Syngenta Seedcare is privileged to have world renowned nematologist, Dr Driekie Fourie, as part of the Seedcare team in the role of Technical Product Lead, Seedcare Africa-Middle East.
Driekie joined Syngenta in 2023 and in her specific role, provides technical expertise to the entire team. She also leads projects focusing on the introduction of new seed treated biologicals, bio-stimulants, fungicides, insecticides and nematicides in the region.
As a nematologist she specialises in nematode ecology, host plant resistance and evaluation of eco-friendly strategies to combat plant-parasitic nematodes.
Driekie is well-known across the industry for her passion for supporting farmers and agricultural science and holds a PhD in Nematology from the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium. She has dedicated her entire career which kicked off in 1991 at the Agricultural Research Council’s Grain Crops Institute, to studying nematodes and their impact on crop health.
To her, the best part of working in Agriculture and Syngenta is to be part of developing new solutions to be used by farmers and other clients to contribute to food security.
“Working in industry allows me to bridge the gap between research and practical implementation, enabling me to make a tangible impact on sustainable agriculture.”
Dr Fourie comes from Hartswater, a well-known irrigation area in the Northern Cape province. She is one of six children born to Mom Tina and Dad Pieta and says that growing up in Hartswater provided a memorable and happy childhood. Her parents are also the two people that had the biggest influence in her life. “My parents brought me up in a loving home and made me feel cherished as a child and youngster.”
Despite her fame, she remains humble. No wonder then that she chooses the align with the Super hero, Black Widow, since she is also committed, calm and collected and the humblest of all female superhero's.
The words by Carl Sagan ''Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known'' is the quote that influences her most in her life and in her research.
Driekie remains hopeful for the future of the agricultural sector and the contributions agriculture can make in society. She values and respects the increased focus on preserving and increasing soil health as she believes this will play an enabling role in sustainable crop production. “To feed nations, agriculture cannot be practiced if we do not have healthy soil.”
She enjoys acting as a mentor for young colleagues and students and her advice to young people is to never give up.
Similarly, her advice to other women is to remain focused, to not through in the towel and to make your mark by commanding respect for contributions and innovations.