Technical Tours – OPTION 2

   

Tour Itinerary:

Tour Details:

This is an opportunity to visit the Agricultural Research Council – Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Campus, a member of the ARC Crops Sciences Group, located in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.
The mandate of ARC Crop Sciences is research, development and technology transfer on the breeding, cultivation, protection and post-harvest technology of deciduous fruit, grape vines, alternative crops and indigenous herbal teas.
The major portion of research and development is focused on improved crop production and mitigation of agricultural risks. Food security and the sustainable use of natural resources are also important parts of their research.

The Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University (SU) has a strong research culture based on the application of fundamental scientific principles and focusing on expanding our understanding of foods as biomaterials. The research initiatives cover a range of topics including the chemical, nutritional, processing, sensory, micro-biological and safety aspects. The Department prides itself in fostering strong student-staff interactions and thereby creating a stimulating research environment.

On arrival snacks will be served, including sorghum biscuits and rusks and cheese followed by seasonal fruits grown at the ARC Experimental Fruit Farms.

Talks: Professor Bongani Ndimba (brief introduction to the ARC R&D) and Professor Lizette Joubert (R&D advances in South African indigenous herbal teas, rooibos and honeybush),

The visit will then continue with a short walk via a short walk through the Heritage garden to the Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University where delegates will visit the sensory research facility and have the opportunity to unravel the flavour of different honeybush species.

Passenger Information: