Intertek Builds Precision Farming Laboratory in Johannesburg
25 Apr 2013
Purpose Built Precision Laboratory Underlines Intertek’s Commitment to Agricultural Development in Africa
Intertek, the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide, has constructed a new purpose built Precision Farming Laboratory, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Precision Farming works in partnership with the farmlands natural capabilities and responses by targeting the precise requirements of the environment to optimise crop yield and preserve local resources.
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 per cent of world arable land but with only 3.7 per cent of arable land utilised. 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 making ensuring the local practised 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.”
For further information:
Charles Botha
Regional Manager, Agricultural Services, Sub Sahara Africa
Tel: +27 11 964 1004
charles.botha@Intertek.com
Media contact
Natalie Smith
Global Marketing Manager
Tel: + 44 (0) 161 245 8077
natalie.smith@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value to customers’ products, processes and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 35,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. Visit www.intertek.com.