At SAPO Trust our main goal is to provide high quality plant material to the South African fruit industry
We are a plant improvement organization with a core focus on virus-free plant material with a high phytosanitary status and compliant to the rules and regulations for certified plant material.
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Our Business Philosophy
- We are in business to directly serve the needs of the industry and to support our government's national-and international objectives.
- We are a customer-centric organization that promotes a service orientated culture.
- Our people are the backbone of our business and we subscribe to the principles of a learning organization.
- We are open and accessible to new business and to new ideas, concepts and sustainable initiatives.
- We value partnerships and dialogue.
Services
We offer a wide variety of specialized services to a broad range of customers.
Meet the Team
Jacques Jordaan
Elsa Muller
Variety Development Manager and Grower Support
A dedicated professional with over 13 years of hands-on experience in the Pome and Stone fruit sectors, as well as the international Blueberry industry. Continuously stays informed on industry trends and embraces a lifelong learning mindset to enhance business acumen. Holds a B.Agric degree in Viticulture and Pomology and a postgraduate qualification in Agronomy from the University of Stellenbosch. Completed the Management Development Program at the University of Stellenbosch Business School in 2017
Marthinus Gresse
Production Manager Tree Fruit
As the Plant Material Manager at SAPO Trust, I've been with the organization for 7 years, benefiting from the guidance of exceptional mentors who introduced me to the industry. I'm deeply passionate about the fruit sector and have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of plant improvement and its tangible results. My goal is to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table, enhancing the quality standards we currently uphold and contributing to a solid foundation for future generations
Louise Du Toit
Accountant
Accountant with completed SAIPA articles. Joined the Pome and Stone fruit industry in 2010 and SAPO in 2019.
Wendy Bailey
Laboratory Manager
An individual with a strong work ethic, an unwavering commitment to detail and passion for innovation. This individuals’ innovative mindset thrives on challenges, continuous improvement of processes and contributing to more efficient and effective outcomes. The successful completion of a BSc. Agric. (Plant Pathology and Agronomy) Degree from Stellenbosch University together with industry experience on the international blueberry and sustainable chemical front allows this individual to thrive in the laboratory, preharvest and post-harvest settings.
Gray-Lee Carelse
Plant Improvement Technician
A dedicated, hard-working individual with 7 years of experience in the Agricultural industry, especially in citrus, Pome and Stone fruit and grapevine. Possesses experience and skill in managing teams, plant imports and exports, and ensure compliance with plant health regulations. Holds a Master’s degree in Plant Pathology, issued by Stellenbosch University.
Khaya Ngoshe
Specialist: Pome and Stonefruit Material Collection
An experienced technician in the deciduous fruit variety development and plant improvement fraternity. Started as an assistant in variety evaluation, I am currently immersed in plant improvement where my passion is to supply quality plant material at a cost-effective manner and building relationships with clients. Holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture from University of the Free State.
Rudi Vos
Plant Verification Technician and Evaluation
Rudi has had a rich and fulfilling career in the fruit industry since 1994, were he begun as a stone fruit breeder and evaluator at the ARC. This has given him a deep understanding of fruit cultivation and variety development. Today he enjoys his work at SAPO with a passion for the fruit industry and new varieties where he values building relationships with clients and stakeholders. His dedication and enthusiasm is key to making a meaningful impact in any industry.
As a nature lover, Rudi loves outdoors activities like hiking, bird watching and camping.
Nadine Steenkamp
Grapevine Sales Coordinator/Office Administrator
A dedicated and hardworking member of SAPO Trust since 2009, with a strong passion for and commitment to the deciduous fruit industry.
Annamarie Van As
Pome- & Stone Fruit Coordinator/Administrator/Sales
A passionate hardworking member of SAPO Trust since 2011. I am thoroughly enjoying the interactions with the nurseries, exporters, IP Owners, and growers. My passion is to keep all the role-players happy and content.
Michelle Rhoda
Administrator & Financial Support
Supporting the finance department with various accounts functions. Joined the Sapo team July 2021 and is very efficient & performance driven
Jeniley Anthony
Variety Development Administrator
I started my career as a young professional at SAPO Trust in 2016. After three years of working diligently and gaining experience at SAPO Trust, I earned a promotion in July 2019 and joined the Variety Development Intellectual Property Business unit. In the Variety Development & Intellectual Property unit my main duties are looking after the Plant Breeders Rights and Variety Listings and royalty contractual obligations. In terms of my qualifications, I have a National Diploma in Legal secretarial with quite a few years of working in the legal fraternity and gaining legal experience. I have also recently completed a course in Introduction to Intellectual Property Law at Stellenbosch University. I am internally motivated and driven and always look for opportunities to grow and develop myself further. I am good with managing time and possess excellent solution building skills. I have a strong work ethic and see myself as a team player. I am proud to be member of the SAPO Trust team.
Tshotsho Asandiswa
Certification Technician Assistant
An energetic and ambitious individual. In 2020, he joined SAPO Trust as a graduate intern. Currently, assisting in certification of pome and stone fruit plant material. He is proud to be part of the plant improvement. He obtained his Honours degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Fort Hare.
Brandon Klem
Tree & Grapvine Certification Technician
An experienced professional in the Pome, Stone and Grapevine sector in both commercial and research departments that stretches over 11 years. Passionate about the agricultural industry and the innovation that comes along with it. I Obtained my B. Agric in Pomology and Extension from the University of Stellenbosch. Joined Sapo Trust in 2021 and filling the role of Tree and Grapevine Certification which contributes towards plant development and improvement.
Varieties
Varieties offered by SAPO to the Deciduous Fruit Industry
Disclaimer
This website is owned by SAPO Trust. Whilst reasonable care has been taken in the provision of the information presented on this site, this information is provided without liability to SAPO Trust or its officers or employees, our affiliates or any of our clients. The information presented on this website is done in good faith and is not intended to constitute any form of advice, including but not limited to horticultural practices. Some of the information may have been provided or sourced from third parties and we do not in any way guarantee its accuracy or correctness. At all times we will endeavour to ensure that information obtained from any third party is accurate and reliable. SAPO Trust and its affiliates disclaims and assumes no liability for any loss or damage (direct, indirect or consequential) that may be suffered from using or relying on the information contained on this website.
SAPO Partners
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