PROF ANDRÉ JOOSTE

André’s experience in the agricultural sector spans 30 years in various disciplines. As an academic, he was an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State. At the National Agricultural Marketing Council, he spearheaded the establishment of the Markets and Economic Research Centre (MERC) and developed it into an acknowledged policy advisory unit in the South African and international context. As a Chief Executive Officer, he led Potatoes SA, an industry organization, in strategy development and implementation of its core business mandates, including the building of business and public sector relations. André joined the Department of Agricultural Economics at the Stellenbosch University as Professor on 1 March 2021. In 2013 he was awarded Agriculturalist of the Year for the Agricultural Writers SA North. He serves on various agricultural industry councils and government committees. He acts as chairperson of the Maize and Wheat Forums since 2024 and in March 2026 he was appointed as Chairperson of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC).

André has extensive experience in conducting market, policy, rural and industry analysis. This includes, amongst others, implementation of management information systems, identification and use of applicable market research methodologies, compiling industry wide strategies, conducting surveys and value chain analysis. He also specialises in international trade issues and its implications at various levels.

André is a highly motivated leader and strategist, who is adaptable to different situations with an ability to lead people to achieve results. He is known as a lateral and holistic thinker with a visionary approach in dealing with opportunities and challenges and understanding the complexity of different situations, yet being able to drill down to the detail to find amicable solutions. He has facilitated and compiled industry wide strategies through extensive consultative processes when required, or through more narrow focuses research and engagement. He has extended networks in the private and public sector environments at a national and international level.