The fair is presented by the international Produce Marketing Association's (PMA) Foundation for Industry Talent in conjunction with the Stellenbosch University Faculty of AgriSciences. The event coincides with the "Day in the Life of a Matie" initiative, which is also held on campus by the SU Centre for Student Recruitment.
More than 20 companies and organisations from across the entire fresh produce supply chain will be showcasing their products, services, career opportunities, bursary options and internship programmes. The fair is targeted at high school learners who are still considering various career options, and students in the agricultural and biological sciences who are considering further studies.
As part of the event, a luncheon for life science, life orientation and science teachers will also be hosted to empower teachers with knowledge about various careers in agriculture. "Through this initiative we hope to turn our teachers into ambassadors for the fresh produce industry," said Marianne van der Laarse, PMA country representative for southern Africa.
"There is a dire need for more skilled people to work and contribute to the fresh produce industry, and career options are plentiful," said Van der Laarse. "Universities, agricultural businesses, input supply companies, commercial farms and service providers continuously report on how the unavailability of young people is affecting their businesses."
Monika Basson of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University, said that initiatives such as the Agri-Food Fair play an important part in endeavours to increase student numbers within the plant and soil science degree programmes offered at SU. "By giving our young people the opportunity to speak to the experts who are exhibiting here, we are opening up new career opportunities for them to consider," she said.
The fair will be held from 9am to 3.30pm in the Neelsie Student Centre. Entrance is free.
For more, go to www.careerfair.co.za
