Welcome to the first edition of Measured.
This newsletter marks the beginning of a new space at Provar — one dedicated not only to sharing updates, but to telling the stories behind the science. Measured is a place for reflection: on research and innovation, on people and partnerships and lessons learned while navigating a complex and evolving horticultural industry. We believe that science gains depth when it is shared in context, shaped by experience, and open to conversation. This publication is one way we aim to nurture that culture.
Our inaugural edition focuses on the journey, values and legacy of Iwan Labuschagne, Provar’s founder and former CEO. Over the past thirteen years, Provar has grown from a simple idea into a trusted, independent scientific research partner to the deciduous fruit industry. That growth was driven not only by technical rigour, but by a clear sense of purpose — one rooted in curiosity, creativity and respect.
From his early work in horticulture and genetics, through plant breeding and applied research, to the establishment of Provar as an independent evaluation company, Iwan’s work has been guided by a single belief: growth and innovation cannot exist without freedom to be creative in the work environment. This principle shaped both Provar’s scientific approach and its organisational culture.
Provar itself was born from a clear industry need. As new cultivars and rootstocks entered South Africa at an accelerating pace, the gap between innovation and reliable decision-making widened. Independent, science-based evaluation was limited. Provar was established to fill that gap — to provide unbiased, rigorous insights that support confident, evidence-based decisions across crops, regions, and production systems.
For Iwan, the most meaningful outcomes were not products launched or systems built, but people empowered. Over time, Provar became a place where interns and students as young scientists could learn, grow and find their footing. Many of those individuals now play important roles across the horticultural industry. This commitment to mentorship, trust, and personal development has become one of Provar’s defining strengths.
Today, Provar stands ready for its next chapter — guided by a new generation of leadership, supported by stronger structures, and grounded in the same values that shaped its beginnings. In the pages that follow, we share Iwan’s reflections on leadership, the lessons learned along the way and his vision for the future of Provar.
This is not an ending, but a continuation of a story built on science, people and purpose.
Next Up:
Growing with Intention: A Career in Independent Fruit Evaluation
Explore Iwan Labuschagne’s career in independent fruit evaluation and how science, mentorship and leadership shaped Provar’s growth.
Rae is the Scientific Publications and Research Conceptualisation Lead at Provar. She is a qualified horticulturist, scientific writer and editor and holds a doctorate in plant breeding. In her role, she works at the intersection of scientific research and applied evaluation, developing research concepts, trial designs, and strategies for implementation. Rae also plays a key role in the scientific development of Provar’s Culteva™ platform, creating literature-based concepts to ensure scientific rigour. Additionally, she supports Provar’s scientific publications, technical reports, conference materials, project planning and research funding applications, collaborating across various disciplines and organisations.
