Why It Matters

The National Grain Research Platform (NGRP) is a strategic initiative designed to unify South Africa’s grain research efforts across government, academia, and industry. Established in 2021, the NGRP fosters collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in grain production. It addresses critical challenges such as climate change, biosecurity, and digitisation, while promoting human capital development and knowledge exchange. Through annual Research Days and coordinated research agendas, the NGRP ensures that agricultural research remains relevant, impactful, and aligned with industry needs, ultimately strengthening food security and economic resilience.

Research Approach

The NGRP operates as a collaborative platform governed by a board of representatives from key institutions including DSI, DALRRD, ARC, Grain SA, SANSOR, and leading universities. It facilitates multi-stakeholder engagement through annual Research Days, thematic workshops, and strategic partnerships. Research themes include plant breeding, soil health, climate-smart agriculture, and precision farming. The programme promotes student involvement, capacity building, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and remote sensing. A dedicated website will host research outputs and foster broader dissemination and collaboration.

Research Impact to Farmers

Farmers benefit directly from the NGRP’s outcomes-driven research, which translates scientific findings into practical solutions for the field. Topics such as herbicide resistance, nematode management, and seasonal disease trends are addressed through collaborative studies and shared at Research Days. The platform empowers producers with data-driven tools and insights to improve productivity, sustainability, and profitability. By aligning research with real-world challenges, the NGRP ensures that farmers are equipped to adapt to changing conditions and adopt innovative practices that enhance long-term resilience.

Collaborators & Research Leads

Chairperson:

• Mr Jannie de Villiers
• Board Representatives:
• Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)
• Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
• Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
• Grain SA
• SANSOR
• Maize Trust
• Stellenbosch University
• University of the Free State
• University of Pretoria
• North-West University
• Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)