Research Report 2017/2018
  1. Introduction

    During the 2017-2018 financial year the Board of Trustees once again succeeded in their efforts to achieve the Trust's objectives as set out in the Trust Deed.

    Objectives of the Trust

    The founding objectives and requirements of the Trust are to place the reserve funds earmarked for the financing of protein research as provided for in Section 20(5) of the Agricultural Research Act of 1990, as well as all future donations provided for in Section 20(5)(c) of the Agricultural Research Act of 1990, in trust for research purposes to be allocated in the Republic of South Africa, as the Trustees may determine from time to time, for the purposes of research in one or another, or all of the following fields:

    • Protein Research
      Research to the benefit of protein sources earmarked for animal feed and that relates to protein of animal origin, as well as protein obtained from oilseeds and other protein rich plants.
    • Oilcake Research
      Research related specifically to the oilseed protein value chain.
    1. Board of Trustees

      The Trust is administered and managed by a Board of Trustees convened from various disciplines. Currently the Board is composed of the following Trustees:

      Mr GJH Scholtemeijer Expert according to the discretion of the Board (Chairman)
      Mr AP Theron Expert: Representative – Organised Agriculture – Producer of Protein Crops (Vice-chairman)
      Dr E Briedenhann Expert: Representative – Oilseeds Processors and Representative – Animal Feed Manufacturers
      Dr J de Kock Expert: Discipline – Plant Production
      Prof RM Gous Expert: Discipline – Protein Consumers
      Mr GT du T Keun Expert according to the discretion of the Board
      Prof FH Meyer Expert: Discipline – Agricultural Economics
      1. General Overview

        During the reporting period 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, the Trust met seven (7) times. Two (2) of the meetings were combined meetings with the Technology Committee and one (1) Special Board Meeting was held to discuss and decide about matters that will benefit the industry and ensure the realisation of the objectives of the trust.

        During the period under review, R7 469 712 was approved in respect of research projects, technology transfer and bursaries.

        Various issues were discussed, including support of the implementation of a breeding and technology levy for the soybean industry, requirements for the registration of GM canola, expansion of soybean production in the North West Province, the approach to improved average soybean yields, support of the reduction in customs duty rate that applies to canola seeds, saving mechanisms and the composition of the PRF structures, research projects, technology transfer, crop promotion actions, bursaries, achievement awards and the amendment of the PRF Trust Deed.

      2. Financial Overview

        • Investment and Management of Trust Funds

          Two (2) portfolio managers, Foord and Old Mutual Wealth, manage the PRF trust funds.

          The performance of the respective portfolio managers are monitored and reviewed constantly. Except for regular discussions, the Fund Managers are also requested to deliver a presentation to the Board of Trustees at least annually.

        • Audit

          Ashton Chartered Accountants are currently charged with the auditing of the PRF's financial affairs.

          As in the past, the auditors issued an unqualified audit report. The report noted the efficient operations and management of the affairs of the PRF by all concerned.

    2. Management Committee

      During the reporting period 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, the Management Committee met six (6) times.

      The Management Committee may be considered an extension of the Board and provides recommendations relating to policy matters.

      The Management Committee consists of the following members:

      Mr GJH Scholtemeijer Chairman, Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Marketing and Finance committees
      Mr AP Theron Vice-chairman of the Board
      Dr E Briedenhann PRF Board member and Chairman of the Technology Committee
    3. Finance Committee

      During the reporting period 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, the Finance Committee met six (6) times.

      The Finance Committee consists of the following members:

      • Mr GJH Scholtemeijer – Chairman
      • Mr AP Theron

      The functions of the Finance Committee are as follows:

      • The Finance Committee is one of the three Board standing committees and reports directly to the Board.
      • The Finance Committee is responsible for managing the PRF finances according to the formulated Board financial policy. Although the Board may delegate some of its responsibilities in terms of financial matters to the Finance Committee, the financial liability for all financial matters and the formulation of the financial policy remains vested in the Board.
    4. Marketing Committee

      During the reporting period 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, the Marketing Committee met six (6) times.

      The Marketing Committee consists of the following members:

      • Mr GJH Scholtemeijer – Chairman
      • Mr AP Theron

      The functions of the Marketing Committee are as follows:

      • The Marketing Committee is one of the four Board standing committees and reports directly to the Board.
      • The Marketing Committee is responsible for the marketing and promotion of the PRF as an organisation, but also for its vision, mission and objectives for all interested parties, as well as creating communication channels and the promotion of communication between the PRF and interested parties, including the preparation of data to provide information and the distribution of such information. It is also responsible for communicating information relating to bursaries and achievement awards.
    5. Technology Committee

      During the reporting period 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, the Technology Committee met five (5) times. Two (2) of the meetings were combined meetings with the PRF Board.

      The Technology Committee consists of the following members:

      • Dr E Briedenhann (Chairman)
      • Mr AP Theron
      • Mr GJH Scholtemeijer
      • Dr J de Kock
      • Prof RM Gous
      • Prof A Agenbag
      • Dr J Dreyer

      The functions of the Technology Committee are as follows:

      • The Technology Committee is one of four Board standing committees and reports directly to the Board.
      • The Technology Committee is responsible for evaluating and selecting all research projects, promoting technology transfer, visiting researchers and research projects, identifying gaps and new topics relating to research projects and the identification of new sources of supply and utilisation of protein for animal feeds.
    6. Soybean Work Group

      During the reporting period 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, the Soybean Work Group met three (3) times. Meetings of the Work group were combined with the meetings of the Sunflower, Soybean and Soyfood Forums.

      The functions of the Soybean Work Group involve the following:

      • Discussion of industry matters in the interest of and to the benefit of the soybean industry.
      • Identification of research projects and technology transfer to the benefit of the soybean industry.
    7. Canola Work Group

      During the reporting period 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, the Canola Work Group met three (3) times.

      The functions of the Canola Work Group involve the following:

      • Discussion of industry matters in the interest and to the benefit of the canola industry.
      • Identification of research projects and technology transfer to the benefit of the canola industry.
    8. Canola Planning Committee

      During the reporting period 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, the Canola Planning Committee met four (4) times.

      The Canola Planning Committee consists of the following members:

      • Mr GJH Scholtemeijer (Chairman)
      • Mr AP Theron
      • Dr E Briedenhann
      • Dr J de Kock
      • Prof A Agenbag
      • Mr C Cumming
      • Mr F le Roux

      The functions of the Canola Planning Committee involve the following:

      • Discussion of industry matters and recommendations to the PRF committees, as these relate to research, technology transfer, liaison and any other action required for the promotion of canola production.

Complete PDF report
78 pages [ ± 2.8MB ]