André Jooste is the Chairperson of the Red Meat Research and Development Trust Project Committee and was an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State. He has extensive experience in conducting market, policy, rural, and industry analysis. This includes, amongst others, the implementation of management information systems, identification and use of applicable market research methodologies, compiling industry-wide strategies, conducting surveys, and value chain analysis. He also specializes in international trade issues and their implications at various levels.