There’s something for everyone on this week’s agricultural calendar. Malnutrition, animal feed, and fish food are just some of the topics under the microscope. To add your agri events to our calendar, email us on info@foodformzansi.co.za.
This week, our agricultural calendar has events and opportunities for both farmers and academics, with various conferences and workshops open for participation.
As always, we start the week off with Food for Mzansi’s own #FarmSpaces event on Twitter. Monday also sees the annual Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) symposium take place and on Thursday, farmers in the Western Cape get to take part in a FruitLook workshop, where they learn how to use satellite imagery to help them farm.
Check out the agriculture events calendar on Food for Mzansi’s home page as well as this weekly article, giving you the lowdown on informative, useful and even lucrative opportunities in the agriculture sector. Email info@foodformzansi.co.za to add your event to the calendar.
Monday, 18 October
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!
Embracing the new normal
Held over two days, this year’s Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) symposium is technology-focused and hopes to equip delegates with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt in an ever-changing industry. The symposium offers delegates the opportunity to learn about various scientific developments in sustainable feed production.
For more information, click here.
Tuesday, 19 October
Transforming food systems with fish
Feed the Future is hosting an online webinar to explore research around using fish to combat malnutrition. The webinar is a side event for the 2021 Borlaug Dialogue. Topics under discussion include food security transformation, access to fish food, and equitable livelihoods.
To register, click here.
Discussing food security
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is hosting an online panel discussion on food security in the drylands. The event is part of the Borlaug Dialogue, organised by the World Food Prize Foundation. Students register for free, as well as citizens from the Global South.
For more information, click here.
Managing water for climate adaptation
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is hosting a webinar series on ways to enhance ecosystem health and strengthen food, nutrition and water security for all. Tuesday’s webinar will look at climate-smart solutions that will help small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa become more resilient to climate change issues.
To register, click here.
Wednesday, 20 October
AfriAlliance WaterNet Symposium
AfriAlliance is hosting the 22nd WaterNet Symposium in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The three-day symposium will explore research around affordable water supply, water governance and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the water sector in East and Southern Africa. The event will also be streamed online.
For more information, click here.
Thursday, 21 October
Discussing the kiwi fruit industry in SA
Hosted by Beanstalk Global and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), this webinar is part of a monthly series dedicated to various fruit sectors in the country. This Thursday, the webinar will focus on the kiwi fruit industry in South Africa. Topics under discussion include increasing sales and consumption of the fruit and expanding business opportunities.
Click here for more.
Building resilience in agri-food systems in Africa
The Alliance for African Partnership is hosting a webinar on effective ways to harness the youth in the drive towards resilient agri-food systems on the continent. The panel will discuss topics like youth livelihoods, and barriers and potential entry points for the youth.
Learn more here.
International berry congress
The annual Global Berry Congress is taking place online, with participants from all over the world gathering to discuss the global berry industry. The event is aimed at connecting stakeholders in this industry, as well as assessing how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the industry.
Click here to participate.
FruitLook training for farmers
FruitLook is an online tool that uses satellite imagery to assist local farmers with managing their operations. The training is split into English and Afrikaans and is open to farmers who have never used the website as well as those who have advanced experience with the platform.
To register for the training, click here.
Friday, 22 October
Bonsmara auction in Roedtan, Limpopo
Vlakte Bonsmara Group is holding their 12th Bonsmara sale on the Doornpan farm in Roedtan. On offer are 50 registered bulls and over 200 female animals in all stages of production. Participants within 300km are eligible for free delivery. To view the catalogue, click here.
For more information, contact Hendrik van der Walt on 082 628 9301 and Mike Killassy on 082 378 8112.
Call for applications towards commercialisation
The department of agriculture, land reform and rural development (DALRRD) are inviting qualifying farmers to apply for support from the DALRRD Jobs Fund Programme. The purpose of the support is to move smallholder farmers into commercialisation. If approved, half of the funding will be in the form of a grant and the other half in the form of a loan.
To check if you qualify, click here.
Saturday, 23 October
One-day beef training session
Gule Agric Consulting is hosting a one-day training session on beef. The session, which is taking place at Pietermaritzburg Royal Showgrounds in KwaZulu-Natal, will explore how to improve livestock production. View the flyer here.
For more information, contact Ndumiso Gule on 073 674 1559.
