As the nation gears up for the pivotal 2024 election year, the agricultural landscape stands at a crucial crossroads. Food For Mzansi, a leading agriculture news publication, is set to unveil a ground-breaking conference titled “2024 AgriFuture SA,” promising to chart a course for the future of farming and the sector at large.
Last-minute registrations for the free event on Wednesday, 6 December 2023, at Diep In Die Berg in Pretoria East, are now accepted.
Under the theme “Nurturing tomorrow’s harvest,” the conference boasts an impressive line-up of speakers and panels, aiming to dissect, analyse, and revolutionise the nation’s agricultural trajectory. With a focus on innovation, market access, policy evolution, and technological advancements, it promises to be a pivotal moment for stakeholders across the agricultural spectrum.
Food For Mzansi co-founder Ivor Price says, “As the agricultural sector braces itself for the opportunities and challenges that the new year holds, the AgriFuture SA conference emerges as a beacon of hope and innovation, poised to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for South Africa’s agricultural community.”
Register now to secure your spot at the event.
Insights from esteemed speakers
The event will be facilitated by Malapane Thamaga, an agricultural economist and development consultant renowned for his expertise in agricultural policy, rural development, and finance. His insights, honed through roles with Afasa, Nerpo, and the Maize Trust, will set the tone for a day of illuminating discussions.
The keynote address, titled “Beyond the Horizon: Agriculture in 2024,” will be delivered by Leona Archary, CEO of the Agricultural Development Agency (Agda). Her focus on food security challenges against the backdrop of the election year promises to shed light on critical intersections between agriculture and politics.
Register now to secure your spot at the event.
A glimpse into the day’s agenda
The conference further dives into the complexities of 2024’s agricultural landscape with CEOs from various sectors unveiling their insights. This includes Fhumulani Mashau from Fruit SA, Dewald Olivier from Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), and Abongile Balarane from the South African Poultry Association (Sapa). They are set to offer invaluable perspectives on trends, challenges, and innovations shaping farming’s future.
Cotton SA will feature the expertise of Calvin Knight, a senior quality and research officer. Additionally, Dr Peter Evans, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (Sappo), will provide valuable insights into navigating the road ahead following a challenging year marked by significant pressure due to the outbreak of African swine fever.
A panel of policy experts and industry leaders will analyse the evolving agricultural policies’ impact on farming’s future. Speakers include Theo Boshoff, CEO of Agbiz, and Winston Makabanyane, director of Africa relations at the department of agriculture, land reform, and rural development, offering insights into shaping policies for the upcoming general election.
Register now to secure your spot at the event.
Market access solutions explored
Another conference highlight is a panel discussion exploring market access for emerging farmers. Tebogo Mokgoadi, head of socio-economic development at Kagiso Trust, and Jeremia Mathebula, vice chairperson of Grain SA, will delve into solutions to empower black farmers with better access to mainstream markets.
The event progresses with sessions focusing on policy evolution, equity in fresh produce markets, black farmer development, and the transformative power of agritech. Notable speakers like Thandokwakhe Sibiya, COO of the South African Farmers Development Association, and Karidas Tshintsholo, the CEO of Khula!, are set to unveil strategies fostering a resilient and diverse agricultural community.
A panel focusing on equity in fresh produce markets aims to address challenges faced by new-era farmers. Speakers include Dr Marc Wegerif, a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of Pretoria. He will discuss the role of these markets and the barriers hindering growth and profitability for emerging farmers.
Online registration for the 2024 AgriFuture SA event remains open. Stakeholders, enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about the future of agriculture are encouraged to secure their spot at this free event.
READ NEXT: Grab your tickets now for Food For Mzansi’s 5th birthday gala
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
