The French-South African Agricultural Institute (F’SAGRI), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Department of Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD), French Embassy, French Ministry for Agriculture & Food & World Bank Group was looking to award innovation awards and market access with French Institutions (including mobility between French/ SA) to (1) Startups across the five SACU countries; & (2) Applied Researchers at SA universities. The challenge focus areas include Digitalization in Supply Chains, Food Technology, Enhancing Agricultural Productivity, and Climate Smart Technologies. The challenge aims to help innovators and startups grow, facilitate partnerships, and show the benefits of international exchange. The research prize awards aim to give innovators from SA universities international exposure and the opportunity to accelerate their innovations. applied researchers with viable projects participated in our virtual pitch-day on 23rd November 2021.

Marula and Prickly Pear Fruits has potential to be smart farming enhancing agricultural productivity, owing to its nutritional composition, functional properties and bioactive compounds potential. There is a growing consciousness and demand towards healthier foods. This has created an opportunity for these underutilized wild indigenous fruits to fulfil. Consequently, we have used Marula, Prickly pear Fruits and their waste as a raw material to create fruit flours and powders for production of several value-added products. These include baking, Snacks, beverages, Pharmacological, cosmetics and animal feeds.

Interested participants to join sessions of Ephraim Kgatla, SFSA ROOM 3: (VIRTUAL) link:
http://sfsa.co.za on December 2, at 11h00

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