Agriculture

Four priority areas have been identified for agriculture, i.e., short- to medium-term opportunities where STI can play a role in driving greater circularity in the agriculture sector:

  • Resource Efficiency: Decoupling food and feed production from resource consumption (water, energy, materials), including the adoption of innovative technologies such as precision agriculture, smart irrigation schemes, and water reuse. With reduced waste generation across the agri- and agro-processing sectors, with a particular focus on reducing food losses and waste.
  • Regenerative Agriculture: Mainstreaming regenerative agricultural practices, including zero till; permaculture; and the use of organic or bio-based fertilizers and pest-control products that are less harmful to the environment.
  • Agro-processing: Ensuring sustainable practices in agro-processing, including sustainable packaging (link to manufacturing), and reduced wastage across the agriculture value chain.
  • Biorefinery: Unlocking high-value product recovery from residual organic waste streams, through integrated biorefinery approaches,

The South African government recognises the circular economy as a driver of economic growth and modern re-industrialisation. Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) play a key role in enabling the country’s transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.

  • +27 (0)12 841 4801
  • CSIR, 627 Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa, 0184

An initiative funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). All information copyright © DSTI.

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