As we look ahead, the agricultural sector is set to encounter a myriad of challenges—from the impacts of climate change to rapid technological advancements, from market fluctuations, and the increasing demand for sustainable practices. To continue leading in this dynamic environment, , the Faculty of AgriSciences must be prepared to adapt and evolve.

In response to these anticipated changes, the Dean and Chairpersons of the Faculty have launched a forward-thinking initiative called “Faculty of the Future.” This strategic initiative aims to design a comprehensive roadmap that will enable the Faculty of AgriSciences to sustainably meet the future needs of South Africa’s agriculture, food, fibre, and beverage industries. This roadmap will focus on strategic management, operational efficiency, and inform critical processes such as the Campus Renewal project and the repositioning of the Plant Science groupings.

Central to this initiative is the consideration of the Faculty’s Strategic Focus Areas. These areas, viewed from both disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives, will guide future resource and budget allocations, ensuring that human resources, infrastructure, and operations are optimally aligned for the future. Additionally, the initiative will emphasise the importance of external partnerships and networks, both within the industry and internationally, to enhance collaboration and innovation.

Our motivation is clear: to remain relevant and impactful, we must be ready to adapt to a rapidly changing world. The “Faculty of the Future” initiative is our commitment to enhancing the value proposition of SU AgriSciences, capitalising on our diverse skill sets and capacities to meet the evolving realities of the agricultural sector.

Leading this crucial project is a dedicated task team headed by André Jooste, with members including Pieter Gouws, Brink van Zyl, Gunnar Sigge, Melané Viviers, Altus Viljoen, Pieter Swanepoel and Wandile Sihlobo. This team is focused on identifying and developing the core disciplines necessary for the faculty’s continued success, assessing our current expertise, and pinpointing future-oriented competencies that will be essential moving forward.

As valued members of the Faculty, your involvement and insights will be crucial as we move progress with this important initiative. Together, we can ensure that AgriSciences remains at the forefront of agricultural research, education, and innovation, well-equipped to address the challenges of the future. A suitable time will be arranged for all faculty members to provide input, ensuring that everyone’s expertise and perspectives are considered to shaping the future of our Faculty.

Article supplied by Prof André Jooste
For enquiries: Prof André Jooste joostea@sun.ac.za

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

Adaptation and resilience of grapevine to limiting water

Several projects are available for PhD and Masters level studies from 2025 in a multidisciplinary programme titled: “Adaptation and resilience of grapevine to limiting water”. The programme is funded by SA Wine and the Water Research Commission and would be ideal for students interested in topics such as crop science, viticulture, plant physiology plant biology, molecular biology, biotechnology and plant environmental stress responses.

The following three projects, with confirmed bursaries, are available:
Masters level study: Physiological analysis of grapevine water relations (Contact person: Dr Philip Young – pryoung@sun.ac.za)
This study investigates the adaptability and resilience of grapevine to water limitation. This will be tested both in a potted vineyard planted with multiple rootstock-scion combinations. Different scenarios of water limitation will be generated to test (i) the impact of the timing and (ii) the severity of the water limitation, as well as (iii) the ability of the vines to adapt to the limitation and recuperate after successive drought scenarios. Plant physiological measurements as well as continuous logging of soil moisture will be implemented to evaluate the plant responses, which could include molecular responses as well.

Masters level study: A grape-to-wine analyses of the impacts of prolonged water constraint and the adaptive mechanisms used by grapevines to build water stress resilience (Contact person: Prof MA Vivier – mav@sun.ac.za
This project has as aim to elucidate the mechanisms that grapevine plants implement when they are subjected to prolonged water constraint. The study will use a model vineyard that was established and characterised over the past three seasons, with the experimental design and parameters now fully validated. The main objective that will form part of the study is to evaluate the ability of cultivar/rootstock combinations to adapt to water constraint and investigate the metabolic mechanisms underlying the mitigation. The study will follow a grape-to-wine analysis and will provide scope for students interested in the study of climate change impacts on woody perennial crops over seasons.

PhD level study: Profiling of epigenetic stress memory responses in grapevine plants undergoing water stress (Contact person: Prof MA Vivier – mav@sun.ac.za)
The physical structure of plant DNA (specifically chromatin) can change in response to stresses and these epigenetic changes will modify the way the genetic information is used by the plant, leading to stress memories and adaptation to subsequent stress events. When specific epigenome features can be linked to the phenotype and environmental (stress) conditions, it is possible to start to investigate the role of the epigenome and epigenetic control linked to the stress factors. In this project we want to evaluate whether we can find proof that young grapevines, representing different scion-rootstock combinations, display changes in their epigenetic markers when the plants are exposed to water stress conditions.

Please send a CV, as well as a cover letter (as soon as possible) to Prof MA Vivier (mav@sun.ac.za) to indicate your interest in this opportunity.
Please note that if you are interested in PG study at SAGWRI; you must apply via the Stellenbosch University portal. You will find all the necessary information and important dates and deadlines at How to apply (sun.ac.za)

Contact person for the project: Prof MA Vivier: Director of SAGWRI (mav@sun.ac.za)

General contacts for SAGWRI:
Prof MA Vivier: Director of SAGWRI mav@sun.ac.za
Mr Charl Newman: Postgraduate Admin officer cnewman@sun.ac.za

The South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI) currently has 80 postgraduate students enrolled, including 22 PhD, 47 MSc, and 11 BScHons students. On 25th and 26th April, the new MSc students (18 of the 47 enrolled) presented their project proposals to an audience of academics, researchers, postgraduate students, and industry partners. The projects are funded by various local and international organisations, including the Department of Science and Innovation, the National Research Foundation, the Water Research Commission, Lallemand, Oenobrands, Fermentis, South Africa Wine, Heineken Beverages (formerly Distell) South Africa, and the South African Table Grape Industry.

The presentations covered various topics across SAGWRI’s core disciplines: viticulture, oenology, biotechnology, sensory and consumer science, and chemistry. Some projects receive support from the Chenin Blanc Association and the Pinotage Association. The proposals showcased the diversity of research topics addressing industry-relevant questions around wine premiumisation, authentication methods, grape performance improvement, and wine quality improvement. An integration of basic microbiology, molecular biology, and -omics technologies, along with classical winemaking techniques, digital viticulture, spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry, was evident in the various projects.

The MSc students’ projects will utilise SAGWRI and DVO facilities, such as model vineyards, experimental cellars, sensory, and chemical analytical laboratories. The presentations stimulated vibrant and enriching discussions both in the room and during networking opportunities during breaks.

New MSc students at SAGWRI: From left to right, Front row (Chrissade Farao, Stehan Malherbe, Dominnique Plaatjes); Middle row (Theo Jacobs, Julian Pietersen, Rianca Lotter, Inneke Heroldt , Saskia Bubberman, Nokwethemba Mthalane, Sindiswa Zandile); Back row (Donnathea van der Watt, Gustav Smook, Terri-Lynn Naidoo, Ndivhuho Simali, Zahn Truter, Godfrey Singo). Missing in the photo: Manja Strever and Anriënka Vlok van Zyl

On June 16, 2024, the Department of Viticulture and Oenology (DVO) within the Faculty of AgriSciences, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG), welcomed 22 matriculants from across the country for an exciting Viticulture and Oenology winter programme.

The learners were accompanied by Prof. Maret du Toit, Monika Basson, Votelwa Ndana (DALRRD), and Russia Maluleke (DALRRD) for the week-long programme. The week kicked off with a lively drumming session, setting the stage for an incredible week of learning, exploration, and friendship. The programme included introductory sessions on the DVO and Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute degree programmes, a Sensory Workshop, and Vineyard and Cellar tours to various wine farms.

Below are some reflections from staff and learners:

Prof. Maret du Toit (DVO) said, “Watching these learners immerse themselves into the organized programme with everything being new was inspiring, seeing their amazement and their WOW moments with every visit and interaction with mentors or role models from industry, has been truly rewarding and heartwarming on our youth and their future contribution to the country. It was a privilege to witness their newfound excitement for their future studies and life opportunities, knowing that this experience has broadened their horizons and ignited their passions, reminding me why I love what I do.

Quinetha Links (Diazville High School) remarked, “The wine industry is incredibly diverse, with a wide range of producers, regions, grape varieties, and styles. It’s a dynamic industry influenced by factors like climate, geography, and consumer preferences. Its allure lies not only in its diverse flavours but also in its ability to connect people across borders and generations. Getting to visit KWV and seeing how they make their wines was a dream come true. I have always been impressed with their impressive stature in wine production.”

Zikhona Vakele (Usasazo High School) shared, “The highlight was visiting Bosman Adama. I didn’t realise how much work goes into growing grapes; I underestimated that part. It was so much fun and interesting to learn about all the steps and processes you have to go through to get good grapes to make good wine.”

Patricia Leshilo (Derek Kobe) said, “Meeting all the Protegés and listening to their journeys was the best part because at first, I was afraid of the transition. They helped me see and realise that having a different background does not define you, but it allows you to be strong and strive toward your goals. I used to think that only students from Cape Town were suitable for winemaking, but the Protegés changed all that. They also helped me overcome my biggest fear, which is change.”

A huge thank you goes to Magda Vorster (Protegé Programme Facilitator) for securing funding for most of the programme and being instrumental in making this program possible, to DALRRD for assisting with funding for transport and flights for the learners, and to all the wine farms and brands (KWV, Heineken, JC le Roux, Thokozani, Bosman Adama, Three Quarters Wines) who facilitated wine and cellar tours and exceptional talks for the learners. We also extend our gratitude to our current students and alumni who availed themselves to mentor and provide the learners with insights into the realities of Viticulture and Oenology.

We look forward to welcoming some of these learners to our AgriSciences programmes in 2025

Article and Photos supplied by Precious Canham

Justin Erasmus graduated from the Department of Forest and Wood Science in 2020 with a PhD focused on how silvicultural prescriptions might affect wood properties in pine. Since then, he has been on a sojourn between the forestry areas of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. Justin now re-joins the department as a postdoctoral researcher. His main research will focus on using remote and proximal methods to assess timber harvesting residues on the ground, considering their size distribution and location on site.

Harvesting residues primarily consist of tree branches and tops, which can either impede or promote activities such as site preparation and re-planting, fire risk, soil organic matter and biogeochemical cycles, CO2 accounting, pest and pathogens, and bioenergy feedstocks. The project will also evaluate residue treatment methods, like mulching or windrowing, and their efficacy using similar remote sensing methods. His project is funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and administered through Forestry South Africa (FSA).

Article and Photo supplied by Prof Bruce Talbot

Agriscience staff from multiple departments traveled to Norway to attend a week-long workshop at the Inland Norwegian University of Applied Sciences (INN). The workshop was part of the EU Erasmus+ project, Forest21, a joint initiative to strengthen capacity in South African higher education. While the packed program focused mainly on climate-smart forestry, it also emphasized the project’s two other thematic areas: entrepreneurial innovation and the promotion of problem-based learning methods in the pedagogical toolbox.

The workshop provided an excellent framework for discussion and interaction among all participants. In addition to our own agriscientists, colleagues from the University of Venda, Nelson Mandela University (Saasveld), and Fort Cox Agricultural and Forestry College were also represented. The European partners included the Finnish coordinator HAMK, Aalto University, and INN, whose beautiful campus setting on the banks of the Glomma River set the scene for this constructive interaction. Additionally, the local Forest Owners Association provided essential context for the discussions. It turned out that the issues facing the forest sector in the far north are very similar to those we face at home.

Image: from left to right: Bruce Talbot, Albert Strever, Brand Wessels, Barbara van Asch, James Pryke

Article and Photos supplied by Prof Bruce Talbot

Congratulations to recent alumna Ms. Almé Jonker, who received an award from the Southern African Institute of Forestry (SAIF). The award, which includes a book prize and a one-year SAIF membership, was given in recognition of her academic achievements as the top-performing Forestry (BSc Forest and Natural Resource Science) graduate in 2023. Almé’s accomplishment was acknowledged during the SAIF’s online AGM, held on 20 June 2024.

The top-performing graduates from other higher education institutions offering forestry programs, including the University of Venda, Nelson Mandela University (George campus), and Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry College, also received awards at the same event. Congratulations also to Sappi Southern Africa, where Almé is now employed near Nelspruit/Mbombela as a Forest Engineer in Training.

Dr. Keanu Martin is honored to serve as Africa’s early career representative on the inaugural International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) Young Minds Committee (2022-2026). This prestigious group consists of 12 selected members from around the globe. In his role, Dr Martin is dedicated to achieving the committee’s ambitious goals aimed at fostering the development of the next generation of horticulturists.

These objectives include establishing a hub filled with opportunities for training, mentorship, internships, and exchanges to enhance professional growth and strengthen connections. He is also involved in organising year-round activities such as webinars, deep-dive meetings, networking events, and mentorship programs that facilitate meaningful interactions with industry partners and explore potential career pathways.

Additionally, Dr Martin plays a pivotal role in enriching the experience of participants at large symposia and congresses by organising social events and promoting engagement in ISHS through incentives like awards, special recognitions for best papers and presentations, and opportunities for publication in Chronica Horticulturae. His commitment is to lay a robust foundation that will inspire and empower young minds in horticulture for years to come.

Prof. Clint Rhode from the Department of Genetics, and the incumbent president of the South African Genetics Society (SAGS), led a multi-institutional delegation to bid on behalf of South Africa to host the International Genetics Federation’s premier conference, the International Congress of Genetics (ICG). The event is held every five years in different cities across the globe, and the last meeting was hosted by Melbourne, Australia, under the theme: “Genetics & Genomics: Linking Life & Society” in 2023. The conference is now set to come to the African continent for the first time in 2028 and will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The selection committee of the IGF executive was resolute in awarding the bid to South Africa, with the SA team outcompeting two other impressive bids from China and Argentina. Prof. Rhode remarked that hosting the ICG in 2028 will be especially meaningful for the SAGS as the society will be celebrating its 70th anniversary since being formally constituted in 1958. The bid team was supported by Stellenbosch University’s Central Events and Conferencing Office (Mrs Madeleine Mitchell) with the full endorsement of Prof. Sibusiso Moyo (DVC Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies) and the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau (Mr Adriaan Fourie) (with endorsement from the Western Cape Premier’s Office).