General overview

During the reporting period, 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020, 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, R26 116 033 was approved in respect of research projects, provisions, technology transfer and information support and advisory services. The amount of R26 116 033 was allocated as follows:

The administrative budget for the Trust amounted to R1 041 000 and the administrative budget for the Oilseeds Advisory Committee, Research Priority Committee, Forums and administration amounted to R6 131 364.

The total budget approved for the 2019/2020 financial year therefor amounted to R35 900 000.

The above-mentioned amount includes the following bursaries approved:

• Continuation Applications

  • The influence of planting date and row width on recommended planting density and yield of soybeans in the North Eastern Free State.
    Mr JP van Zyl, University of the Free State, M.Sc
  • The effect of seed drill choice on seedling emergence, root development and yield.
    Ms KJ Truter, Stellenbosch University, M.Sc

• New Applications

  • "Die effek van kalsitiese kalkbron, -fynheid en verkorreling op grondneutralisasie en CA beskikbaarheid."
    Mr DJJ du Toit, Stellenbosch University, M.Sc
  • Conservation Agricultural Production in the sandy soils of the Swartland production area.
    Mr J Laubscher, Stellenbosch University, M.Sc
  • Decreasing aflatoxin contamination on groundnut kernels caused by Aspergillus flavus using Bacillus spp. as biological control, in both storage and greenhouse.
    Ms NN Sibisi, University of KwaZulu-Natal, M.Sc
  • The effect of Trichoderma harziarum on groundnuts infected with Aspergillus flavus during drought stress – Greenhouse and field studies.
    Mr SIS Dladla, University of KwaZulu-Natal, M.Sc
  • The soybean rhizomicrobiome as affected by salicylic acid and the effect on Sclerotinia stem rot.
    Mr A Edwards, University of the Free State, M.Sc
  • The effect of plant density, zinc and phosphorus fertiliser sources on yield and quality of soybean under two environmental conditions.
    Mr MB Gonyane, North-West University, M.Sc
  • Assessment of climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaption strategies among small scale farmers in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North West Province, South Africa.
    Mr EM Mafokoane, North-West University, M.Sc
  • The economic impact of climate change on grain production in South Africa.
    Mr RC Johnson, Rhodes University, M.Sc

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

• Development of a Transformation Program for the Oilseeds Advisory Committee and Oil and Protein Seeds Development Trust;
• Challenges experienced at GFADA;
• Financial support to SAGL in respect of the replacement of capital equipment.