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THE
GRAIN AND OILSEED INDUSTRY
OF SOUTH AFRICA – A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
ႃႆ
DIE
GRAAN- EN OLIESADEBEDRYF
VAN SUID-AFRIK – ‘N EIS DEUR TYD
played an important role in research, expansion and training, in addition to practical
demonstrations of farming practices, systems and the development of new cultivars.
The ARC’s main aim is to provide effective technology to all the participants in
agriculture and related industries in order to ensure dynamic and environmentally
friendly industries that are competent to produce adequate agricultural products
of acceptable quality for consumers to produce. This includes providing informa-
tion and research results as well as developing human capital.
With the transfer of the twelve research institutes to the ARC, the Department of
Agricultural Development retained certain regional organisations and directorates,
including the Directorates of Agricultural Engineering and Agricultural Economics.
The changes went hand in hand with the closure of certain departments and a
gradual shift in the focus to include the developing agricultural sector too.
In time, undertakings in the agricultural industry like the fertiliser companies and
former co-operatives built their own research facilities and laboratories to fill gaps
in certain research needs that developed after deregulation.
Grain SA also fills an important function to co-ordinate agricultural research with
respect to grains and oilseeds, eliminate duplication, guide research priorities and
establish synergies between various local and even international research disci-
plines. Since 2012 Grain SA carried out pioneering work in this regard and the
industry is still benefiting from it. Chapter 7 refers in more detail to the role of
Grain SA with respect to research initiatives in support of food security.
MAIZE PERSPECTIVE
Introduction
Maize is undoubtedly the biggest field crop in South Africa, and the staple food
of the majority of not only the local population, but also of the biggest part of the