HORTGRO

About Hortgro

Hortgro is the industry body for South Africa's deciduous fruit growers. Its members grow apples, pears and stone fruit such as plums, peaches, nectarines and apricots, mostly in the Western and Eastern Cape. The head office is at 258 Main Road in Paarl, in the middle of the Cape winelands and fruit country. Deciduous fruit is one of the country's key agricultural exports, so the sector supports many farm, packhouse and transport jobs.

The organisation works on research and technology, market access, production support and transformation on behalf of its growers. It also invests in people. Education is part of its plan to keep the industry supplied with skilled professionals, from farm managers and scientists to marketers and economists.

How Hortgro supports students

Each year, Hortgro runs a bursary programme for South African students in fields linked to deciduous fruit. Supported areas include agricultural science, horticulture, agricultural economics, agri-management, entomology, plant pathology, soil and water science, microbiology, agricultural biotechnology and project management. The programme also lists business management and environmental sustainability as fields of interest.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply. Hortgro describes the support as full or partial cover of tuition fees, plus a stipend for study-related costs. Recipients may also get internships, mentoring and access to the industry's professional network. The organisation says it has invested more than R50 million in bursaries over the past decade and has supported hundreds of students. Selection looks at academic results, passion for the industry and the ability to contribute to it later. Hortgro has also told past bursary holders that agriculture can shape the future of the fruit industry, so it hopes they will bring their skills back to it.

What to know before applying

The Hortgro bursary follows a yearly cycle. For the 2027 study year, the organisation said applications would open in mid-May 2026 and close in mid-August 2026. Future dates may differ, so check the official site for the next window. You can apply online or write to learn@hortgro.co.za with questions.

Prepare before the window opens. Gather your certified ID, your latest results, proof of registration or acceptance and a motivation letter. Explain why the deciduous fruit industry interests you, and mention any farm, packhouse or research experience. Hortgro looks for people who want to build a career in the sector, so show commitment. The exact work-back terms are not confirmed here. Some industry bursaries expect recipients to stay in the sector for a time, while others simply encourage it. Ask Hortgro directly and read your agreement carefully. Students who study in other agricultural fields can also look at funding from AgriSETA, universities and other commodity organisations.