This morning we got the privilege of sleeping in a little later than the previous days as we didn't have to leave until 8:15. After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we headed to the ARC Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute. There we learned about their in vitro gene bank. The crop collection in the gene bank is made up of 64% potatoes. They also told us about the medicinal plants they grow and the development of smallholder farmers. Smallholders are those farmers that have smaller operations. These farmers may need assistance or further knowledge about crops they are farming. This institute works with these types of emerging farmers to ensure they have better opportunities.

After a tour of the various facilities, we left for the Apartheid museum. On the way, we stopped for lunch at a fast food chain of South Africa, called Steers. The museum gave us a better understanding about the history of Apartheid in South Africa with a special exhibit dedicated to Nelson Mandela. Mandela was their first black president after Apartheid which ended in 1991. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take pictures, but the experience was one we will never forget.

Overall we had another great day and are enjoying our last night in South Africa! We are not ready to leave, but we fly out late tomorrow night to start our journey home.  (Written by Addie and Annaliese)

The ARC Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute

Visiting the in vitro germplasm storage and culture laboratories at the ARC Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute (Dalen, Jessica, Addie, Jaden, Kenzie, and Katelyn)

Group photo outside the Apartheid Museum

Learning about different uses of medicinal plants (Rachel, Addie, Kenzie, ARC scientist, Annaliese, Evan, Sam, Gabby, and an ARC scientist)