The ARC-Institute for Industrial Crops is an Institute of the Agricultural Research Council in South Africa. ARC-IIC is responsible for all the research on cotton, hemp, flax, kenaf, sisal, tobacco and indigenous fibre crops. The Institute, based in Rustenburg in the North West Province, operates with three research divisions namely, Plant Protection, Crop and Soil Science and Cultivar Development. The Institute also manages three experimental stations and conducts field trials in all the production areas for cotton, tobacco and the other crops mentioned above in South Africa.

The Role of Agricultural Engineering: The core purpose of this division is to develop and apply agricultural engineering technology that will contribute to higher yields, higher income and lower input costs for agriculture and related industries in a sustainable way. The objectives are thus: •To create wealth and to eliminate poverty in agriculture by increasing profits through the reduction of input costs, increased production, improved product quality, and value adding. •To develop and apply engineering technology for the sustainable utilisation and development of resources used in agriculture. •To promote and increase the efficient and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. •To protect, reclaim and restore deteriorated natural resources. •To develop human resources in the field of agricultural engineering technology.

ARC-Vegetable and Ornamental Plants is doing innovative, need-driven, environment friendly research, technology development and technology transfer on potatoes, vegetables (hydroponic production as well as indigenous vegetables) and indigenous flowers. Research is aimed at both the commercial and developing agricultural sector. This Division has established a proud record of service to the agricultural industry and a large number of the potato and vegetable cultivars planted in South Africa at present, have been developed by this Division. The improvement of indigenous ornamental plants has also received a great deal of attention, as has indigenous vegetable crops, natural products and indigenous medicinal plants. The Vegetable and Ornamental Plants Division is also a recognised roleplayer in the field of plant biotechnology.

The Tropical and Subtropical Crops Division provides sustainable and appropriate technologies for production and post-harvest handling of citrus and subtropical crops in order to enhance food security and nutrition, global competitiveness and wealth creation by addressing national priori? ties through its research agenda and related activities.

The ARC-Small Grain Institute (ARC-SGI) has a long and proud history, spanning more than 40 years, of serving the small-grain industry of South Africa and contributing to the needs, aspirations and welfare of the people of South Africa.

The Soil, Climate and Water business unit follows a holistic approach towards natural resources utilization and conservation. It therefore promotes and collaborates in multi-institutional, cross-sectoral, bilateral and multi-lateral research teams. Its researchers are trained and experienced in project management and planning, and in teamwork. This business unit has a proud history of successful formal agreements with national and international initiatives, and actively participates in formal ARC cooperation agreements with other countries. It hosts international and national symposia and is experienced in facilitating workshops and problem analysis. The strength of the Soil, Climate and Water business unit lies in its multidisciplinary approach, scientific excellence, breadth and depth of scientific and technological skills, and in its capacity to draw on a wide range of key disciplines required to provide holistic, innovative solutions to clients with respect to sustainable ...