Given the timing of the edition, this observation seems fitting: Many of the women who were in the room at the Post-Harvest Innovation (PHI) Programme Gala Dinner on 11 June, drive vital industry research through their leadership and meaningful contribution. This helps maintain the viability of the South African fruit industry in a rigorously regulated and fiercely competitive global fresh produce arena.
Dr Mlungisi Cele delivered the keynote address at this signature dinner, which was moderated by Piet de Jager [CEO: Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF)]. Cele is the Director-General: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
I was pleased to join other stakeholders at this event, themed “Celebrating excellence and showcasing innovation”. It showcased the fifth phase of the Programme (PHI-5) and the research and development (R&D) projects conducted under it. The Programme is a longstanding public-private partnership between the DSTI and industry, with the FPEF serving as the implementing agent.
Suid-Afrika se netto-uitvoerder status vir vrugte beteken dat meer as 60% van die vrugte wat plaaslik geproduseer word, na teikenmarkte in meer as 100 lande wêreldwyd uitgevoer word.
Navorsing en ontwikkeling geniet dus hoë prioriteit. Die bedryf sou daarsonder nooit aan die streng internasionale fitosanitêre vereistes kon voldoen nie. Die PHI-program alleen het sedert sy totstandkoming in 2008 byna 100 navorsing en ontwikkeling-projekte gehelp finansier. Die verskillende kommoditeitsorganisasies in die bedryf belê daarbenewens jaarliks miljoene rande vir navorsingsuitsette wat marktoegang vir Suid-Afrikaanse vrugte help handhaaf.
So, whether we are talking about soil health, ground cover, pruning, tree/grapevine vigour or harvesting, focused R&D is at the epicentre of maintained production and related export volumes.
In the vein of research, this edition includes citrus extension briefs, the outcomes of stone-fruit rootstock trials, contributors to poor table-grape colour, and internal-browning risks in Cripps Pink apples. We also present you with – among other content – the success story of SA’s Seedless Valencia, concerns around the EU Food and Feed Omnibus, and we explore the devastating aftermath of the recent Eastern and Western Cape storms.
And finally, to the women in the industry, allow me to remind you of the value of your day-to-day grind, valour, and commitment to this dynamic industry.