Another action-packed week lies ahead for Mzansi’s agriculturalists and Food For Mzansi is proud to be your guide as you maneuver the turbulent terrain of the industry.
First up on our radar, Potatoes SA has invited agricultural students, both undergrad and postgrad to grab hold of its potato industry development trust (PIDT) bursary before it’s too late. Applications close on 31 October.
The National Agricultural Marketing Council is in urgent need of respondents for a farm crimes survey. Also, we look forward to a wine seminar hosted by Daikin on Friday.
Monday blues are now more tolerable because of the Mzansi Flavour digest online newsletter, which goes live at 12:00 today.
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Students do you have a calling in the potato industry?
Potatoes SA has invited undergraduates and post-graduate students to apply for its bursary initiative.
The potato industry development trust (PIDT) annually awards bursaries to deserving students studying towards an agricultural related qualification with the emphasis on potato production.
The undergraduate bursary programme is primarily aimed at developing the skills of young, talented students at existing potato enterprises. Their development is done through tertiary education at universities and agricultural colleges.
The postgraduate bursary programme, on the other hand, is aimed at making a contribution towards ensuring that there are enough postgraduates to address the relevant research areas affecting the industry as well as increasing the industry’s pool of appropriately qualified scientists.
Undergrad requirements include:
- Must be in second year of study in the field of agriculture,
- Students need excellent academic standing,
- Must provide official proof of registration at any South African tertiary institution.
Postgrad requirements include:
- Honours, master’s, and PhD students in the field of agriculture with specific interests in the potato industry. (Master’s and PhD students need to submit potato related research proposal.)
- Excellent academic standing,
- Proof of registration at an appropriate South African University.
Applicants have until 31 October to apply. Application forms are available here.
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NAMC farm crime survey
The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) has invited farmers aged 18 and above to be part of its voluntary survey about farm crime in South Africa.
Farm crime is considered to be a crime that affects farming operation and marketing of agricultural products.
Research is aimed at understanding personal farm crime experiences and perceptions, attitudes towards policing and criminal justice response to farm crime, as well as your awareness and implementation of crime prevention measures. This while also understanding the impact of farm crime on the marketing of agricultural products.
The information you provide will allow the NAMC to have a better understanding of the scope of the problem as well as find out what measures might be taken to reduce the incidence of farm crime across South Africa.
Information from the survey may also be used in academic journal articles and conference presentations.
Interested participants can access the survey here.
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Daikin hosts wine webinar
In a bid to adhere to lockdown regulations, leading aircon and refrigeration company Daikin have turned to the digital sphere to host their wine seminar on 23 October from 09:30-11:30.
You can look forward to topics including:
- Dr Carien Coetzee’s presentation on the sensitivity of various aroma compounds to storage temperatures. A common mistake amongst wine producers, she believes, is underestimating the effect of even moderate storage temperature changes.
- José Luis Aleixandre-Tudó, from Stellenbosch University will present on PhenoLAB analyses, a new tool that provides fast, accurate and reliable results and can even assist with interpretation. PhenoLAB analysis provides phenolic parameters which can be performed on grapes, juice, fermenting must and finished wines and help to make decisions during critical winemaking steps such as harvesting, processing, blending, and ageing.
- Thirty years ago, after finishing his studies to become an engineer in tropical agriculture, Paul Dergeloo started his professional career in Daikin Europe N.V. in consulting sales.
- Consumer specialist Nadia van der Colff of Consumer Solutions, will be addressing some key questions/issues to consider for direct-to-the-consumer wine marketing as well as direction for brand building. For the first time, valuable information gathered during the covid-19 pandemic will be shared providing insights into South African consumers’ wine behaviour.
- Elda Lerm from Anchor Oenology will be guiding us through critical fermentation temperature guidelines and how the fermentation temperature will modulate the yeast and ultimately shape the final wine profile.
You don’t want to miss out on this informative webinar. Grab your seat here.
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#Foodspiration with Mzansi Flavour Digest
Keep your eyes glued to your screens! The Food For Mzansi “Mzansi Flavour” weekly digest will be in your mailbox at 12:00 with your weekly dose of meal inspiration.
The carefully selected menu guide contains meals from our top chefs and cooks and has got all your meal needs covered to carry you through the week. It will only be availed to those who have signed up for it. No spam – we promise!
If you haven’t registered, no worries, sign up here to receive the recipe mail every Monday.
- Do you have an upcoming event that should be on Food For Mzansi’s watchlist? Drop us an email to diary@foodformzansi.co.za and we’ll do our best to include it in this weekday feature.
