Food security, climate change, and sustainability. These are some of the issues that will take centre stage from 19 to 20 March when the North-West University (NWU) and Agricultural Research Council (ARC) will be co-hosting the 2025 National Grain Research Programme (NGRP) annual meeting, themed ‘Farming 2.0: Smarter & Greener’.
This event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policy makers, and students from across South Africa to discuss innovative approaches to farming and grain production.
Agriculture remains a vital sector for South Africa, contributing significantly to employment, GDP, and rural livelihoods. However, the country faces numerous challenges, including erratic weather patterns, soil degradation, and the growing need to optimise resource use. Events such as the NGRP annual meeting serve as crucial platforms for experts to share knowledge and explore cutting-edge technologies that can reshape the industry for the better – it is one of many ways the NWU and ARC are taking proactive roles in addressing the future of agriculture.
The three-day event, which will be held in Potchefstroom, will feature insightful discussions on precision farming, on-farm research, breeding for the future, and grain research programmes. The conference will include keynote speeches from industry heavyweights such as Wandile Sihlobo (Agbiz), Dr Lukeshni Chetty (SANSOR), and Dr Vicki Tolmay (ARC), alongside several other esteemed professionals.
The first session, chaired by Prof Gerhard du Preez, will focus on new technologies in precision agriculture. Topics will range from soil nutrient mapping and high-throughput phenotyping to drones in agriculture and soil spectroscopy. With the adoption of advanced data analytics, automation, and remote sensing, the goal is to enhance efficiency while minimising environmental impact.
On-farm trials and climate adaptation strategies will be the focus of the second session, led by Dr Marinda Visser. Discussions will emphasise modernising agriculture, fostering research partnerships, and responding to climate change with innovative grain production techniques. The session will be followed by a visit to the NWU Agrihub, where attendees can witness firsthand the advancements in climate-smart agriculture and remote sensing applications.
With climate change posing a significant threat to crop yields, the third session, chaired by Dr Zaid Bello , will delve into breeding programmes for drought and disease resistance. Presentations on dry bean breeding, phenomics, and organic soybean farming will highlight the intersection of genetic research and sustainable practices.
Food safety and soil health will take the spotlight in the final session, led by Prof Anne-Marie Botha. Presentations will cover mycotoxin mitigation, fungal forensics, and nematode management, ensuring that South Africa’s grain industry remains competitive, sustainable, and resilient against emerging threats.
With South Africa’s agricultural sector facing both challenges and opportunities, the collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry players is critical. The NGRP annual meeting provides an essential platform for knowledge-sharing, fostering partnerships, and implementing innovative solutions that will shape the future of farming in the country.
As the world transitions toward sustainable agricultural models, South Africa must embrace technological advancements and adaptive research to ensure long-term food security. Events like these not only drive progress but also reaffirm the nation’s commitment to greener, smarter, and more resilient agricultural practices.
