65 INFORMATION HUB WORKSHOP: DATA The Information Hub and Grain SA hosted a workshop to explore creating an integrated national research data platform. Currently, valuable data sits on individual devices, risking loss when researchers move or retire. Drawing inspiration from Brazil’s unified systems, the platform would centralise data on pests, pathogens, soil health, weather, and cultivars, offering real time insights for farmers and policymakers. Led by Prof. Bernard Slippers with support from DSTI and TIA, the initiative will begin with a Human Capital Development (HCD) funded intern to coordinate data integration, ensuring knowledge preservation and informed decision making nationwide. RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION HUB WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS INTEGRATION OF GRAIN RESEARCH DATA. NATIONAL BIOSECURITY SUMMIT AND GRAIN INDUSTRY BIOSECURITY PLAN The National Biosecurity Summit, held at the University of Pretoria (UP), united government, academia, and industry to address South Africa’s rising biosecurity risks under the theme ‘Collaborative Actions for Food Security and Trade’. Hosted by the National Biosecurity Hub, the summit highlighted recent outbreaks like foot-and-mouth disease in animals and Goss’s wilt in crops, stressed the need for improved coordination, surveillance, diagnostics, and trade facilitation. Grain SA is developing a national biosecurity plan for the grain industry in collaboration with the National Biosecurity Hub, reinforcing public-private efforts to protect food security and strengthen the competitiveness of South Africa’s agricultural sector. GRAIN SA’S TEAM AT THE NATIONAL BIOSECURITY SUMMIT. LAUNCH OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S ONLINE EXTENSION SERVICES The Department of Agriculture (DoA)'s online farmer support platform, as discussed with industry and govern- ment partners, aims to streamline data and improve farmer services. The platform will provide real-time data on production, markets, weather, and biosecurity while enabling targeted advisory services amid limited extension capacity. The research team discussed the ongoing need to for extension support for producers to boost their sustainability and profitability. Stakeholders stressed the need for a collaborative overarching system to integrate existing digital tools and enhance farmer engagement. THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ONLINE EXTENSION SERVICES LAUNCH.
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