OPDT   OIL & PROTEIN SEEDS DEVELOPMENT TRUST
OAC   OILSEEDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

OPDT
OIL & PROTEIN SEEDS DEVELOPMENT TRUST

OAC
OILSEEDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE


OPDT  //  Research Report 2017/2018

General overview

During the reporting period, 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, the Trust met regularly to discuss and decide about matters that will benefit the oilseeds industry and specifically sunflower, soybean, groundnut and canola.

During the period under review, R24 467 024 was approved in respect of research projects, provisions, technology transfer and information support and advisory services. The amount of R24 467 024 was allocated as follows:

Current Projects / Continuation Applications

Approved R4 670 685
Under consideration R2 328 315

New Applications

Approved 0
Under consideration R431 050

Transformation Projects

Approved R699 755
Under consideration R8 632 531

Joint Project Proposals

Approved R627 913
Under consideration R82 500

Provisions

Approved R4 050 000
Under consideration R750 000

Management of Research Projects

R2 224 275

The administrative budget for the Trust amounted to R1 037 800 and the administrative budget for the Oilseeds Advisory Committee, Research Priority Committee, Forums and administration amounted to R5 564 520.

The total budget approved for the 2017/2018 financial year therefor amounted to R31 069 344.

The above-mentioned amount includes the following bursaries approved:

  • Evaluation of full-fat canola as alternative locally produced protein source for slaughter ostriches.
    Mr GJ Niemann, Stellenbosch University, M.Sc
  • Improved nitrogen fixation in soybean under water deficit conditions.
    Ms TR Kibido, University of Pretoria, PhD
  • Determinants of mainstream market participation and income levels among smallholder sunflower producers in the North West Province.
    Mr LR Moseki, UNISA, M.Sc
  • Impact of rural farm infrastructure on agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers in the North West Province, South Africa.
    Mr NVE Mazibuko, UNISA, M.Sc
  • Effect of various feed additives on ruminal microbial protein synthesis, the amino acid profile of bacteria and protoza and rumen microbial population in dairy cows.
    Ms C de Vos, University of Pretoria, M.Sc
  • Agronomy, the influence of time and disc opener on sowing depth, N placement and seed distribution for canola and wheat.
    Ms S Silwana, Stellenbosch University, M.Sc
  • The evaluation of fish protein hydroslate as bio-active feed ingredient and replacement for fishmeal in diets for the African catfish.
    Mr JC Swanepoel, Stellenbosch University, M.Sc
  • The biological control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) de Bary on sunflower using Trichoderma harzianum.
    Ms AJ Moody, University of KwaZulu-Natal, M.Sc (new application)

During the reporting period the following important matters were addressed by the Trust:

  • Amentment of the Trust Deed to allow for the appointment of a second Ministerial Trustee;
  • The signing of the agreement with the Department of Science and Technology to receive funding for the Soybean Food and Nutrition Development Programme;
  • The further involvement with GFADA; and
  • Discussions with the Portfolio Managers, Foord and Old Mutual, regarding the Steinhoff shares included in the respective portfolio's.