Looking back
The history of the NGRP
The NGRP traces its origins to a long process of relationship-building between South African universities, the grain industry and government.
A key milestone was reached in July 2018, when the University of Pretoria, Grain SA and SANSOR signed Memoranda of Understanding, formalising their intent to develop a national grain research partnership. This laid the groundwork for FABI launching its multi- disciplinary Grain Research Programme (GRP) in August 2020, bringing together partners from across industry, government and academia with the shared goal of supporting the grain and oilseed sector through scientific research and human capacity development.
The NGRP was formally established on 30 November 2021, when its founding members adopted its constitution and voted in its first Chairperson (Mr Jannie de Villiers) and two Co-Directors (Dr Miekie Human, Grain SA, and Prof Cobus M Visagie, FABI-UP). The founding members include representatives from industry (Grain SA, SANSOR, the Maize Trust), academia (University of Pretoria, University of the Free State and Stellenbosch University), and government (Department of Science and Innovation and Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development).
Meaningful scientific outcomes
Combining knowledge, experience and passion to deliver meaningful scientific outcomes.