Agronomy and Horticulture Academy for southern Africa

Agronomy and Horticulture Academy for southern Africa We believe agricultural education is the key to food security. Contact us for more info.

The Agronomy and Horticulture Academy for southern Africa is an online academy to study Crop Production, Farm Management and many other skills & technical courses.

26/09/2025

Southern Africa’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of both food security and economic growth. With the growing population, the demand for skilled farmers has never been greater. Yet a question often arises: Is it truly necessary to study agriculture to succeed as a farmer?

Practical experience on generational family farms was the main method of passing down agricultural knowledge in the past. While this heritage remains valuable, modern agriculture has become far more complex. Farmers today must manage not only soil and livestock but also navigate technology, climate change, financial planning, and strict regulations, among others. In this environment, relying solely on inherited knowledge can limit opportunities for long-term success.

The immense challenges faced by farmers necessitate a deeper and more structured understanding of the scientific principles behind agriculture and entrepreneurship. A formal qualification equips farmers with the foundational knowledge needed to navigate these complexities, including soil science, breeding genetics, risk management, and data-driven decisions. Education also fosters innovation, helping farmers adopt modern methods like precision farming and the integration of technologies such as drones into agriculture. In a country where food security is a national priority, the role of a farmer is not just to produce food, but to do so sustainably and efficiently. For instance, an understanding of animal nutrition and disease prevention can improve the health and profitability of your livestock, while integrated pest management methods can improve your yields and reduce your reliance on expensive chemicals.

Formal agricultural education ensures that the next generation of farmers is well-prepared to meet these challenges, contributing to a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector. It's a strategic investment in a career that feeds a nation. So, the question isn't whether it's possible to farm without formal training, but rather, can you afford not to have it?

Written by Steph Crafford
Director: Content Development (i3A)

You can apply for your PCO course here:Vrystaat Landbou/Free State Agriculture: https://i3a.co.za/vrystaat-landbou/Grai...
17/09/2025

You can apply for your PCO course here:

Vrystaat Landbou/Free State Agriculture: https://i3a.co.za/vrystaat-landbou/
Grain SA/Graan SA: https://i3a.co.za/grain-SA/
Potato Nation Aartappel SA: https://i3a.co.za/potatoes-SA/
Raisins SA: https://i3a.co.za/raisins-SA/
Clarence chemical: https://i3a.co.za/clarens-chemical-industry/
Laeveld Agrochem: https://i3a.co.za/laeveld-agrochem/
i3A: https://i3a.co.za/i3a-pco-apply/

Farming in South Africa has entered a new era of chemical compliance. On 25 August 2023, new regulations were published under the Agricultural Remedies Act (ACT No. 36 OF 1947), creating a class of chemicals known as Restricted Agricultural Remedies (RARs). Unlike ordinary agrochemical products, these RARs can only be handled under the direct supervision of a Pest Control Operator (PCO) registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

This is to keep our farms safe, our food clean, and our exports world-class, making sure only trained experts handle the toughest chemicals, protecting people, the environment, and the future of farming.
Fast forward to 2025, and the list of RARs has expanded significantly, published on the government website.

For thousands of farmers across the country, this has created an urgent need: ensuring their personnel are properly trained and registered to handle these tightly controlled remedies.

For many farmers, the new regulations have been a wake-up call - pushing them to rethink how they use chemicals, invest in training their teams, and adapt their day-to-day practices to stay compliant while keeping their farms thriving.

Whether you’re a commercial farmer or a smallholder, the new RAR regulations aren’t optional - they’re enforceable. Farmers who fail to comply face not only financial penalties but also the risk of losing access to critical agricultural remedies.

In August 2025, the online PCO short course, designed specifically to equip farmers and farm workers with the knowledge and qualifications required to remain compliant, was officially launched.

In partnership with the International Agricultural Academy for Africa (the training provider), members of Free State Agriculture, Grain SA, Potatoes SA, Raisins SA, Clarence Chemical, and Laeveld Agrochem, can attain their short course certification as a pest control operator, which they will need to have in order to register with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in order to be compliant, or alternatively, directly through the International Agricultural Academy for Africa (i3A).

With thousands already needing certification, demand is high. Don’t get left behind.

Steph Crafford:
Director - Content Development (i3A)

09/09/2025

Address

29 Totius Street, Langenhovenpark
Bloemfontein
9301

Telephone

+27514440201

Website

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