He was elected in 2026 to represent the pome and stone fruit industry. Jacques is a market development generalist with over 20 years' experience in market access and trade in South Africa's agricultural sector, primarily in the deciduous fruit industry.
Currently serving as General Manager: Trade & Markets at HORTGRO, he is responsible for international market access, trade policy, logistics, and stakeholder engagement. Jacques has proven expertise in negotiating phytosanitary compliance, facilitating new market entry, and maintaining access to strategic export destinations across the globe. Furthermore, he is an expert in international market access, export strategy, regulatory and phytosanitary issues and is skilled at managing stakeholder relations with growers, government, and international partners in order to grow fruit exports and open new markets.
He is an experienced leader, industry spokesperson, and active contributor to industry, national and international forums.
In his current role at HORTGRO, Jacques' focus is on enhancing coordination between industry role players to identify, address and communicate trends and shocks to industry stakeholders and pursue opportunities. Close collaboration with various government departments is also crucial in the process.
Jacques is a Stellenbosch and Free State University alumnus who graduated with agricultural economics and horticulture as main subjects and obtained an honours degree in agricultural economics from the University of the Free State.