Research-led talks to drive SA’s red meat sector decision-making
Research-led conferences aim to drive informed decision-making in SA’s agricultural sector, this was the key message at the launch of the Agri X Fusion Series of Events in Pretoria on 27 January. From left to right: Gerhard Diedericks and Koos Nel (Agri X Group), Corlia Oberholzer (RMIS), Prof Simon Letsoalo (North-West University School of Agricultural Sciences – Mahikeng Campus), Lwandisa Makapula (IDC) and Prof HB Klopper (Agri X Group) [Image credit: Farmer’s Weekly]
As South Africa’s red meat industry faces mounting pressure from animal disease risks, climate volatility and shifting market requirements, role players are increasingly turning to research-led platforms to support better decision-making across the value chain.
This was the key message at the launch of the Agri X Fusion Series of Events in Pretoria on 27 January, where organisers and industry partners positioned the initiative as a structured mechanism to connect scientific research with the practical realities of farming, processing, investment and policy.
The first event in the series, Agri X Fusion: Red Meat Value Chain, will be held on 4 and 5 March at the North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus. It is expected to bring together producers, feedlots, processors, researchers, industry bodies, policymakers and funders.
Agri X said the Fusion format is designed to move beyond conventional conferences by creating a pathway from research and discussion to practical programmes, partnerships and investment opportunities.
Research as a business tool
While conferences are often criticised for generating more talk than action, speakers at the launch argued that the sector’s current risks demand platforms that use research to guide real-world choices, from farm-level management to national policy.
Koos Nel, CEO of Agri X, said the agriculture sector was operating under crisis conditions, with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) illustrating how quickly biosecurity events can disrupt production, marketing and consumer confidence.
Nel said the challenge was not only responding to immediate threats, but building a value chain capable of adapting over time, and that this required stronger alignment between industry needs and research capacity and the constant need for investment.
“Historically, agriculture has been too siloed,” he said, adding that research, funding and operational decision-making often happened in parallel rather than in an integrated system.” He said the Fusion platform aimed to build a connected ecosystem linking industry and academia, creating a pipeline that converts insight into implementable programmes. Over the coming months, Nel said Agri X would work with industry bodies, academic institutions, sponsors and investors to map capabilities and translate identified needs into actionable projects.
From research insight to practical decision-making
According to Gerhard Diedericks, director of Agri X, the March programme will focus on areas where the sector requires stronger evidence-based direction. Agri X said the programme will cover themes such as genetics, feeding strategies, biosecurity, market access, climate resilience and value-chain competitiveness.
The event format has been structured to support practical follow-through, including matchmaking and facilitated engagements aimed at encouraging collaboration between industry stakeholders, researchers and other key role players.
– Gary Wium, Farmer’s Weekly
