dale, La Grenade, Patho Solutions, Real IPM, Tessara, and especially Bayer, who sponsored the meeting venue for the day.

On 23 February 2023, the Agricultural Economics Postgraduate Association (AEPA) seated in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University hosted a speed networking event to connect the department’s postgraduate and final-year students with future employers. In an event as fast-paced as the agricultural industry itself, students had the opportunity to engage with agricultural economists representing various agricultural companies. The event, based on the principles of speed dating, was divided into smaller groups and the groups had only seven minutes with each industry member to ask them anything they wanted. These seven-minute rotations made for an exciting evening where students and industry shared their mutual passion for the industry. During the evening, students had the chance to experience the dynamic nature of the life of an agricultural economist. Although the industry guests were all agricultural economists, none had the same day-to-day activities, illustrating, once again, the multitude of possibilities available to graduates in agricultural economics.

In a post-event survey, the industry participants commended AEPA for the initiative to meet future leaders and indicated their interest in future events. One of the students said, “It was a networking event unlike any other – where agricultural economists could connect with like-minded professionals in a flash.”

AEPA, founded in August 2022, is passionate about developing agricultural economics students. Their vision is to create a community for postgraduates (and, where possible, for undergraduates) in the department to connect with in academic, professional and social settings. By hosting events such as the speed networking event, AEPA facilitates engagement among fellow students, lecturers and the industry. Other events that AEPA is planning for the year include a selection of skills development workshops and brown bag seminars aimed at preparing students for the workplace.

AEPA and the Department of Agricultural Economics are grateful for the generous donations by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and Kaap Agri, which made the event possible.