Mpumalanga Agriculture Department and ITAU Milling Strengthen Partnership to Advance Food Security and Agro-Processing

On 29 May 2025, the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Ms. Elzabe Rockman, led a senior departmental delegation in a strategic engagement with ITAU Milling Chief Executive Officer Mr Fanti Hattingh and his executive management team. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between government and the private sector in advancing agricultural development across the province. It highlighted the importance of partnerships that directly support food security programmes and agro-processing initiatives. The engagement formed part of a broader strategy to build a resilient agricultural economy through collaboration and shared expertise. It also reinforced the department’s commitment to working closely with industry leaders who contribute to rural development and sustainable food systems.

A key focus of the discussion was the recognition of ITAU Milling’s ongoing contribution to food security initiatives supported by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs. The company has played a significant role in supporting agricultural value chains by contributing to grain processing and related services that benefit local farmers. The MEC expressed appreciation for this support, noting that private sector involvement remains essential in strengthening agricultural productivity and ensuring stable food supply systems. The engagement also allowed both parties to review existing collaboration efforts and identify opportunities for expansion. This included exploring ways to improve efficiency in agro-processing and increase market access for emerging farmers.

The meeting further opened discussions on future collaboration aimed at advancing agro-processing development and long-term food security in the province. ITAU Milling and the Department agreed that strengthening the agricultural value chain is critical to unlocking rural economic growth. By improving processing capacity and supporting local production systems, the partnership seeks to reduce dependency on external supply chains. The discussions also emphasised the importance of innovation and skills development within the agricultural sector. Both parties recognised that sustainable food systems require coordinated efforts between government, private sector stakeholders and educational institutions.

One of the most significant outcomes of the engagement was the agreement to create structured learning opportunities for students from Glen Agricultural College Glen Agricultural College. These opportunities will include educational visits to ITAU Milling facilities, where students will gain first-hand exposure to agro-processing operations. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical industry experience. Students will be able to observe modern milling processes, quality control systems and value chain operations in real time. This exposure is expected to enhance their understanding of agricultural economics and prepare them for future careers in the sector.

The partnership also supports broader efforts to strengthen agricultural education and skills development in Mpumalanga. By connecting students with industry professionals, the initiative aims to produce graduates who are better equipped to contribute to the agricultural economy. It also encourages knowledge transfer between experienced practitioners and emerging agricultural professionals. The Department and ITAU Milling agreed that continuous engagement is necessary to ensure that training programmes remain relevant and aligned with industry needs. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building capacity within the sector and supporting long term workforce development.

The engagement reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to maintaining strong and continuous collaboration in support of agricultural growth and rural development. It highlighted the importance of partnerships that integrate production, processing and education into a unified development approach. Through this cooperation, farmers, students and rural communities stand to benefit from improved access to opportunities and resources. The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs and ITAU Milling expressed confidence that their partnership will continue to contribute meaningfully to food security and economic development in the province. The agreement sets a foundation for sustained collaboration aimed at strengthening the agricultural value chain and promoting long term sustainability in Mpumalanga.