Pretoria, South Africa
September 30, 2010

Mr. Gerrie Reitsma was appointed the new General Manager of the South African Seed Organisation (SANSOR) recently. He follows in the footsteps of Mr. Walter Loubser and will take up his duties on 1st December 2010.

Mr. Loubser (left) retires as General Manager of SANSOR after a decade of service. During this 10 year period he made a significant contribution towards establishing the seed industry and SANSOR as primary stakeholders in the agricultural landscape of South Africa. He was also instrumental in the founding of The African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA).

During his tenure, SANSOR hosted two very successful AFSTA conferences. With the assistance of his capable team within the SANSOR Secretariat as well as the SANSOR members, Mr. Loubser also presented the International Seed Federation (ISF) conference in South Africa with great success. This conference is considered the most important item on the agenda of the international seed industry and draws more than a 1000 representatives of seed companies from more than 64 countries world wide annually.

The role of General Manager of SANSOR is a key position within the South African seed industry. The core function of this office is to liaise with government organisations, parastatals, agricultural research councils, universities, agricultural businesses, organised agriculture, SANSOR members and seed organisations around the globe. With this in mind, the SANSOR Board is proud to appoint Gerrie Reitsma who has gained vast experience and exposure during his career. The Board is of the opinion that he will meet the challenge of his new position with great success.

Mr. Reitsma (right) started his career as technical advisor in the seed industry. His career path developed and he held various positions in sales and marketing in national and international seed companies. During the past few years Mr. Reitsma fulfilled an essential role in SANSOR activities. Not only did he serve on various committees but he was also a member of the SANSOR Board.

“The Board of Directors wishes Mr. Reitsma well and congratulates him on his new appointment in this important post. The Board, SANSOR members and the seed industry, believe in him and trust that he will build on the success of his predecessors.

We also believe that Gerrie’s appointment ushers in a new era in which SANSOR will play an even more significant role as primary stakeholder by focusing on closer connections with Government and related agricultural organisations and businesses on all levels.

On behalf of the SANSOR Board I wish to thank Walter for his excellent contribution to the seed industry during the past decade. We wish him a fruitful retirement,” said David Malan, chairperson of the SANSOR Board of Directors.

For more information, please contact SANSOR at tel: 012 349 1438.

Website: http://www.sansor.org

Published: October 5, 2010