Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
The Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust (OPDT) was registered on 18 September 1997. The trust’s main objective to promoting and enhancing the oilseeds industry in South Africa, with a particular focus on sunflower, soybeans, groundnuts, and canola. This means that both Trust capital and income will be used solely for projects that are reconcilable with the aims of the Trust and in the interest of the oilseeds industry.
The OPDT has opened applications for oilseed research funding, that are in the interest of the industry, for the 2024-2025 year. Of particular importance are the principle viewpoints formulated by the Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC), which will serve as framework when the Committee evaluates the project applications (see Addendum I for full particulars). You are kindly requested to take note of these viewpoints as applications falling outside this framework will not be considered by the Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC).
Read more about the recent sunflower symposium.
Deadline for Applications
Please note the following deadlines for project funding applications. Applications received after deadlines, will not be considered by the Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC).
- 1 June 2023
Deadline for receiving applications – only Management summary. - 31 July 2023
Feedback by Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC) to applicants.- Project applicants who were unsuccessful will also be informed of the decision of the Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC).
- Successful applicants will be requested to submit a full presentation and budget to the Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC).
After receiving the detailed applications, these will, where applicable, be referred for peer evaluation. In all cases, the Committee will honour the confidentiality of the peer evaluators.
- August 2023
Where applicable, peer evaluators’ commentary will be referred to applicants for possible amendments to project proposals. - December 2023
The Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC) provides applicants with feedback regarding finances approved by the Development Trust for the 2023/2024 financial year, not later than 4 December 2023.
Format of Presentation of Management Summary
The initial application of 1 June 2023 may be submitted in the form of a management summary. The summary must not exceed four A4 pages per application. The following guidelines apply:
- Aim and methodology
Introduction with a brief description of the aim of the research or service project, followed by an explanation of methods to be used.
- Results envisaged
Refer to the results envisaged. Any additional information for the OAC’s attention can be mentioned here.
- Value for the industry
Outline the value that such a project will have for the industry. Make recommendations on how the research results can be used and applied in the industry. A financial evaluation of the proposed research project will be useful. A proposed programme regarding the publication of results and implementation thereof can also be mentioned here.
- Limitations
Where applicable, mention the limitations which might be experienced and could affect the project.
- Publication
Indicate how the project’s results will be shared, for example published articles, congresses, farmers days etc.
- Budget
Please include a projected budget for each year of the expected duration of the project.
- Duration
Please indicate the expected duration of the project. It is not the policy to fund projects for longer than three to four years. Should a longer period be required, additional applications can be submitted after the completion of the first phase.
Find out more about the Oilseeds Focus magazine.
The process following the application
If the management summary submitted to the Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC) is considered favourably, it will be referred to the researcher with a request for a detailed, motivated presentation. See above-mentioned deadlines in this regard. Please read Addendum II for more information: https://www.opot.co.za/funding-of-projects-addendum-2
The relevant period of the budget is March 2023 to February 2024 or the first 12 months of the project. Please supply dates if the research project isn’t conducted in a calendar year.
If you have any inquiries, you are welcome to contact the Chief Executive Officer, Gerhard Keun at telephone number +27 (0)11 234 3400/1. – Press release, The Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trusts (OPDT) and Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC)
