AgriCAREERConnect@UJ2026 brought students and industry leaders together to explore career pathways, build professional connections and reimagine what a future in agriculture and food can look like.
What can you do with a qualification in agriculture, biotechnology, food science, engineering or another related field? And where might your skills take you beyond the classroom, laboratory or traditional farming environment?
These questions took centre stage at the third edition of AgriCAREERConnect@UJ2026, hosted on 22 September 2026 at the University of Johannesburg’s Bunting Road Campus. The event was organised by the University of Johannesburg’s Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC), together with the SARChI Chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research, in collaboration with Agrijob SA.
Bringing students face-to-face with employers, industry professionals and entrepreneurs, the event created an opportunity to explore the many career possibilities across South Africa’s agricultural, food and allied sectors. With 185 students participating, the day demonstrated the value of creating spaces where academic learning meets the realities and opportunities of the world of work.
Beyond the farm: discovering the breadth of the agri-food sector
Agriculture is much more than growing crops and raising livestock. Behind every product reaching consumers lies an extensive network of scientific research, production, processing, logistics, marketing, exports, technology and commercial enterprise.
This broader perspective shaped the day’s discussions, encouraging students to consider how their qualifications and skills could translate into careers across the agricultural value chain.
The programme featured two interactive sessions. The first explored horticulture, crops, food production and technical careers, with contributions from organisations including SANSOR, Limagrain Field Seeds, Tunnel Tomatoes, Bosman van Zaal and Potatoes SA. The second shifted the conversation towards commercial opportunities, value addition and markets, featuring representatives from the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), Simply Garlic, Hapag-Lloyd, the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) and Agbiz.
Through panel discussions and direct engagement with industry representatives, students gained exposure to different professional pathways and the skills employers seek. From technical and production-focused roles to agribusiness, international trade, supply-chain management and commercial development, the conversations illustrated how diverse disciplines contribute to a connected and evolving industry.
Making connections that matter
Beyond the formal discussions, networking and exhibition opportunities allowed students to engage directly with participating organisations, ask questions and learn more about potential career pathways.
These interactions are particularly important as students prepare to transition from university into the workplace. Understanding industry expectations, identifying skills gaps and building professional networks can help graduates make more informed career decisions and recognise opportunities they might not otherwise have considered.
AgriCAREERConnect also builds on an established foundation of university–industry engagement. Previous editions have supported student placements and provided access to employment databases, demonstrating the potential of sustained collaboration to connect academic training with professional opportunities.
From job seekers to job creators
A central message throughout the event was that a future in agriculture does not have to mean searching exclusively for employment. The sector also offers opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and business development.
By exposing students to established businesses, emerging enterprises and different parts of the value chain, AgriCAREERConnect encouraged them to think about how they could contribute to the industry not only as future employees, but also as entrepreneurs and creators of opportunities.
This perspective is particularly relevant as agriculture and food systems increasingly intersect with digitalisation, technology, sustainability and new approaches to processing and value addition. Graduates who understand these connections are better positioned to identify emerging needs and consider how their knowledge and skills can contribute to innovative solutions.
Strengthening the bridge between research, education and industry
For PARC and the SARChI Chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research, AgriCAREERConnect represents an important part of connecting academic development with the needs of the broader agricultural and food sectors.
Through its collaboration with Agrijob SA and participating industry organisations, the initiative creates a platform for dialogue between students and the professionals who help shape the sector. It also reinforces the importance of preparing graduates whose knowledge extends beyond their qualifications to include an understanding of industry expectations, professional networks and emerging opportunities.
The successful third edition at UJ reaffirmed the value of sustained partnerships between universities and industry in supporting career development and graduate employability.
Ultimately, AgriCAREERConnect@UJ2026 was about helping students see possibilities, make connections and take a more informed view of their futures. By bringing education and industry into the same space, PARC and its partners continue to encourage the next generation to explore the full breadth of the agri-food sector—and to imagine how they can help shape its future.
PARC extends its appreciation to Agrijob SA, the participating organisations, industry representatives and students whose contributions made AgriCAREERConnect@UJ2026 a valuable platform for engagement and career exploration.
- Date: 22 September 2026
- Location: University of Johannesburg (UJ)