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4: Jerry Mthombothi (development co-ordinator, Grain SA) explains Grain SA’s involvement in as
well as actions with regards to the project.
Photo: Dirk Kotze
5: Andrew Bennett (technology development lead: Asia Africa, Monsanto), Dr Loren Trimble,
Magda du Toit (corporate engagement and communication manager, Monsanto South Africa),
Kobus Steenekamp (commercial lead: Monsanto South Africa), Pieter Smit (marketing manager,
Monsanto South Africa) and Leonard Oberholzer (technology development lead,
Monsanto South Africa).
Photo: Estie de Villiers
6: Peter McKinnon (farm manager at Vongotti) and Dr Loren Trimble in some of the maize trials
on the research farm near Malelane.
Photo: Estie de Villiers
Here they focus on trials for the production of hybrids and most
of the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project maize are
also produced on the farm. These seeds are specifically developed
for African countries where the use of genetically modified seeds is
still not legalised.
Their research and development trials are planted on land where
minimum tillage is the practice. The maize stumps of the previous
season are worked back into the soil and a ripper is used to replenish
the soil with oxygen and moisture.
Dr Loren Trimble from the United States, who recently joined the
Monsanto Research and Development-team in South Africa, as the
new South African breeding lead for hybrid seed production, had
this to say: ‘My job has taught me how important food is. Through
breeding, we have the ability to produce enough to cater for the
growing population. Not only by doing it but by making sure that
we do it well and even better than we are doing it in South Africa
right now.’
It is clear that it will only be possible to eradicate hunger and
provide access to healthy meals for all, as prescribed in our con-
stitution, when all role-players on the agricultural playing field take
hands. We have to work together and embrace new technology. If
this could become our first priority, across all borders, maybe then
we will be able to reach the zero hunger goal globally.
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