With less than three weeks remaining until the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba, the programme is shaping up to be an event not to be missed. Farmers and agripreneurs from across Africa are now securing last-minute tickets for this gathering from Thursday, 4 April, to Saturday, 6 April, at the Lavender Kontrei Market in Pretoria North.
One of the eagerly awaited panel discussions at the indaba is a vibrant conversation with Thoko Didiza, minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development. Some of the country’s outstanding young agriculturists will take the stage in this discussion led by Ipeleng Kwadi-Siboni, a North West farmer and the national convenor of Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (Yard).
On the line-up is KwaZulu-Natal farmer Andile Ngcobo, Gauteng farmer Lerato Botha, Byron Booysen from the Western Cape, and Keatlegile Mnguni, an agripreneur and chairperson of Afasa Youth.
Navigating meat export opportunities
Another standout feature of the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba is a session focused on exploring the lucrative domain of meat exports, specifically designed for cattle farmers.
This discussion will be skilfully led by Wandile Sihlobo, the chief economist of Agbiz, offering valuable context and strategies for individuals seeking to capitalise on export opportunities within the industry.
Panellists include Dr Sifiso Ntombela, a renowned agricultural economist and special advisor to Didiza, Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services, and Khani Baloyi, commodity markets and foresight analyst at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP).
Farming with cannabis and hemp
For those interested in exploring emerging opportunities within the agricultural sector, the discussion on cannabis and hemp cultivation opportunities for young farmers promises to be enlightening.
This session will be facilitated by Kobus Louwrens, co-founder of the Food For Mzansi Group, and feature experts such as Shaad Vayej, cannabis legal expert, and Linda Sibotho, co-founder of Cheeba Academy.
It promises to provide valuable insights into getting started in the cannabis and hemp industry, from securing funding to navigating regulations and licenses.
Mentorship in young farmer development
Additionally, there will be a session on the art of mentorship, facilitated by Dawn Noemdoe, a Western Cape-based beekeeper and host of Food For Mzansi’s popular Farmer’s Inside Track podcast.
This discussion will include contributions from esteemed panellists, including Gauteng farmer Keneilwe Raphesu, Ben Otukile from North West, Piet Potgieter, the manager for developing agriculture at VKB, Caitlyn Abdoll, agricultural economist in the PALS Centre, and Jerome Topley, managing director of SerDev.
The fireside chat will explore the importance of mentorship in igniting rapid growth for high-potential young farmers, blending the wisdom of seasoned new-era and commercial farmers.
Get your tickets now!
With tickets flying off the shelves and excitement building among both speakers and attendees, the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba promises a great opportunity for both seasoned agricultural enthusiasts and those embarking on their farming journey.
Tickets are available at just R250 per day, and available exclusively via Quicket or at Pick n Pay, Pick n Pay Clothing, or Pick n Pay Liquor stores nationwide. Purchasers of a two-day ticket will enjoy complimentary entry to a networking bash on Thursday, 4 April, from 17:00 to 23:00. The event features a spit braai, one complimentary drink, and entertainment.
To buy a two-day ticket which includes access to the networking function, complete the form below:
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