0n 23 March 2016, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mr.Senzeni Zokwana will give a keynote address at the first NAMC Research Symposium. This symposium will be catalytic; it responds to the current environment and developments affecting agriculture: AGOA, drought, food prices etc and South Africa’s response to it.

The purpose of the Research Symposium is to direct the framing of a new agriculture research agenda in pursuance of better advice to government, business and civil society, and to create a platform for engagement and debate among NAMC’s stakeholders on current topics affecting the agricultural sector.

Renowned speakers like Ben Cousins (PLAAS), Katishi Masemola (FAWU), Siyabulela Tsengiwe (Chief Commissioner ITAC), Hlamalani Ngwenya (International Expert), André Jooste, (Industry specialist), Ismail Motala (Farmer), and Konanani Liphadzi (Fruit Industry Chief) will be among the panellists. Sessions will be facilitated by distinguished industry experts Moraka Makhura and John Purchase.

Discussions and debates will revolve around contemporary issues influencing South Africa’s food marketing and trade system, South African agro-food chains: drought, food security availability and funding of transformation in South Africa. The result of the symposium will produce a policy brief attached with recommendations to the Minister. Furthermore, the symposium will be built to bring closer research collaboration between government, business and civil society. This is to ensure the survival of the sector and its future.

The Minister and the Chairperson of the NAMC, including some of the panellists will be available for interviews.

Date: 23 March 2013

Time: 08h00 -13h30

Venue: St George Hotel, Centurion.

To RSVP please contact: Majara Monamodi on 082 210 2266 / Majara@namc.co.za or Rika Verwey/ rika@namc.co.za

Enquiries: Bomikazi Molapo on 079 698 2114/ BomikaziM@daff.gov.za or Dr. Simphiwe Ngqangweni on 082 646 5945 / Simphiwe@namc.co.za