Engaging the Agricultural Writers SA: Building a Two-Way Bridge Between Research and Reporting
On 13 November 2025, the Agricultural Economics Department at Stellenbosch University had the privilege of hosting the Agricultural Writers for a day of engagement, conversation, and knowledge-sharing. The visit formed part of the Department’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between academia and the mediarecognising that impactful agricultural reporting depends on evidence-based information and that our research reaches its full potential when it informs the public discourse.
Throughout the morning, the team of Agricultural Economists offered an accessible but rigorous overview of the themes shaping South African agriculture today. From value chains and price formation to water scarcity, climate pressures, the cost price squeeze, changing consumer demands, and global trade dynamics, each presentation highlighted the complexity of the food system and the importance of connecting micro-level stories to macro-level drivers. For example, we unpacked how decisions in export markets affect rural livelihoods, how rising input costs and logistics bottlenecks influence food prices, and how consumer trendsfrom affordability constraints to growing interest in health and sustainabilityreshape value chains from farm to fork.
But equally important was the conversation in the other direction. The Agricultural Writers shared the realities they face in reporting fast-moving stories, navigating data gaps, and translating technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives. This exchange reaffirmed why partnerships between researchers and journalists matter – accurate reporting depends on quick, credible access to experts, while our research remains impactful if we manage to remain relevant through the media.
We view this relationship as a genuine two-way street to connect research to real-world impact and to ensure that South Africa’s agricultural narratives remain relevant, trustworthy and accessible to the public.
