Innovating the Agricultural Sector - Addressing food security, technology, GMP, economic impact, diversification possibilities
Alumni Thought Leadership networking event
We are pleased to invite you to the Innovating the Agricultural Sector Alumni Thought Leadership Networking Event, where industry experts will lead a dynamic panel discussion on critical topics such as food security, technological advancements, good manufacturing practices (GMP), and the economic impact on agriculture.
This event provides an opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders who are driving innovation and exploring diversification possibilities within the sector. Join us to gain valuable insights and hear from seasoned professionals as they address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of agriculture.
SPEAKERS
Dr Adrian Wynne
CEO: Umfolozi Sugar Mills (Pty) Ltd
Adrian Wynne has a BSc and MSc in Agricultural Economics, a PhD in Agri Business, and an MBL. He joined the South African sugar industry in 1999 and in 2009 was appointed and currently holds the position of CEO of the Umfolozi Sugar Mill (Pty) Ltd. Over the years, he has served on numerous committees within growers, millers, SASA, SASTA, and the ISSCT. His real passions are pretending to ride his mountain bike and enjoying nature with his wonderful family.
Dr James Crichton
Director: Condito Agri Services (Pty) Ltd
Dr James Crichton is a seasoned expert in the agricultural sector with over 34 years of experience spanning Agri processing, commodity trading, and management. He holds a PhD in Agriculture from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a master's in business leadership with a focus on Business Administration and Management from the UNISA School of Business Leadership.
James has a rich background in the agricultural industry, having held several senior positions throughout his career. He is currently a Director at Condito Agri Services, where he focuses on Agri processing and provides advisory services on soft commodity trading and processing projects across Southern Africa. Prior to this, James was a Director at Condito Commodity Investments Pty Ltd, where he specialized in soft commodity hedge fund management. He also served as a Director at Ameropa Commodities, a leading global trader and producer of grain and fertilizer.
In addition to his leadership roles, James has extensive hands-on experience in the Agri processing of animal feed, maize milling, and the trading of grains, oilseeds, and fertilizers. His career includes significant tenures with renowned companies such as the Tongaat Hulett Group, where he worked in the Animal Feed and Starch division, and Louis Dreyfus Africa.
James’s deep expertise and leadership in the agriculture and commodity sectors make him an asset in driving strategic initiatives and delivering impactful solutions in the industry
Mr Rolf Lütge
Managing Director: UCL Company (Pty) Ltd, Chairperson of SA Sugar Millers Association
Rolf Lütge is the Managing Director of UCL Company (Pty) Ltd, a diversified agri-processing company based in Dalton which produces sugar, lumber, wattle bark extract as well as packed avocados and kiwis. Rolf has been with UCL since 2004.
He is the current chairperson of the South African Sugar Millers Association and has also served as chairperson and vice of South African Sugar Association. He completed an MSc in Agricultural Economics from Stellenbosch and holds an MBA from UCT.
Sinethemba Cele
Agricultural Specialist
Sinethemba Cele is an experienced Agricultural Specialist with a demonstrated history of
working in the Commercial Banking industry and the Development Finance Industry. Skilled
in Deal Making, Business Planning, Financial Modeling, Market Research, Teamwork, and
Leadership. Strong operations professional with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Agriculture
focused in Agribusiness and Horticulture from University of KwaZulu-Natal.
FACILITATOR
Mr Lewis Kaplan
Moderator, panel discussion
Lewis Kaplan has dedicated 37 years to academia, specialising in Management, Operations, and Supply Chain. He holds qualifications from Technikon Natal, Unisa, and Stellenbosch University, culminating in an MPhil in Information and Knowledge Management from the Department of Information Science. Currently a registered student at Stellenbosch University, Lewis also offers consultancy services to universities, commerce, and industry. His recent conference engagements include the DAAD conference in Durban 2023, the AI Pan African Conference in Addis Ababa 2023, and the CAIR Workshop/Conference at UCT in January 2024 (Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research).