The Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba drew farmers, policy makers, politicians, agriprenuers, financial institutions, and people with an interest in agriculture from across South Africa. Knowledge and information were shared, and those struggling with challenges in their farming operations were motivated to give it one more try.
Farmers engaged exhibitors, attended sessions on different topics, and shared best practices to work better at the two-day indaba at the Lavender Kontrei Market in Pretoria North.
Food For Mzansi also honoured three recipients with the Changemaker Award: Dr Innocent Sirovha from AgriSETA, Ivor Karan, the founder of Karan Beef, and Ipeleng Kwadi-Seboni, chairperson of Yard North West.
Different speakers shared how important it is for farmers to start speaking the right language, learn from those who have walked the journey before, invest in their future, and never be scared of taking risks.
The exhibition area was filled from early on the first day until the last activities on day two; it was full of life and engagement, with farmers seeking information and clarity on a number of things, from mechanisation to funding and land access.
Setting the tone for what was an inspiring indaba for young farmers across Mzansi, the MEC of agriculture and rural development in Gauteng, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, told farmers that they needed to take up their space in the sector and create jobs.
An intense and thought-provoking panel discussed the role of organised agriculture, while the issue of transformation took centre stage with CEOs of Khula!, AgriSA, the Milk Producers Association, Agda, and Grain SA.
Participants also won prizes from exhibitors during the indaba, which heightened the excitement and attracted even more interest.
READ NEXT: Ramokgopa: Young farmers, rise and take your space in agriculture
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
