Dear colleague

It is indeed a pleasure to be at this stage where we can extend a warm invitation to you to attend the 25th conference of the IAAE from 16 to 22 August, 2003 in Durban, South Africa. It is further a pleasure for us to welcome you for a third time in the history of our association on the African continent.

The 25th conference's theme “Reshaping agriculture's contributions to society” is a global issue. It also fits with a country that is reshaping itself, within a continent that is reshaping itself. The challenge is to create insights that will meet the ever increasing and changing demands on agriculture, and this indeed will make for exiting and insightful discussion. The superb programme developed by the Vice-President of IAAE and his colleagues will guarantee these insights and discussions.

The venue is designed to ensure that discussion will continue outside presentations and formal sessions. The Learning Workshops are once again the starting point and the conference breaks midweek with Wednesday afternoon tours. Here we are trying to innovate, and you can already choose now the tour that you would like to join. You will be hosted by knowledgeable and animated guides.

We feel that the networking experience is one of the draw cards of the conference, and here we have ensured that both formal and informal events are structured in a way to ensure this. Informal gatherings are also accommodated and you merely have to liaise with the conference organisers in this regard.

Accompanying persons will have a wide selection of tours and activities. South Africa is a country blessed with natural attractions and experiences, and these are also accessible through our post and pre conference tours. Indeed a smorgasbord of experiences awaits you in Durban and South Africa. Our friendly organising committee also stand ready should you want to tour further afield in Southern Africa, and many options are available.

A conference of this nature is impossible without the strong support from our sponsors as listed on the sponsors page. We would like to thank them already at this stage for their contribution to this conference.


We look forward to welcome old and new friends in beautiful and vibrant South Africa