If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does my work in agriculture really matter enough to be recognised nationally?” then this is your answer, and it’s a loud one. This is your sign to enter the South African Agricultural Awards (SAAA) and put your work where it belongs, in the spotlight.
From farmworkers and commercial producers to students, chefs and social media storytellers, SAAA are opening the door wide to everyone shaping the future of farming. Entries for the nation’s leading agricultural awards are still open via this link, but don’t wait too long to step forward and claim your place among South Africa’s agricultural changemakers.
South African agriculture is powered by far more than tractors, crops and livestock. Behind every harvest are people who innovate, mentor, conserve, teach and inspire. Some are in the fields, others in classrooms, laboratories, kitchens or online. Together, they keep the country’s agricultural sector alive, evolving and growing.
SAAA, in partnership with AgriSETA, celebrate exactly this kind of impact. The awards recognise excellence, innovation, leadership and skills development across the agricultural value chain, and they are actively calling for entries from every corner of the sector.
The South African Agricultural Awards will take place on Friday, 16 October 2026 at 16:00 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Save the date and secure your tickets via this link on Quicket. This is set to be a glamorous night celebrating excellence in agriculture, with up to 3 000 guests expected.
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Here are just some of the categories you can enter in the competition.
Employer Excellence in Agriculture Skills Development Award
This award recognises employers who invest in people by creating meaningful workplace learning opportunities and building a skilled agricultural workforce.
Agricultural Development & Community Empowerment Award
If your organisation is using agriculture to create jobs, strengthen food security or uplift communities, this category celebrates the difference you’re making.
Bee & Pollinator Conservation Award
Healthy pollinators are essential for healthy harvests. This award honours those protecting bees and other pollinators through sustainable farming and conservation.
Healthcare Professionals in Agriculture
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who use agriculture to promote nutrition, wellness, and food security have an opportunity to shine here.
Private Training Provider Excellence Award in Agricultural Skills Development
Accredited private training providers delivering quality agricultural education and producing skilled graduates are encouraged to enter.
Excellence in Forestry
From sustainable forestry to agroforestry, this category celebrates responsible management of one of South Africa’s most valuable natural resources.
Women Excellence in Agriculture Skills Development and Leadership Excellence Award
Outstanding women who are leading, mentoring and empowering others while advancing agricultural skills development deserve recognition in this category.
Best Higher Learning Agri Empowerment Program
Universities and colleges developing the next generation of agricultural professionals can showcase the impact of their teaching, research and community partnerships.
Top Performing TVET and CET in Agriculture
This category recognises colleges equipping young South Africans with practical agricultural skills that prepare them for successful careers.
Best Provincial Farmer
Outstanding farmers making a significant contribution within their province through productivity, innovation and resilience are invited to enter.
Legacy Grower Award
Some of agriculture’s greatest teachers never stood in a lecture hall. This award honours those preserving traditional farming knowledge and passing it to future generations.
Unsung Hero
Every community has someone quietly making a difference. This award celebrates volunteers and community champions whose contributions often go unnoticed.
Culinary Excellence Award
Exceptional chefs and restaurants using locally produced ingredients to create memorable South African dishes are recognised in this category.
Commercial Farmer
Large-scale commercial producers demonstrating strong business performance, innovation and sustainable farming practices are encouraged to enter.
Accessibility in Agriculture
This category celebrates farmers living with disabilities and those creating more inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities in agriculture.
Agri-based Beverages Excellence
Whether producing tea, coffee or other beverages made from local agricultural ingredients, this award recognises quality, innovation and sustainability.
Agritech Innovation Award
Technology is transforming farming. This category celebrates innovators using digital tools, automation, drones and smart solutions to improve agriculture.
Farm Diversification Award
Diversifying a farming business takes vision. This award recognises producers creating new income streams, products or services that strengthen their operations.
Whether you’re entering yourself or nominating someone whose contribution deserves the national spotlight, this could be the year your story is recognised.
Tickets are available on Quicket.
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