Minister John Steenhuisen to Engage Youth in Agriculture and Industry Leaders in Stellenbosch

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen is set to meet young people working in agriculture and senior industry leaders on 17 June in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The engagement forms part of a focused effort to strengthen youth participation in the agricultural sector and expand opportunities for new entrants. The event will bring together students, emerging farmers and established captains of industry in a structured dialogue environment. It will also include senior officials from agricultural institutions and government departments who play a role in shaping sector policy and development. The meeting is expected to highlight practical challenges facing young farmers while also exploring solutions that can support long term growth and innovation.

The Department of Agriculture is using this platform to promote agriculture as a viable and attractive career path for young people. The sector continues to face skills gaps, uneven access to resources and limited market entry for emerging producers, making youth engagement a priority. Through round table discussions, participants will exchange views on how to improve access to land, finance, training and technology. Industry leaders and chief executive officers from key agricultural entities will also contribute insights on how private and public partnerships can be strengthened. Agricultural unions and commodity organisations will be present to ensure that the discussions reflect the realities of commercial farming and small scale production. The goal is to align different stakeholders around shared priorities that support growth in the agricultural economy.

A key focus of the event will be youth led agricultural enterprises and the role they can play in driving innovation. Many young farmers are already introducing new farming methods, digital tools and sustainable practices, but often lack the support needed to scale their operations. The discussions will allow these producers to present real experiences, including challenges related to funding, infrastructure and market access. By bringing these voices directly into conversation with industry leaders, the Department aims to identify practical interventions that can be implemented at both policy and business level. This includes exploring mentorship opportunities, investment channels and training programmes designed specifically for young entrants in agriculture. The event also seeks to highlight success stories that can inspire wider participation across rural and urban communities.

The round table format is designed to encourage direct engagement rather than one way communication. Participants will be divided into focused discussion groups where key issues can be explored in depth. These sessions are expected to generate actionable recommendations that can guide future agricultural support programmes. Government representatives will also use the opportunity to outline existing initiatives and assess how effectively they are reaching young beneficiaries. The presence of industry executives ensures that market realities are considered when designing support mechanisms for emerging farmers. This collaborative approach is intended to reduce barriers between policy, production and market access in the agricultural value chain.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, from 11:00 to 14:00 at the Agricultural Research Council’s Nietvoorbij facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The venue is known for its role in agricultural research and development, making it a suitable location for discussions focused on innovation and sector advancement. Stakeholders attending the session are expected to contribute to a broader national conversation on how agriculture can be transformed into a stronger driver of employment and economic inclusion. By bringing together youth, industry and government under one platform, the Department of Agriculture aims to build stronger coordination and shared accountability. The outcomes of the engagement are expected to inform future programmes that support young farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector as a whole.