Rooted in Legacy, Growing Towards the Future – Agricultural Economists Illuminate the Path Ahead

As part of its centenary celebrations, the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University launched a series of special events in collaboration with alumni chapters across the Western Cape. The first two events in this commemorative series were hosted in partnership with the Breede River and Overberg Maties Alumni Chapters, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and alumni to engage in timely discussions on the future of agriculture in South Africa. 

The centenary celebrations commenced with a dynamic panel discussion on the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in shaping the future of high-value agricultural sectors in South Africa. Held at the picturesque Waverley Hills Organic Wines estate and co-hosted with the Breede River Maties Alumni Chapter, this event highlighted the importance of sustainability, responsible governance, and ethical investment in the evolving agricultural landscape. 

The panel was moderated by Dr Melissa van der Merwe, Agricultural Economist in the Agricultural Economics Department. Panellists Frans van Wyk (Agrifusion), Anel Blignaut (Blue North), and Andries Dreyer (Absa) covered a broad range of topics, from regenerative agriculture and sustainable finance to ethical supply chains and ESG compliance requirements. The discussion focused on: 

• The increasing global emphasis on transparency, traceability, and accountability in agri-food value chains. 

• The transition toward climate-smart production models and the role of regenerative practices in ensuring long-term farm viability. 

• The growing influence of finance-linked sustainability instruments, with ESG metrics shaping access to capital and market competitiveness. 

The critical need for cross-sector collaboration to embed ESG principles across policy, research, and practice. 

Seated: The Breede River Alumni Chapter with Dr Melissa van der Merwe, Anel Blignaut, Andries Dreyer, and Frans van Wyk

 

The Department extends sincere appreciation to Ferdi van Dyk (SU), Karen Bruns (SU), Jéan Fouché (Breede River Alumni Chapter), and Carli Broodryk (Breede River Alumni Chapter) for their exceptional coordination and hospitality. Our thanks also go to Waverley Hills for providing an inspiring venue aligned with the principles of sustainability discussed throughout the morning. 

The second event in the centenary series took place in partnership with the Overberg Maties Alumni Chapter and focused on a timely and complex topic: The Future of Agricultural Trade. Hosted at Paul Clüver Wines in the Elgin Valley, the panel discussion brought together leading voices to examine the shifting trade landscape and its implications for South African agriculture. 

Moderated by journalist Anlie Hattingh, the panel featured Tshepo Morokong (Western Cape Department of Agriculture), Anton Kruger (Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum), and Hilton Zunckel (International Trade Consultant). Their discussion reflected on how global, regional, and domestic factors are shaping agricultural trade and competitiveness. 

Key themes that emerged included: 

• The rise of protectionism and unpredictable policies, particularly following the Trump-era trade agenda, has renewed the importance of rules-based multilateral trade systems. 

• The uncertain future of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) highlights the need for South Africa to diversify its trade relationships and support fellow SACU members who depend on preferential access. 

• The impact of domestic infrastructure constraints and the lack of trade agreements with key Asian markets limits export potential. 

• Persistent non-tariff barriers, such as the EU’s restrictions on Citrus Black Spot, and how collaborative industry responses have mitigated these challenges. 

• Regional fragmentation within SACU, characterised by unilateral border closures that undermine trade integration, underscores the necessity for stronger leadership from South Africa. 

• The opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) highlight the significance of establishing institutions and securing finance for exporters to fully leverage intra-African trade.
  

 

From Left to Right: Anton Kruger, Tshepo Morokong, Hilton Zunckel, and Anlie Hattingh

 

The Department extends its gratitude to Dr Andre Jooste, Agricultural Economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics, and Ferdi van Dyk (SU) for organising the event, along with Paul Clüver Wines for their generous hospitality. 

These two events marked the beginning of a year-long celebration honouring the Department’s 100-year legacy. They demonstrated the power of academic and industry collaboration, as well as the strength of the Stellenbosch University alumni network, in fostering dialogue that informs policy, drives innovation, and shapes the future of South African agriculture. 

For more information on these and future events, please contact Dr Melissa van der Merwe at vdmm@sun.ac.za