60 Grain SA member services The Grain SA research coordination department focuses on three key areas of research: crop improvement, plant health and climate resilience. The primary aim is to create research consortia that promote innovation, enhancing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of South African grain and oilseed producers. To support this aim, the department has a focus area committed to developing human capital by training students and hiring technicians, particularly in critical fields such as breeding, agronomy, plant pathology, and nematology. At the heart of this work is a clear value proposition. The department helps protect crops and secure yields by coordinating high-impact research on pest, disease and weed management. It also works to strengthen market access through developing robust biosecurity systems that support trade. To improve profitability, the team seeks to ensure that producers have access to high-performing crop varieties, precision farming tools, soil health innovations and climate-smart strategies. The department also champions producers’ interests by engaging in policy discussions on climate change, plant health and biotechnology regulations. Finally, it is committed to expanding and developing effective mechanisms for accessing and using grain research information, ensuring that valuable knowledge reaches those who need it. A cornerstone of the Grain SA success in coordinating research is the strong partnerships it has established with various partners and funders over the years. A key and well-established partnership is with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), through the Strategic Innovation Partnership for Grain and Oilseeds under the Agricultural Bio-economy Innovation Partnership Programme (ABIPP). This partnership has seen significant contributions from the DSTI, TIA and Grain SA. Furthermore, collaboration with industry co-funders, including the Maize Trust, Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust, Sasol Trust, and the South African Winter Cereals Industry Agency, has been instrumental in supporting research that adds tangible value to grain and oilseed producers. Producer engagements REGIONAL RESEARCH ROADSHOWS Grain SA’s 2025 Western Cape Research Roadshow, held in Moorreesburg and Rietpoel with support from John Deere Financial and Absa, brought together farmers, researchers and stakeholders to share research insights and engage directly on challenges facing the grain industry. The programme covered a wide range of topics including data-driven farming through the Data-Intensive Farm Management (DIFM) project, advances in plant breeding at Stellenbosch University (SU), plant disease diagnostics, herbicide-resistant ryegrass management, slug infestations, conservation agriculture, predictive climate tools like TerraClim, new Pest Control Operator regulations, and global wheat market trends. Presentations highlighted practical solutions such as precision input use, integrated weed and pest management, biosecurity, predictive intelligence, and conservation practices that improve resilience, profitability, and sustainability. This roadshow underscored the importance of aligning research with farmer needs, fostering collaboration, and combining science with farmer experience to strengthen South Africa’s grain industry and ensure its competitiveness into the future. Momentum gained with crop improvement, plant health and climate resilience Research, innovation and capacity development
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