Stellenbosch University’s chief operating officer, prof Leopoldt van Huyssteen, has been acknowledged by the South African deciduous fruit industry for his leadership role in the agricultural sector.
Prof van Huyssteen, a former dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences, is the recipient of the 2017 OSH Reinecke Frontrunner Award. The award was presented to him at the South African deciduous fruit industry’s 42nd annual gala evening.
According to prof Van Huyssteen he experienced incredible job satisfaction during his career in agriculture. “The hunger and receptiveness of the fruit industry for new technology and solutions to their challenges was very stimulating,” said prof Van Huyssteen.
“Of course, one does not work for awards or recognition, so when this special award was made to me, it once again gave me a deep sense of appreciation for this wonderful industry and for the exceptional people that work in it,” he added.
Prof van Huyssteen received all his qualifications from Stellenbosch University, including a PhD in Soil Science. He has been a member of staff since January 1999, when he was appointed chair of the SU Department of Soil and Agricultural Water Science. He served as dean from October 1999.
In 2016, the deciduous fruit industry included 2 252 producers with a total turnover of R13,63 billion per annum. In terms of world production, South Africa ranked in the top ten for pears, in the top 20 for apples, apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums, and 64th for cherries. The bulk of deciduous fruit production takes place in the Western Cape.
Source: agorbit.com
