Provincial Young Farmers Day Highlights Youth Empowerment and Agricultural Growth in North West

The Provincial Young Farmers Day held on 12 June 2026 at Motse Morale Farm near Brits brought together a large number of young farmers from across the North West province. The event created a platform where young producers could showcase and sell their agricultural produce directly to buyers, stakeholders and fellow farmers. It also served as a practical meeting point for learning, networking and business exposure within the agricultural sector. The gathering reflected a growing shift toward youth participation in farming as a structured economic activity rather than informal subsistence production. Strong attendance from both emerging farmers and established institutions showed rising interest in agriculture as a long term career path.

The event featured participation from key stakeholders including the Land Bank, National Youth Development Agency, Agricultural Research Council and North West University. These organisations used the platform to present information on funding opportunities, agricultural training programmes and technical support services available to young farmers. Many attendees engaged directly with representatives to understand how to access loans, mentorship and development initiatives aimed at improving productivity. The presence of academic institutions also added value by linking research based solutions to practical farming challenges faced by young producers. This combination of financial, technical and educational support created a more complete support environment for youth in agriculture.

North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha addressed participants and encouraged young people to take agriculture seriously as a viable career option. He stressed that the future of the sector depends on the active involvement of young farmers who are willing to innovate and take leadership roles. He also highlighted the importance of reviving structured programmes that support youth participation in agriculture at all levels. According to him, many agricultural enterprises fail because there is no clear succession planning in place. He called on young people to position themselves as successors who can sustain and grow existing agribusinesses.

A key theme of the event was the need for youth to engage across the entire agricultural value chain. Participants were encouraged not to limit themselves to production alone but to explore opportunities in processing, packaging, logistics and marketing. This broader approach to agribusiness is seen as essential for building sustainable farming enterprises that can compete in modern markets. Young farmers were also advised to consider value addition strategies that increase profitability and reduce dependency on raw produce sales. Discussions during the event also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship skills, financial literacy and access to markets in building successful farming operations.

The Provincial Young Farmers Day reinforced the idea that agriculture in South Africa is evolving into a more inclusive and opportunity driven sector. By bringing together financial institutions, research bodies, universities and government departments, the event created a strong ecosystem for youth development. It also demonstrated that young farmers are not only participants in the sector but potential leaders who can shape its future direction. The emphasis on succession planning, skills development and value chain participation pointed toward a long term strategy for agricultural sustainability in the province. The gathering at Motse Morale Farm ultimately underscored the role of young people in ensuring that agriculture remains productive, competitive and resilient in the years ahead.