SAPO Trust had the honour of hosting a delegation from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture on Friday 11 December 2020. The visit coincided with the Department’s visit to their Tygerhoek research facility where an overview of operations and research projects was canvased. Presentations on research into economically and ecologically sustainable farming practices as well as the sheep breeding program highlight the Department’s forward-thinking and agricultural initiatives that assist in keeping South Africa’s agricultural sector globally relevant.
During the visit, SAPO Trust had the opportunity to interact with various people including Dr Ivan Henry Meyer (Western Cape Minister of Agriculture), Dr Mogale Sebopetsa (Head of Department), and Dr Ilse Trautmann (Chief Director of Research and Technology Development) and to provide the delegation with an overview of SAPO services followed by a tour of its foundation blocks and nursery facilities.
SAPO Trust has a close working relationship with the Department as expressed by Dr Trautmann who said, “It is a real honour to have such a good working partnership with SAPO – and giving our share to support plant improvement for the deciduous fruit industry. Partnerships are about trust and a deep sharing of the same goals and objectives.”
It is SAPO Trust’s aim to work closely with all stakeholders in moving South Africa forward and providing the South African agricultural community with quality plant material of the highest phytosanitary status.