The University of the Free State (UFS) has partnered with ZZ2, a well-known South African farming and fresh produce company.
This entails theestablishmenting of a company, FreeFarm Innovation, as vehicle for combined outputs of the university and ZZ2’s diverse, but complementary capabilities, skills and resources.
Several opportunities relating to research, commercialisation and the enhancement of various agricultural products have been identified and will form part of the farm’s operationsof the farm.
“Universities are key role players in bridging the theory-practice gap by ensuring that we generate functional knowledge,” explained Prof. Corli Witthuhn, Vvice-Rrector for Research and Internationalisation at the UFS.
“The UFS is constantly exploring meaningful partnerships to support the improvement of local and global communities and industries.
“We are excited about the collaboration and partnership with ZZ2 in developing new solutions and practises for the agricultural sector.”She said the project will involve top researchers and students. “Additional areas of collaboration will include, among others, soil science, marketing, logistics, water quality, production systems, plant breeding, entomology, chemistry, and animal science. The UFS brings experience, top-class researchers, facilities, technology, and knowledge to the partnership,” said Witthuhn.
The initial key to the partnership will be the development of developing effective fertilisation products and strategies.
“The values of the university to not compromise on quality and impact aligns with ZZ2’s focus on fresh product quality.
“Further alignment is also achieved through the employee training programmes and the ZZ2 academy,” said Witthuhn.
