There are loads of opportunities available in the agricultural sector this week, with a variety of webinars, online conferences and even a livestock auction. Agriculture students can apply for a bursary from the Citrus Academy and farmers in the Western Cape can sign up to learn how to fly drones. You can e-mail info@foodformzansi.co.za to have your event added to our weekly calendar.
Happy Monday, Mzansi! Agriculture events are still very much alive online, so enjoy your couch while you participate in this week’s offering.
As always, we start the week off with Food for Mzansi’s own #FarmSpaces event on Twitter. If you like the more academic aspects of agriculture, check out the Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) webinar on production in social reproduction theory. Friday is the last day farmers in the Western Cape can apply for a workshop on drones, held in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.
Check out the calendar on Food for Mzansi’s homepage as well as this weekly article, published every Monday, giving you the low-down on informative, useful and even lucrative opportunities in the agriculture sector. Email info@foodformzansi.co.za to add your event to the calendar.
Monday, 13 September
Join us for this week’s Food For Mzansi #FarmSpaces, with Gugulethu Mahlangu
Are you an aspirant farmer looking for more information on how to get into the agricultural sector? Do you have a smartphone and a Twitter account? Join us then, every Monday at 18:00 for Food For Mzansi #FarmSpaces, held in partnership with one of agriculture’s favourite daughters, Gugulethu Mahlangu.
Follow us at @FoodforMzansi to participate!
Applications open to lease state farms
The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform (DARDLR) have opened applications to lease state land in the Matlosana municipality in North West province. The application is for portion 7 of Syferfontein Farm and is specifically for livestock farmers with proven records of achievement. Youth, women and people with disabilities are given first preference.
Qualifying applicants have until 23 September to submit their applications. Click here for the application form.
Agricultural Crop Production Learnership Opportunity
Students in the Paarl or surrounding areas can apply for an AgriSeta-accredited learnership to learn more about Crop Production. To qualify, students need to be between the ages of 18 and 34, they need to have matric, and they should be living in Paarl or surrounding areas.
For more information, email hibre101@live.co.za.
Tuesday, 14 September
What is the place of production in social reproduction theory?
The University of the Western Cape’s Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) and the University of Ghana are hosting an online seminar to discuss the issue of production in social reproduction theory. Topics to be explored are the role of land in structuring social relations and identities, and the significance of different forms of property rights.
To register for webinar, click here.
Exploring agricultural trade potential between India and Africa
The India-Africa Agriculture and Food Processing Summit is starting this Tuesday. The theme of the summit is “Promoting sustainable partnerships”. It is estimated that by 2030, the African continent’s food market will grow to 1 trillion USD and will be worth double that by 2050. The purpose of the two-day summit is to explore how viable Africa is as an agricultural market for India.
To register for the summit, click here.
Wednesday, 15 September
Last day to apply for Citrus Academy bursary
The Citrus Academy is offering a chance for agricultural students to be funded for their studies. Qualifying students have until Wednesday to apply. They need to be in their second year or above and studying towards a qualification in citrus production or research.
Click here for more information
Take part in online Merino auction
Merino Consortium is hosting an online Merino auction with over 100 animals on offer. Bidders need to register on SwiftVEE by Tuesday, 17:00. SwiftVEE will only approve bidders if instructed by the relevant livestock agent.
Contact Johan on 083 452 9557 for more information. Click here for registration form.
A masterclass on water management skills
As part of the World Food Forum, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization is holding a masterclass to share knowledge on how to deliver and design innovative training programs to address youth employability and water challenges in Africa. The masterclass covers technical and soft skills, engaging with the private sector, and technology transfer.
For more information, click here.
Thursday, 16 September
A discussion on climate resilience
Strengthening Capacity in Agriculture Livelihoods and Environment (SCALE) is hosting a webinar on agroecosystem restoration. The webinar unpacks the story of Atego, a village soaking up energy and resources flowing through it. The discussion will look at resilience design techniques like borehole recharges, road water harvesting, and food forests.
To register, click here.
The launch of Blue Food Assessment
The Blue Food Assessment (BFA) launch takes place this Thursday, in partnership with WorldFish. The aim of the project is to explore the future of aquatic foods from different water systems and their roles in supporting health, livelihoods and sustainability. Stakeholders in the food systems transformation community are presenting the latest science and innovation around aquatic foods.
To register, click here.
Friday, 17 September
Last day to apply for drone workshop
More and more farmers are turning to drones for sustainable management and streamlining of their operations. The workshop includes topics like the relevant drone software and a guide on how to obtain a remote piloting license. It also includes a practical flying demonstration.
Click here for more information.
Saturday, 18 September
Applications for the Bloem Show exhibitions for 2022 are open
Every year, the Bloem Show showcases exhibitions, shows, and stands that are a mix of agriculture, trade, and entertainment. Applications for next year’s exhibitions are now open. Vendors who want their products displayed online have until 29 October 2021 to apply.
Click here for the application form. Contact exhibitors@bloemshow.co.za or 051 448 9894 for more information.
