The South African Agricultural Awards (SAAA) has extended the deadline for entries to Friday, 31 July 2026, giving farmers, agribusinesses, educational institutions, innovators and agricultural organisations additional time to submit nominations for this year’s awards.
The extension was announced during a recent South African Agriculture Awards (SAAA) breakfast, hosted in partnership with AgriSETA, the awards’ headline sponsor. At the event, industry representatives highlighted the role of recognition in strengthening inclusivity, innovation and competitiveness across the agricultural value chain.
Speaking at the event yesterday in Midrand, Gauteng, South African Agriculture Awards (SAAA) chairperson and AgriSETA chief risk officer Kubenokuthula Ndlovu said the awards provide a national platform to recognise the people and organisations whose work contributes to agricultural growth and transformation.
“Agriculture is more than an industry. It is the foundation of our nation, a source of livelihoods and the heartbeat of many rural communities,” Ndlovu said.
She added that the SAAA awards aim to recognise a broad range of contributions, from farmers expanding into domestic and export markets to researchers improving crop production, mentors supporting emerging farmers, and institutions developing agricultural skills.
“The purpose of these awards is to celebrate excellence while strengthening competitiveness, inclusivity and sustainable agriculture.
“Recognition is not simply about rewarding achievement; it is about creating models, promoting innovation and showing what is possible when collaboration and commitment come together.”
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Categories recognise diverse contributions
The SAAA awards include categories that recognise agricultural innovation, agri-tech, farm diversification, agritourism, forestry, skills development, youth participation, educational institutions and agricultural influencers.
Ndlovu said the programme was particularly important in encouraging women, young people and persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in the sector as farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders.
“As we marked Youth Month, we were reminded that the future of agriculture depends on the opportunities we create today.
“By celebrating successful agricultural careers and enterprises, the awards can inspire young people to pursue agriculture as a profession, develop skills, embrace entrepreneurship and build sustainable businesses.”
Changing perceptions among young people
Acting AgriSETA CEO Fanny Phetla said agriculture needed to be positioned as a viable and attractive career choice for young people, particularly as the sector adopts more technology and smart farming practices.
“We want young people to see agriculture as a choice, not something to fall back on. Agriculture is evolving through innovation, technology, GPS and smart farming, and we need to change how young people view the sector.”
Gauteng farmer Musa Sono told the panel that recognising young farmers could help challenge the perception that farming is only for older people or those with limited career options.
“When one young person stands on that stage, thousands of others see that it is possible for them too. For far too long, farming has been seen as something you do when other dreams have failed. We need to reject that notion,” Sono said.
He encouraged young farmers to document their work and use social media to share their agricultural journeys, saying this could inspire others to enter the sector.
Recognition beyond the farm gate
Manti Maifadi, owner of Naledi Farms in Gauteng and winner of the 2025 South African Agriculture Awards (SAAA) Agritourism Award, said the recognition had helped broaden people’s understanding of agriculture beyond production alone.
“Winning the award was bigger than recognition for the work we did on the farm. It recognised the many ways in which we need to think about agriculture. Agriculture is not only about what you grow; it is also about connecting people to the land and to one another.”
The SAAA has urged individuals, businesses, institutions and organisations across the agricultural value chain to submit entries before the extended deadline of Friday, 31 July 2026.
Entries can be submitted via this link.
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