The highly anticipated Limpopo AgriXpo 2025 officially opened with a strong message of collaboration, innovation, and transformation for the agricultural sector in the province and beyond. As the premier agricultural trade show, it brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and government representatives to discuss the future of agriculture and highlight Limpopo’s potential to become a major international player.
Welcoming attendees on behalf of Limpopo AgriXpo, commercial farmer Peter Mockford emphasised the significance of the expo in fostering growth and cooperation.
“Let us all continue to nurture, support, and grow the AgriExpo into something truly extraordinary. The work starts here, and together we will ensure that agriculture in Limpopo and beyond thrives,” he said.
Mockford acknowledged the critical role of the Limpopo provincial government in supporting the agricultural sector. He highlighted the importance of innovation, market opportunities, and collaboration between government, industry, and civil society.
“By working together, we can unlock opportunities for emerging farmers, strengthen education and career pathways in agriculture, and attract investment that drives long-term sustainability,” he added.
Government support for market access
Limpopo’s MEC for agriculture, Nakedi Kekana, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to empowering farmers through market access and collaboration.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our rural economy, and through platforms like this, we are ensuring that our farmers not only produce but also expand into value-added markets to build a sustainable and resilient agri-food system,” she said.
Kekana highlighted the need to eliminate obstacles to trade and economic development. She explained that these efforts aim to open up new market opportunities and streamline regulations, aligning with the president’s vision of establishing a free continental trade system.
Related stories
- Farming is not for chancers, says Limpopo Bonsmara farmer
- New plan to restore Limpopo’s once iconic Zebediela Citrus Farm
- Devastating floods wipe out Limpopo farms
Limpopo premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, highlighted the province’s agricultural potential and called for a more ambitious vision, urging organisers to elevate the expo to an international level.
She pointed to Limpopo’s diverse agricultural production including citrus, avocados, bananas, macadamia nuts, and maize as a solid foundation for a globally recognised agricultural expo.
“We are globally known for producing the best citrus, avocados, and nuts. So what makes it impossible for us to achieve more than provinces that focus on a single crop?” she asked.
Ramathuba emphasised the need for strong regional partnerships and investment in infrastructure.
She stressed that cooperation with neighbouring countries is crucial, as challenges like a foot-and-mouth (FMD) outbreak in Zimbabwe could have serious repercussions for South Africa. To mitigate such risks, she urged collaboration between the government and farmers.
“We are calling on financial institutions to support emerging farmers and encourage commercial farmers to share their expertise through technical training.”
Dr Phophi Ramathuba
Collaboration across borders
Looking ahead, Ramathuba called for a broader collaboration that extends beyond Limpopo’s borders. She proposed the establishment of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) agri-expo, to be hosted in Limpopo, uniting stakeholders passionate about agriculture and economic development.
She also highlighted Limpopo’s unique geographical advantage, bordering Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana, positioning it as a strategic hub for agricultural trade and collaboration within SADC.
Ramathuba stressed the need for close cooperation with neighbouring countries to combat agricultural diseases, particularly foot-and-mouth disease, which threatens livestock and exports. She advocated for government-to-government engagement to ensure proactive measures are taken to protect local farmers and maintain export viability.
“If there’s an outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Zimbabwe and government is not working together with the farmers and all the organised institutions of farmers, our countries are going to also be affected. But if government is involved from a government-to-government perspective, we will be able to work with our farmers and be able to protect our stock,” she said.
Acknowledging delays in national disaster relief funds, Ramathuba outlined the province’s decision to allocate R500 million to address urgent disaster-related issues affecting farmers and infrastructure.
“If a farmer submits the challenge that they are facing as a result of a disaster or any other disaster that affects the road, that affects the schools, we should be able to make an intervention and not just fold our arms to wait for the national government,” she said.
READ NEXT: Agroprocessing trailblazers hit the stage at Young Farmers Indaba
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
