Intertek has constructed a new purpose built Precision Farming Laboratory, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Valentin Rossel, Senior Vice President of Intertek’s Agricultural Services said “This is powerful recognition of Intertek’s contribution to developing enlightened agricultural practices in Africa. Intertek can draw on a worldwide expertise in crop, soil, plant and water analysis, but our success in Africa is built on partnership. We believe in working on the ground with local farmers and national agencies to develop the best solutions.”

Intertek’s quality and quantity testing work runs in parallel with its ‘Precision Farming’ model supporting agricultural development across Africa. The continent has 60 percent of world arable land but with only 3.7 percent of arable land utilized. Precision agriculture practices promote sustainable farming by reducing investment in fertilizers, boosting yields and reducing the risk to the environment by limiting the footprint of farming. The expansion of Intertek’s facilities complements the established laboratories presence in Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and Cote D’Ivoire.

Robert Markus, Country Managing Director for Intertek Africa, added “By ensuring the local practices are sympatric to the natural resources we are enriching local communities and creating an ecological business for social and economic gains. This service enables the food and agricultural industry to increase quality assurance and sustainability along the length of the supply chain, locally and globally for the future across Africa.”