Time is ticking for KwaZulu-Natal farmers to apply for the Kwanalu Agriculture Union’s Young Farmer of the Year Competition, closing on 30 July 2023.
Chief executive officer of Kwanalu Sandy La Marque said farmers are unsung heroes that keep the nation fed and deserve all the praises they could get amid the many challenges they face.
“It is essential that we recognise the irreplaceable efforts and adaptations of our province’s young farmers and inspire others in the process.
Opportunity to shine
“We welcome a fresh batch of inspiring candidates that can showcase their efforts to adapt to an ever-changing and challenging agricultural climate and to find new ways, big and small, of working for the betterment of their communities, the environment, food security and the economy,” she said.
According to Kwanalu, the prestigious competition seeks to celebrate the efforts of young farmers in the province, recognising their unique contributions in different areas including production, marketing, staff management, organised agriculture, community involvement, and forward-thinking agricultural practices.
As a diverse province for agriculture, the competition is expected to be tough, however, farmers are encouraged to apply and showcase their work and, importantly, grow and learn from one another.
Criteria to apply
La Marque said the competition is open to all farmers under 40 who are Kwanalu members, regardless of whether they are farmers or farming partners, male or female, what they produce, and the size of their farming enterprise.
“Technical prediction, labour philosophy, community involvement and marketing are also among the criteria that will be reviewed objectively and scientifically by a provincial and national evaluation expert,” she added.
The winner of the Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year Competition will represent the province at the annual 2023 Totoya SA/Agri SA annual awards where they stand a chance to win a brand-new Toyota Hilux single cab.
Been there, done that
Macadamia and banana farmer Tammy Williams was the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal Toyota Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year.
According to Kwanalu, Williams impressed judges with her determination in learning from the ground up to master many technical aspects of farming, implement environmentally conscious applications, and drive community upliftment.
Entries for the KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year Competition close on 30 July 2023. For more information on how to enter, visit www.kwanalu.co.za or call 033 342 9393.
ALSO READ:Women’s Day: Join us at our Soul To Soil brunch
Enjoyed reading? Tell us why with a quick 5-min survey
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
