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Aligning academic research and funding with the true needs of the agricultural sector has, until now, been like herding cats. However, with the launch of the Agri X Fusion platform, Koos Nel, founder of Agri X, hopes to bring these elements together for the benefit of all.
This was demonstrated recently at a stakeholder breakfast in Pretoria where Agri X officially launched the Agri X Fusion series of events.
Red meat in focus
The first value chain to benefit from this collaboration platform is South Africa’s red meat value chain.
“Over the coming months, various events will take place that are designed to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and hopefully secure a stronger future for South Africa’s agricultural value chains,” Nel said.
The first Agri X Fusion red meat value chain event of the year will be held on 4–5 March at the NWU Mahikeng Campus. It will bring together producers, researchers, feedlots, processors, industry bodies, policymakers, and value-chain partners in a first-of-its kind, outcomes-driven initiative.
During the event, issues such as rising input costs, climate pressure, biosecurity risks, and shifting export markets will be discussed. The aim is for like-minded stakeholders to connect and create stronger coordination between research, industry, and policy.
Nel explained that this years Agri X Fusion aims to tackle key value chain challenges and bring industry needs, research, funding and skills development into closer alignment.
Nel also confirmed to Plaas Media that structured matchmaking sessions will take place during the event to ensure meaningful collaboration between industry stakeholders, researchers and potential funders. This will help ensure the event leads to practical action rather than remaining a talk shop.
Strong industry buy-in
Corlia Oberholzer, operations manager of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), emphasised the critical importance of alignment between research and industry. “We need research to predict emerging risks.”
In fact, this is the essence of RMIS’ “Field to Future” process, where grassroots experiences are linked to strategic actions. Last year 136 people within the red meat value chain participated in this process, sharing in depth experiences to ensure that RMIS’ actions add real value to the chain on a practical, ground-level basis.
Four broad areas were identified where greater research would benefit the industry:
- Animal and public health.
- Inclusive growth.
- Market access.
- Competitiveness and sustainability.
To illustrate the potential impact of relevant research, Oberholzer referred to work currently being conducted by Prof Armanda Bastos from the University of Pretoria on the presence of FMD in the fifth quarter after slaughter. Although the research is still underway, it is the first of its kind and is likely to influence South African slaughter protocols going forward, and possibly even international protocols.
While foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is currently a major crisis, Oberholzer noted that this is not the only matter the industry must address.
“We need to ensure that after FMD we are still fit for the future. That is why we are working with other issues that will need to be addressed beyond FMD.”
For this reason, continued industry relevant research is critical.
Tertiary institutional support
Prof Simon Letsoalo, acting director of North-West University (NWU)’s School of Agricultural Sciences, said the role of universities in society extends far beyond academia. “A university has three core functions: teaching, research and community engagement.”
He described Agri X Fusion as an ideal platform to help NWU engage with the agricultural community on a practical level. “This is fantastic, as engagement is often the function that is lacking in many academic institutions,” Prof Letsoalo explained.
He added that the university is looking forward to hosting the first Agri X Fusion event.
Financiers support
Llwandiso Makupula, head of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)’s Agro-processing and Agriculture Strategic Business Unit, said the IDC was actively seeking new projects to fund. “If it’s for us – the community of South Africa – then we will fund it,” he said boldly, adding that the Agri X Fusion strategy could help address significant market uncertainty.
Makupula said one of the best parts of this strategy is that it is not merely a talk shop, but the platform will allow stakeholders to engage meaningfully and begin formulating strategies to move forward.
“The IDC is for everyone. What we want to see is business traction that will bring about positive change in our communities,” he said, adding that there is often a misconception that the IDC exists to benefit a specific race. This, he emphasised, is not true.
However, in 2024, the corporation did provide 100% financing for the creation of a 100% black-owned abattoir in the North West. The business is performing well, with a daily slaughter capacity of 250 head of cattle. It also includes a feedlot operation capable of accommodating up to 20 000 head of cattle.
Digital Collaboration Platform
Alongside the live events, Agri X has developed a digital collaboration platform (http://agrixfusion.com/) to support the Fusion initiative before, during, and after each event. The platform will connect stakeholders, structure engagements, and carry conversations forward into practical projects and partnerships. As the initiative grows, the web platform will evolve into the fully app-enabled platform.
All industry role-players are invited to attend, sponsor, or partner with Agri X Fusion 2026 to enhance visibility, secure high-value networking opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to shaping South Africa’s red meat sector.
The red meat value chain event is the first in a national Fusion series that will extend to other strategic agricultural value chains over the next two years. – Susan Marais, Plaas Media
