The Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba is shaping up to be an unparalleled event, addressing the pressing questions and concerns of South Africa’s most prominent young farmers and agripreneurs.
Farmers like Portia Mdhlovu, general manager of Laughing Waterfall, a commercial operation of a communal property association (CPA) based in Mpumalanga, look forward to having tough questions answered at the event presented by Food For Mzansi.
With over two decades of experience, Mdhlovu has steered Laughing Waterfall into a flourishing enterprise, focusing on sugarcane, mangoes, litchis, and bananas. Employing 172 permanent workers and approximately 600 seasonal workers annually, the company thrives despite challenges common to communal property associations.
Explore partnerships and technology
Despite its remarkable success, Laughing Waterfall faces challenges common to CPAs in South Africa.
“South African farmers especially, the young black farmers face a lot of challenges with regards to farming , it can either be financial support or just not being taken serious in the farming industry mostly because of lack of experience,” she said.
Mdhlovu also emphasised the importance of platforms like the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba in addressing these challenges. “This indaba will help us share these experiences and share how we can overcome them to become the best farmers in the country,” she added.
One of the critical discussions revolves around the role of technology in farming and its implications for job security. Ndlovu stresses the need to strike a balance between leveraging technology for improved efficiency while ensuring job security for farmworkers.
Furthermore, she looks forward to discussion around funding for young black farmers.
Bring on new innovations
Western Cape’s award-winning hydroponics farmer, Byron Booysen, is another young farmer eagerly looking forward to the opportunity for collaboration and innovation.
“The indaba encourages more and more participation of a variety of talented youth and people in agriculture. Policy makers will be there, governmental [officials], and professional farmers,” he said.
The founder of Booysen’s Tunnel Farming also recognised the significance of staying updated on new agricultural innovations and trends.
“I am looking forward to being in the forefront of getting new innovations, new information, and access to funding,” he said. “As we know, innovations don’t always need to be high tech or high funded related. It can also be something that’s a totally new way of thinking.”
Meanwhile, organisers of the indaba have confirmed that farmers will gain access to invaluable insights and resources to navigate the evolving landscape of agriculture through panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Climate change and AI
Phikolomzi Dlamini, farm manager at Sweet Basil Farm will be travelling from KwaZulu-Natal to attend his very first Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba. He told Food For Mzansi he is particularly interested in networking and delving into pressing issues like climate change.
“There will be a great attendance from farmers across the whole country, meaning so much information will be passed around.
“Climate change poses significant challenges for farmers and I am looking forward to in-depth discussions on this topic. Looking at the weather patterns lately, a lot has been happening,” he said.
Dlamini also expressed a keen interest in artificial intelligence and what this means for agriculture. “I am interested in getting deeper insight into that,” Dlamini added. “There is so much innovation happening.”
Don’t miss out!
If you have not booked your ticket, what are you waiting for. The Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba will take place in Pretoria North from Thursday, 4 to Saturday, 6 April.
This three-day event promises an exhilarating line-up of South Africa’s foremost young agricultural minds, alongside no less than 50 agriculture-related exhibitions and 6 masterclasses
Secure your spot today as tickets are selling out fast. Get your tickets exclusively online through Quicket or purchase them at Pick n Pay, Pick n Pay Clothing, or Pick n Pay Liquor stores nationwide.
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