Agri X officially launched the Agri X Fusion series of events, starting with the red meat value chain in Pretoria. This marks the first in a series of initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and secure the future of South Africa’s agricultural value chains.
The Agri X Fusion Red Meat Value Chain event will be held on 4–5 March 2026 at the NWU Mahikeng Campus, bringing together producers, researchers, feedlots, processors, industry bodies, policymakers, and value-chain partners in a first-of-its- kind, outcomes-driven initiative.
With rising input costs, climate pressure, biosecurity risks, and shifting export markets, stronger coordination between research, industry, and policy has become a business necessity rather than a long-term ideal.
Collaboration key
Agri X Fusion 2026 will address the most pressing challenges facing the major value chains, ensuring closer alignment between industry needs, research priorities, innovation investment, and skills development.
The series is designed to move beyond discussion and produce tangible outcomes, including research pilots, commercial partnerships, skills initiatives, and innovation projects aligned with real industry needs.
Gerhard Diedericks, director of Agri X, said the programme in March covers genetics, feeding strategies, biosecurity, market access, climate resilience, and value-chain competitiveness.
“Structured matchmaking sessions will enable direct collaboration between industry stakeholders, researchers, and key role players, ensuring that discussions translate into practical action,” he said.
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Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), welcomed the initiative, stating that the sustainability and competitiveness of South Africa’s red meat value chain depend on stronger alignment between industry needs and research capacity.
“Agri X Fusion 2026 provides a bridge to tackle real challenges with evidence-based solutions. RMIS fully supports this platform as a crucial step toward securing the future of our industry,” he said.
Digital platform to connect stakeholders
According to Agri X, the first day will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions. Day two will also focus on pre-booked, one-on-one meetings, allowing participants to engage directly with industry leaders, researchers, and potential business partners, translating insights into concrete collaboration and strategic partnerships.
“These sessions are structured around predefined industry needs and research capabilities, ensuring that meetings are purposeful and geared toward concrete collaboration and follow-through,” Agri X stated.
In parallel, Agri X has developed a digital collaboration platform to support the fusion initiative before, during, and after each event. The platform will help connect stakeholders, structure engagements, and carry conversations forward into practical projects and partnerships. The web platform will evolve into a full app-enabled platform as the initiative grows.
The platform also creates structured visibility and partnership opportunities for sponsors, funders, and solution providers seeking credible access to industry-led innovation and applied research.
The Agri X Fusion Red Meat Value Chain event is the first in a national fusion series that will extend to other strategic agricultural value chains over the next two years.
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