Free State MECs Strengthen Agricultural Partnerships to Boost Wool and Crop Value Chains

Free State MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Elzabe Rockman, and MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ketso Makume, attended a high-level strategic meeting with the University of the Free State (UFS), TAGDev 2.0, RUFORUM, and the Mastercard Foundation at Amanzi Private Nature Reserve in Brandfort. The meeting focused on deepening collaboration for agricultural development and value chain enhancement, particularly in wool and crop production.

MEC Rockman highlighted the critical role of partnerships in advancing agricultural entrepreneurship. She emphasized the need to support women agricultural entrepreneurs with access to training, funding, and markets. Rockman noted that collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector is essential for transforming agriculture into a driver of inclusive economic growth.

Professor Swanepoel from the University of the Free State presented an overview of ongoing and planned collaborative programmes. He noted that through the partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Standard Bank, and UFS, over 270 farmers have already been trained under the Agri Business Farmer Transformation Programme. The initiative focuses on building managerial and business skills among emerging farmers to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

The Agri-Food Systems and Entrepreneur Centre Programme under TAGDev 2.0 aims to strengthen agricultural education, promote innovation, and improve climate-adaptive production systems. The programme also seeks to expand job opportunities and create wealth for young people within agricultural value chains.

Key initiatives discussed included empowering communal wool producers, revitalising local wool processing facilities, implementing a ram breeding programme, and improving animal welfare and performance. These projects are designed to increase productivity, improve product quality, and ensure that small-scale producers benefit more directly from the wool value chain.

Mr. Kriek from the National Wool Growers Association shared updates on the collaboration, focusing on wool shearing, classification, and training programmes. He also discussed the need for a socio-economic study to guide future interventions and measure the impact of the ongoing projects.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building stronger partnerships that link education, research, and practical farming solutions. By aligning efforts across institutions and sectors, the Free State aims to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, and create inclusive economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities.