The stage is set for one of the most anticipated nights on the agricultural calendar — the South African Agricultural Awards (SAAA) 2025. Presented in proud partnership with AgriSETA, the awards promise to be a celebration of excellence and innovation.
On Friday, 7 November 2025, industry leaders, farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the country will gather at the Durban Christian Centre Jesus Dome in KwaZulu-Natal to honour the best of the best in South African agriculture.
Food For Mzansi is proud to announce its role as an official media partner for the 2025 edition of the awards, offering readers exclusive coverage, inspiring profiles, and a front-row seat to the stories shaping this year’s celebrations.
Honouring excellence and empowerment
“The SAAA celebrates more than success; it celebrates impact,” says SAAA chairperson Lindiwe Xaba. “It recognises individuals and organisations driving transformation, sustainability, and innovation across the agricultural value chain.”
From emerging farmers and culinary trailblazers to educational institutions and agripreneurs, each nominee embodies the resilience and brilliance that define South African agriculture.
“The South African Agricultural Awards honour those who are shaping a more inclusive and dynamic agricultural future,” adds Dr Innocent Sirovha, CEO of AgriSETA. “Through this partnership, we ensure that recognition goes hand-in-hand with empowerment — linking excellence to opportunities for training, mentorship, and lifelong learning.”
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Award categories
This year’s awards feature an extensive list of categories that reflect the diversity and creativity of South Africa’s agricultural sector:
- Farm Diversification Award
- Rural Transformative Farmer/Organisation of the Year
- Small-Stock Farmer of the Year
- Sustainable Initiative Award
- Unsung Hero Award / Public Service
- Lifetime Achievement
- Nature Friendly Farmer Award
- Tourist Attraction/Event of the Year
- Accessibility Agriculture Award
- Innovation in Agriculture
- Best Provincial Farmer
- Best Restaurant
- eThekwini Best Farmer
- Student of the Year
- Young Farmer of the Year
- Best Agricultural Influencer
- Farmer of the Year
- Best Emerging/Upcoming Farmer
- Best Higher Learning Agri Empowerment Program
- Student Sustainability Award
- Best Foundational Education Agricultural Project
- Best Chef Award
- Agricultural Development and Community Empowerment Award
- Best in Horticulture
- Excellence in Forestry
- Legacy Grower Award
- Doctors in Agriculture
- Fruit of the Vine Innovation Award
- Agri-Based Body Products Excellence
- Excellence in Agri-Based Hot Beverages
- Agri-Based Fermented Products Excellence
- Outstanding Agricultural Extension Advisor of the Year
- Top Performing TVET in Agriculture
- Top Performing CET in Agriculture
- Top Performing Agricultural College
A movement for growth
With entries now closed and the adjudication phase underway, anticipation is building across the country. The SAAA is far more than an annual awards event – it is a national movement uniting farmers, agribusinesses, training institutions, and policymakers under one vision: a thriving, resilient, and proudly South African agricultural sector.
“We’ve seen how the awards inspire ordinary people doing extraordinary things on farms, in kitchens, and in rural communities,” says Ivor Price, co-founder of Food For Mzansi. “These are the real stories of courage and innovation that remind us why agriculture remains the beating heart of South Africa’s economy and identity.”
This year’s ceremony promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the people, projects, and partnerships driving change in South African agriculture.
“The South African Agricultural Awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates the people and initiatives transforming the food system,” adds Xaba. “This year’s ceremony will be a landmark event, spotlighting not only success but also collaboration and innovation that keep the sector moving forward.”
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