Agbiz South Africa appoints Dr. Charl van der Merwe to lead grain desk
Dr. van der Merwe’s appointment comes at a time when Agbiz Grain is actively engaging in initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s grain industry’s sustainability.
SOUTH AFRICA – The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has appointed Dr. Charl David van der Merwe as the new Manager of the Agbiz Grain Desk, succeeding Wessel Lemmer.
Dr. van der Merwe’s appointment comes at a time when Agbiz Grain is actively engaging in initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s grain industry’s sustainability and competitiveness.
With over 27 years of experience across grain handling, procurement, market analysis, and strategic development, Dr. van der Merwe brings a wealth of industry expertise to the role.
Dr. van der Merwe has held key roles across the grain value chain, including positions at major agricultural organizations such as NWK, Suidwes Landbou, Tiger Brands, and CMI.
These roles have equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector. At Agbiz Grain, he will focus on policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and industry representation to ensure the grain industry remains competitive and sustainable.
Agbiz expressed enthusiasm for his appointment, stating, “We look forward to his contributions as we continue to strengthen South Africa’s grain sector.”
In addition to his extensive industry experience, Dr. van der Merwe holds multiple qualifications in agriculture management from the University of the Free State, South Africa, including a Bachelor of Agriculture Management (1995), Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture Management (1996), Master of Agriculture Management (2000), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture Management (2013).
Agbiz Grain has been actively involved in various initiatives to support the grain industry. Notably, the organization has collaborated with the Peritum Agri Institute to accelerate the development of grain silo managers in South Africa.
This partnership aims to enhance the skills and competencies required for effective grain storage management, addressing a critical need within the industry.
Furthermore, Agbiz Grain has been proactive in addressing industry challenges through specialized working groups. The Agbiz Grain Fumigation Working Group, for instance, planned a workshop on March 5, 2024, at Nampo Park in Bothaville to tackle pressing concerns regarding regulations and the quality of training for fumigators.
Additionally, Agbiz Grain has been instrumental in facilitating discussions on crime and fraud prevention within the grain handling and storage business environment.
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