The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and North-West University (NWU), in partnership with Agri X, have launched the Fusion Meat Value Chain series, a new initiative aimed at supporting South African farmers and strengthening the country’s red meat sector.

By Lebogang Mashala, Editor at African Farming

The series is designed to connect farmers, industry experts and academic researchers to share practical knowledge, address production challenges and unlock growth opportunities across the red meat value chain.

The inaugural event will take place from 4 to 5 March 2026 at North-West University in Mahikeng, bringing together farmers, processors and key value-chain partners. Discussions will focus on practical solutions to challenges affecting the sector, including improved livestock production, feed and nutrition management, access to local and international markets, and the adoption of sustainable farming practices.

Farmers attending the event are expected to gain hands-on insights from industry specialists, while learning strategies to increase productivity, reduce losses and improve overall profitability.

Also read: Red meat and its role in South Africa – Prof. Simon Letsoalo

A Focus on Farmers

The IDC’s head of Agro-Processing and Agriculture, Lwandiso Makupula, emphasised the farmer-focused nature of the initiative.

“Our work with Agri X exemplifies the strategic collaborations we pursue to help the industry solve problems and unlock investment opportunities that drive growth within the agriculture sector,” he said.

He added that the IDC remains committed to transformation, food security, inclusive growth and industrialisation.

“Our objective is to enhance exports while ensuring sustainability and high impact across the sector. This includes meaningful job creation and increased participation of women,” he said.

Makupula further noted that the partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in delivering tangible outcomes across the agricultural value chain.

“This partnership addresses critical issues such as biosecurity, the strengthening of production systems and improved market access, all of which are essential for long-term sector growth.”

By linking farmers directly with researchers and industry leaders, the Fusion Meat Value Chain series aims to ensure that high-level discussions translate into actionable practices that benefit producers on the ground.

Also read: RMIS backs 9 groundbreaking research projects to transform SA’s red meat industry

Research Needs to be Shared and Applied in Practice

Prof. Simon Letsoalo, Director of the School of Agricultural Sciences at North-West University, said the initiative also responds to a longstanding challenge within academia.

“Teaching, research and community engagement are the three core pillars of academic work, yet community engagement often lags behind,” Letsoalo said.

He explained that universities frequently struggle to build strong relationships with farming communities that are actively practising what students are taught in lecture halls.

“Just yesterday, I received the results of three of my PhD students and asked myself a difficult question: What do we do with this knowledge now? Across the sector, valuable research often ends up gathering dust instead of being shared with communities and applied in practice.”

Letsoalo said the upcoming event aims to bridge this gap by bringing together the entire red meat value chain.

“From the kraal right through to when the meat reaches the table, we want everyone involved. By creating these linkages, we can build real synergies across the value chain and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.”

The Fusion Meat Value Chain series represents a significant step in supporting South Africa’s farming communities. Through access to practical advice, networking opportunities and innovative solutions, the initiative seeks to strengthen farm operations, improve market access and build resilience within the red meat sector, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and competitive livestock industry.