Laboratories and Agriculture

Introduction

Laboratories play a vital role in the monitoring and effectiveness of the agricultural value chain.

  • Resources like soil and water are evaluated. Precision agriculture and its accurate application of fertiliser, for example, depend on the soil tests.
  • Inputs like animal feed and fertiliser are analysed. Using tainted inputs like fertiliser can have a detrimental effect on a whole sector.
  • Tests and monitoring which happen in laboratories play a vital role in the country’s livestock industry and biosecurity.
  • Agricultural products, both in their primary and secondary form, are monitored to ensure quality and food safety.

A look at the company websites will give an indication of the services available.

National strategy and government contact

  • Department of Agriculture National Analytical Services Tel: 021 809 1643. More information available under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance pages at www.nda.gov.za. An Info Pak “National Analytical Services” also sets out services and functions.
  • National Health Laboratory Services www.nhls.ac.za
  • National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) www.nmisa.org
  • South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) www.sanas.co.za
 

Role players

Business Listings

The following business listings are provided for informational purposes only. Agribook does not endorse or guarantee any of the listed businesses, their products, or services.

Further reference:

  • Many agricultural companies have their own laboratories e.g. De Heus (Pty) Ltd, Deltamune and Chemtech (Omnia).
  • Parastatals like the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) provide laboratory services. Find details on the “Research and development” page.
  • The Provincial Departments of Agriculture and their Agricultural Colleges provide laboratory services and training e.g. find the Western Cape Department of Agriculture Analytical Services information under “Our Services” at www.elsenburg.com. In KwaZulu-Natal, find “Laboratory services” under “Resource Centre” at www.kzndard.gov.za. Contact details of the provinces are given on the “Agriculture in the Provinces” page.
  • Universities have laboratories for training and research, and also offer services to companies.
  • Some of the role players listed above also offer training.

Websites and publications

Table of Contents

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