The ARC-Institute for Industrial Crops is an Institute of the Agricultural Research Council in South Africa. ARC-IIC is responsible for all the research on cotton, hemp, flax, kenaf, sisal, tobacco and indigenous fibre crops. The Institute, based in Rustenburg in the North West Province, operates with three research divisions namely, Plant Protection, Crop and Soil Science and Cultivar Development. The Institute also manages three experimental stations and conducts field trials in all the production areas for cotton, tobacco and the other crops mentioned above in South Africa.

The Role of Agricultural Engineering: The core purpose of this division is to develop and apply agricultural engineering technology that will contribute to higher yields, higher income and lower input costs for agriculture and related industries in a sustainable way. The objectives are thus: •To create wealth and to eliminate poverty in agriculture by increasing profits through the reduction of input costs, increased production, improved product quality, and value adding. •To develop and apply engineering technology for the sustainable utilisation and development of resources used in agriculture. •To promote and increase the efficient and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. •To protect, reclaim and restore deteriorated natural resources. •To develop human resources in the field of agricultural engineering technology.

A practical approach to agricultural research. Specialised in contract screening, development and registration of agricultural chemicals and plants (gm). Research farm, field-laboratory bioassays.