With a structured and ambitious plan, BerriesZA unveils its new Research & Development Framework for 2025–2035, defining the strategy that will guide research efforts in South Africa’s berry sector.
The aim is clear: to boost global competitiveness, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and respond effectively to phytosanitary and market challenges.
A long-term vision
Compiled by BerriesZA’s R&D working group and led by Dr. Gulu Bekker, the document presents a vision that merges environmental sustainability, technical innovation, and collaboration between public and private sectors.
The research philosophy is built on four pillars: relevance for producers, concrete innovation, sustainable practices, and synergies with institutions and stakeholders.
Clear goals and defined timelines
The plan outlines short-, medium-, and long-term milestones:
- Within 2 years: Address urgent issues like pests, diseases, and export barriers;
- Within 5 years: Develop low-impact production techniques, improve postharvest quality, and meet phytosanitary standards;
- Within 10 years: Establish South Africa as a global leader in berry research and adopt low-residue systems.
Applied, basic, and market research
The framework categorizes research into:
- Applied: Pest and disease control, nutrition, irrigation, postharvest handling;
- Basic: Physiology, genetics, and pathogen studies;
- Market: Global trends, consumer preferences, and trade barriers.
Strategic focus areas
Key priorities include:
- Crop Protection: Integrated pest management, genetic resistance, and residue reduction;
- Production: Yield improvement, water and energy efficiency;
- Market Access: Overcoming trade barriers and identifying new markets;
- Postharvest: Extending shelf life and reducing losses;
- Sustainability: Soil regeneration, water conservation, and lower carbon footprint.
Collaborations and operational structure
A single R&D working group will coordinate efforts across key thematic areas, with scheduled meetings in January, May, October, and November.
Strategic collaborations include universities, private contractors, in-house expertise, and international partners.
Targeted funding and grower-oriented research
Funding will prioritize crop protection, production efficiency, postharvest quality, and market access.
Each project must deliver practical, applicable outcomes, with active involvement from technical advisors and agronomists.
Effective communication and digital access
To ensure on-farm adoption, results will be shared through:
- User-friendly summaries;
- Videos, infographics, and field demonstrations;
- Seasonal bulletins, webinars, and an online knowledge portal with technical content and FAQs.
Participatory and measurable research
A continuous feedback system will capture input from growers and assess the impact of recommended practices.
This data-driven approach will improve future funding strategies and research effectiveness.
A model for growth
BerriesZA’s Research Framework offers an integrated, forward-looking model for the growth of South Africa’s berry industry.
Through focused research, sustainable innovation, and active dialogue with producers, it aims to position the country among the world’s leaders in berry cultivation.
Browse the complete research:
Image and text source: berriesza.co.za
