We are in the middle of a very eventful agricultural week and Food For Mzansi has more opportunities and insightful webinars up our sleeves, so stand by!
First up, the National Agricultural Marketing Council is searching for ministerial trustees for the meat industry trust. There is also an international conference happening where experts in agriculture and biological science will dissect the science and research, agriculture, and forestry industries.
Also in the line-up, food security experts will discuss the impact covid-19 on food security and urban agriculture.
1
Ministerial Trustees Wanted
The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) is inviting applicants to serve as ministerial trustee representatives for the meat industry trust. The objective of the trust is to provide research relating to the improvement, production, manufacture, processing, storing or marketing of red meat or red meat producers in the country.
The NAMC’s division dealing with agricultural industry trusts is mandated to facilitate the communication process between the trusts and the minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development (DALLRD), Thoko Didiza.
The secondary objective of the trust is to further the country’s meat industry by supporting the following:
- The provision, distribution and dissemination of information relating to any matter which may be relevant to the meat industry.
- The rendering of assistance by means of a grant or loan or in any other manner to anybody of persons established or instituted to promote any branch of the agricultural industry which relates to meat or red meat products or which has similar objectives as this trust.
- The benefitting of the meat industry by whatever lawful means the trustees from time to time in their discretion may decide, within the ambit of the provisions of this clause.
- The provision of training, support, or assistance to emerging farmers in order to improve capacity to start and manage agricultural operations.
- Research relating to, and the promotion of livestock welfare.
- The granting of a loan or bursary to any person for the purpose of facilitating tertiary education, directly or indirectly relating to the meat industry.
Applications close on 28 August, 2020.
2
Food security: Is urban agriculture the solution?
The Centre of Excellence in Food Security is inviting you to their webinar which will unpack the impact of lockdown on urban farmers and distributors.
The virtual event, titled “Food security and covid-19: Is urban agriculture the long-term solution to the food crisis?” will take place from 10:00 until 12:00 via Zoom.
The research foundation also known as Food Security SA will have on the itinerary a call for local food production, especially food gardens. The organisation states that this is a way of transforming the local food system beyond the unprecedented covid-19 crisis. Space will also be given to critically address whether urban agriculture can ever truly alleviate food insecurity, given competition for land and water, and poverty and food insecurity.
Visit Food Security SA to reserve your spot now.
3
Global agriculture, biological science conference
The International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) is inviting agricultural, biological science and forestry industry leaders from all over the world to participate in day two of their business conference.
The International Conference on Agricultural and Biological Science is a two-day event that began on the 25 August and will be hosting their final session at the Aviator Hotel, OR Tambo Airport in Kempton Park from 09:00 until 18:00.
If you are interested to attend, you can visit the International Association For Energy Economics website to secure your spot.
4
Meet a veterinary parasitologist
If you are a high school learner who is at that awkward age of having to choose a future career to start working towards, Dr Munyaradzi Christopher Marufu, senior lecturer of veterinary parasitology at the University of Pretoria might just give you an idea.
Marufu’s job entails teaching undergraduate veterinary science and veterinary nursing students about parasites of domestic and wild animals and to supervise postgraduate students in their research on these parasites. He also assists in the diagnosis, research and treatment or control of animal parasites such as ticks, fleas, worms or protozoa.
If that sounds like something you are interested in, keep an eye on Food For Mzansi for the AgriSETA Learner Connect profile and podcast episode that will be shared later today.
