Subtrop SAAGA

About Subtrop and SAAGA

Subtrop is the South African Subtropical Growers' Association, based in Tzaneen in Limpopo. It serves growers of subtropical fruit and works alongside industry bodies for crops such as avocados, mangoes and litchis. The South African Avocado Growers' Association, known as SAAGA, represents avocado producers and is closely linked to Subtrop's work. The avocado industry has grown strongly over the past two decades, and exports have played a big part in that growth. As a result, farms, packhouses and research teams need well-trained people. SAAGA funds studies in this area to help the industry find them.

Graduates in this field can work in many roles. Examples include orchard management, research, extension advice, farm finance and marketing. Horticultural scientists study how plants grow, flower and set fruit. Agricultural economists look at costs, prices and market trends. Both skills matter when a farm wants to grow profitably and compete abroad.

How the SAAGA bursary supports students

The SAAGA bursary aims to bring graduates of colour into the avocado industry. It is open to people from historically disadvantaged groups who study towards a BSc Agric or an equivalent degree. The main fields are horticultural science and agricultural economics or agribusiness. Subtrop's bursary page also says that students in these fields at postgraduate level can be considered. The bursary is awarded for one year at a time and is reviewed every year. The value depends on each case, so SAAGA does not publish one fixed amount. Students who want to focus on avocados in their projects and seminars may find that this fits the industry's needs best.

What to know before applying

The bursary carries a service obligation. Recipients must work for Subtrop for one year for each year they receive the bursary, provided a position is available. Read the agreement carefully before you sign, because it is a binding commitment. If you have questions about how placement works when no post is open, ask Subtrop before you accept an award. Subtrop's website lists the closing date for the SAAGA bursary as 31 October. However, dates and forms can change from year to year, so confirm them on the bursary page at subtrop.co.za. Applications are handled through Subtrop, whose office is at 13 Peace Street, Arbor Park, Tzaneen.

The same page lists a second award, the Lindsey Milne Bursary, funded by the South African Subtropical Growers' Association. It honours Dr DL Milne's contribution to subtropical fruit farming and has the same October closing date. If you study agriculture and care about subtropical crops, compare both options. Prepare your academic record, proof of your background and a short motivation early, so you can apply well before the deadline.

If you are still in your final school year, plan ahead. Choose a university that offers horticultural science or agricultural economics. Several universities with agricultural faculties, including Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria, have listed the SAAGA bursary on their funding pages. Their bursary offices can often tell you how the process works.