South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP)

About the Society

The South African Society of Crop Production, or SASCP, is a non-profit professional body for crop science. It was founded in Pretoria in 1971. Its stated aim is to promote and extend the science and practice of crop production in all its forms. Its members work with crops such as maize, oilseeds, protein seeds and small grains.

The society also tries to raise the standing of crop science as a profession. It gives members a place to share ideas and resources, and it works with related organisations at home and abroad. Its website lists travel awards and other recognitions, and it points readers to the South African Journal of Plant and Soil.

How SASCP supports students

Each year, SASCP offers bursaries to full-time students in crop production, agronomy or crop science. Earlier years saw two awards of R10 000 each. Recent notices list higher amounts: R15 000 for undergraduate study, R20 000 for an MSc and R25 000 for a PhD. These figures come from third-party listings, so confirm the current value on the society's website.

These are small awards compared with a full bursary from a mining company. However, they can pay for books, travel to a field trial or part of a tuition account. The funding also shows that the profession backs you, and it can open doors to future contacts in agriculture.

What to know before applying

The rules are clear. You must be registered at a South African university for a four-year degree or a postgraduate degree. Diploma students do not qualify. Your major should fall in crop production, which means agronomy or crop science. You also need an average of at least 60% for the previous academic year.

Applications have closed on 15 March each year. You download the application form from the society's website and send it to the SASCP Secretariat. Supporting documents have included a certified ID copy, your latest academic record, proof of registration, and reference letters from your study leader or the dean. A motivational letter is part of the pack too.

Because the awards are modest, SASCP does not appear to tie them to a work-back contract. That detail is not confirmed, so ask the secretariat if you are unsure. Dates and amounts may change, and the official page always has the latest rules.

Start early. Ask your lecturer for a reference several weeks before the deadline, and write your motivation in your own words. Explain why crop production matters to you and what you hope to do after graduating.