The Stellenbosch HortiDemoCentre, located at the Department of Agronomy, Stellenbosch University, has emerged as an innovative hub for horticultural technology and sustainable farming practices.
Since its opening on 20 October 2022, the center has captivated local and international audiences, demonstrating resource-efficient production techniques with great success. The center is dedicated to advancing climate-smart horticulture, and through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, the center showcases future-proof Dutch horticultural technology. The center provides a platform for teaching and training in innovative cropping systems to support food security. Its mission is to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to expand profitable, productive, sustainable, and climate-smart agronomy in the country.
The HortiDemoCentre has launched a range of climate-smart training opportunities open to the public, and which are set to commence in July 2023. Collaborating with industry leaders such as Delphy BV, Stellenbosch University, Greener Solutions, Ludvig Svensson, Ridder Group, Rijk Zwaan, Control Union, and Koppert South Africa, the center offers a comprehensive blend of knowledge and technology spanning the entire horticultural value chain.
Participants can expect a curated selection of short courses designed to cater to the needs of students, emerging and commercial farmers, and extension workers. Delving into fascinating topics such as crop production, greenhouse management, and business skills for horticulture, these courses will empower attendees by providing them with practical skills and insights that they can apply to their own horticulture ventures. The target groups for these short courses include commercial and emerging farmers, students, agronomists, researchers, local government and extension services, as well as value chain actors such as buyers and retailers.
Joining the HortiDemoCentre network offers opportunities for collaboration and networking, affording participants deeper integration into South Africa's horticulture sector.
This is an invitation to embark on a journey of growth and innovation. Enrol in climate-smart training opportunities at the HortiDemoCentre and unlock your horticultural potential.
Tomato crops are the first to be grown in the HortiDemoCentre. After each harvest, the vines are pruned and then shifted along the support structures. This allows the crops to continue growing for a full year cycle and is what creates the network of vines that run along the floor.
Course dates set for July and August:
- Basics of Financial Management - 10 – 14 July
- Tomato production - 24 July
- Greenhouse Management – Hygiene - 25 July
- Crop rotation - 25 July
- Crop strategy – When to plant and harvest - 25 July
- Cultivation system – Type of trellising - 26 July
- Crop Management – Twisting and pruning - 26 July
- Greenhouse management – Climate control - 3 August
- Fertigation – Irrigation management and nutrition management – 17 August
- Post-harvest management – 25 August
- Global gap certification – 25 August
- Greenhouse design and construction – 31 August
Dates for courses from August to November to be announced soon.
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl
