The University of Pretoria’s faculty of natural agricultural sciences has unveiled an ambitious new initiative, FARM@UP, marking a ground-breaking development in African agricultural research and education.
Set to become Africa’s first integrated, high-tech agricultural research and training facility, FARM@UP is designed to advance multidisciplinary agricultural research and development on a scale never before seen on the continent.
Prof. Barend Erasmus, dean of natural agricultural sciences, said that FARM@UP will span 570 hectares, embodying a holistic approach to agricultural innovation with a strong focus on sustainability. The facility aims to foster both theoretical education and practical skill development, creating a dynamic environment for scholars, students, and industry professionals.
“FARM@UP will serve as a living laboratory, combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on learning to address the unique challenges faced by South Africa and the broader African region,” Erasmus explained.
“Our goal is to drive climate-smart agricultural research and offer comprehensive training and skills development, paving the way for a new era in African agriculture.”
This initiative represents a strategic partnership between academia and industry, emphasising collaboration and long-term impact. By integrating industry insights with academic research, FARM@UP is set to address pressing agricultural needs and enhance transdisciplinary research efforts.
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A hub for innovation and collaboration
The facility will also act as a hub for joint research ventures, attracting global and African partners. With state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities, FARM@UP will provide top-tier training for researchers and stakeholders from across southern Africa and beyond.
Several leading industry players have already committed to supporting the FARM@UP project. Partners including Agri-Enviro Solutions, Automill, Bitek Industries, Bühler Southern Africa, Kemin, Ronin, and Waikato South Africa will play crucial roles in the facility’s development, with formal agreements expected to be finalised soon.
The launch of FARM@UP underscores the University of Pretoria’s commitment to advancing agricultural science and fostering innovation across the African continent. Through this pioneering initiative, UP aims to shape the future of agriculture, combining academic excellence with industry-driven solutions to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
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