CEO’s Desk – NAMC is committed to facilitating smallholder farmers’ access to markets

Since the launch of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) in May of 2022, considerable groundwork has been covered. Industries have similarly done preparations to begin the process of implementing the models proposed in the AAMP.

Market Access in Sasolburg and Welkom – Free State province

The NAMC is committed towards facilitating market access for smallholder farmers. During this reporting period, the Agribusiness Development division linked 70 smallholder farmers in the Free State province with the Ultimate Growers (PTY) LTD, which supplies Freshmark Group, Boxer and Hospitality Industry. About 32 farmers were from Sasolburg and the surrounding areas, and the remaining 38 farmers were from Welkoms.

The NAMC Participated in Jozini Farmers and Information Day event

A Jozini Market and Information Day was held by the Jozini Local Agricultural Office in partnership with Makhathini Irrigation Scheme Farmers, which was attended by over 100 farmers from Jozini and surrounding areas. Nonhlanhla Gwamanda, Senior Economist of NAMC, presented about market-related opportunities as part of NAMC's efforts to assist farmers in accessing markets.