Free State Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop to Empower Young Farmers

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is hosting a two-day capacity-building workshop for young farmers in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (YAFF) at the Bluegumbosch Multi-Purpose Centre in QwaQwa, Maluti a Phofung Local Municipality. The workshop precedes the prestigious YAFF Awards Ceremony scheduled for tomorrow evening and aims to equip emerging farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to unlock their farming potential.

The programme covers critical topics including market access, funding opportunities, labour relations, environmental impact assessments, tax compliance, land acquisition processes, water licensing, farm management, and production planning. These sessions have sparked meaningful discussions on how young farmers can build sustainable and profitable enterprises across the province.

Expert speakers from leading institutions including the Land Bank, Department of Labour, South African Revenue Service (SARS), Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD), Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), and the University of the Free State (UFS), alongside DARD officials, provided practical insights. They offered guidance on strengthening enterprises, improving compliance, and promoting sustainable agricultural growth.

The workshop also facilitates networking and experience sharing, giving participants practical tools to advance their ventures. By bringing together a variety of stakeholders, the initiative supports young farmers in becoming financially viable, environmentally conscious, and sustainably productive.

Through capacity-building efforts such as this, the Free State aims to foster the commercialisation of youth-led agricultural enterprises and ensure long-term development in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors. The workshop highlights the province’s commitment to empowering the next generation of farmers and building resilient agricultural communities.