South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP)

The South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP) is a non-profit, science-based professional society founded in Pretoria in 1971 to promote the knowledge, research and practice of crop production in South Africa, according to a provider record checked in August 2026. SASCP’s members work across major crops, including maize, oilseeds, protein seeds and small grains.

Registered name

South African Society of Crop Production (SASCP)

Type

Professional scientific society (crop production)

Fields funded

Crop production, agronomy and crop science, undergraduate and postgraduate

Website

sascp.org.za

Email

sascp.secretariat@gmail.com

What SASCP stands for

SASCP’s constitution commits it to promoting the science and know-how of crop production in all its forms, with special reference to putting research into practice. SASCP aims to protect the professional status of crop science, share knowledge through discussion and publication, and build links with related societies in South Africa and abroad. SASCP also recognises exceptional achievement in crop production through trophies and honorary awards.

Why crop scientists matter

South Africa’s food supply depends on crop scientists who help farmers choose cultivars, manage soil fertility, control weeds and pests, and adapt to drought and rising temperatures. Agronomists work on commercial farms, in seed and fertiliser companies, in research institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council, and in provincial departments of agriculture, where some of SASCP’s own office-bearers work.

The congress

SASCP brings researchers and students together at its congress. Abstract submissions are open for the combined congress in 2027, where SASCP and related societies meet to share research. Presenting at a congress gives postgraduate students valuable experience and exposure to potential employers.

The SASCP bursary

SASCP awards a small number of once-off bursaries each year to encourage students into crop production. In the 2026 round, undergraduates received R15 000, MSc students R20 000 and PhD students R25 000, with amounts and the number of awards set by the society’s council. Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents registered full-time for a degree in crop production, agronomy or crop science, and undergraduates must have completed first year.

Recipients are expected to join SASCP as student members and to present their work at the congress where possible. The society closes its annual round on 15 March, so expect the 2027 call in January 2027.

How to research SASCP

Ask your study leader for a reference early, since the application requires one. Because the award is small, combine it with other funding, and consider submitting an abstract to the 2027 congress.

See also the ARC bursary.