Strategic Planning Session Sets New Focus for Agricultural Growth

A three day Strategic Planning session began yesterday at Loskop Dam. The meeting aims to set clear direction for the agricultural sector, assess progress and identify actions that can speed up economic growth. Senior Management and programme managers are attending. The Head of Department, Cain Chunda, is leading the session. Industry partners and commodity associations are also present. These include Agri Mpumalanga, African Farmers Association of South Africa, Deciduous Fruit Chamber SA, Grain SA, Mpumalanga International Food Market and the National African Farmers Union. The Office of the Premier, the national Department of Agriculture and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism are taking part.

The session opened with guidance from MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi. She stressed the need to empower smallholder and emerging farmers. She called for stronger agro processing, better rural infrastructure and firm value chains. She said these priorities must support job creation, reduce poverty and drive inclusive economic growth. Her message set the tone for a focused and results driven engagement.

You can see the weight of the gathering in the range of partners involved. Each organisation brings experience from its own segment of the value chain. Associations like Grain SA and NAFU represent producers who supply critical staples. Commodity groups such as the Deciduous Fruit Chamber support farmers who rely on export markets. Agri Mpumalanga and the African Farmers Association of South Africa work with farmers at different scales. Their input will help shape practical strategies that respond to real challenges on the ground.

The presence of the Mpumalanga International Food Market reflects the province’s interest in widening market access. Better links between farmers and buyers can support growth in production and processing. The participation of the Office of the Premier and the national departments signals strong alignment with broader policy goals.

You can expect the teams to examine progress made under current plans. They will track what has worked and what needs stronger action. Discussions will cover land use, production support, finance access, climate resilience, biosecurity and skills development. The aim is to identify bottlenecks and agree on steps that will improve delivery.

The session looks to anchor its work in national planning instruments. The National Development Plan and the Medium Term Development Plan both call for stronger food security, increased farmer participation and resilient value chains. The department wants its strategies to reflect these priorities and to turn them into concrete programmes.

Industry partners are expected to offer data, case studies and technical insight. Their experience can help refine support for farmers, improve extension services and align programmes with market demands. Strong stakeholder input can also improve policy coordination and reduce duplication.

You can expect the outcomes of the session to guide budgets, project timelines and partnership agreements for the coming years. The department aims to leave the meeting with a clear roadmap that will grow the sector and support rural communities.

The Loskop Dam session represents a focused effort to bring government and industry together. The goal is simple. Create conditions that help farmers grow, strengthen value chains and drive economic activity in Mpumalanga.