Brazilian Agribusiness Leaders Explore South African Agriculture
From 13 to 18 November 2024, the Department of Agricultural Economics in the AgriSciences Faculty at Stellenbosch University hosted a delegation of 29 leaders from prominent Brazilian agribusiness companies. This visit was part of a comprehensive program to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between South Africa and Brazil.
The intensive 32-hour seminar series on “Innovation, Sustainability, and Competitiveness in Agriculture” was scientifically and technically coordinated by Markestrat Agribusiness (led by Prof Marcos Fava Neves) and Stellenbosch University (Prof André Jooste and Drs Melissa van der Merwe and Albert Strever). Delegates participated in lectures, debates, and field visits across government agencies, universities, research institutes and agribusinesses.
On 13 and 14 November, the program featured visits to key agricultural hubs in KwaZulu Natal, including the Sugar Terminal at the Durban port, the South African Sugar Association, the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), and one of the sugar cane farmers of the South African Cane Growers Association.
On 15 and 18 November, the delegates participated in the short seminar series hosted by Stellenbosch University. The program addressed critical topics such as technological advancements, artificial intelligence in agriculture, and the intersection of sustainability and competitiveness. Key industry leaders such as Prof Marius Ungerer (SU Business School), Dr Ilse Trautmann (WCDoA), Dr Dirk Troskie (WCDoA), Sibusisiwe Maseko (GreenCape), Kobus Pienaar (Woolworths), Dr Doris Viljoen (SU Business School), Sean Walsh (KAL Group), André Diederichs (André Diederichs and Associates), Prof Johan van Rooyen (SU), and Dr Albert Strever (SU).
Being in the winelands, the delegates also engaged with innovation in the wine and beverage industry with a visit to the House of J.C. Le Roux, where Caroline Snyman (Heineken Beverages) led the discussion around innovation. The delegates also attended a masterclass in Pinotage led by Beyers Truter and Abrie Beeslaar at Somerbosch Wine Estate followed by a traditional “skaapbraai”.
This visit highlighted the vital role of networks in agriculture. While discussions focused on the impact of innovation, technology and AI, the week served as a powerful reminder that, at its heart, agriculture is about people—sharing existing knowledge and generating new insights through collaboration. The Department of Agricultural Economics is proud to have been part of this meaningful exchange and looks forward to future partnerships that strengthen the ties between South Africa and Brazil.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Prof Marcos Fava Neves and Markestrat for selecting Stellenbosch University as a key partner in this initiative. We also thank the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the South African Sugar Association for hosting us for parts of the program, as well as the South African Cane Growers Association who assisted in organising the itinerary while visiting KwaZulu-Natal.
