At the African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo 2026 in Pretoria, keynote speaker Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, delivered a clear and urgent message to emerging farmers: The future of agriculture lies not in access to funding alone, but in building sustainable, competitive and bankable farming enterprises.
By Marieke Snyman, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Addressing a room filled with producers, policymakers and industry players, Ramokgopa emphasised that while government support programmes have expanded over the years, too few have translated into viable commercial operations.
“We are spending our budgets,” she noted, “but are we shifting the needle?” For upcoming farmers, this question cuts to the heart of long-term success.
“Financial support without proper coordination, market access and measurable outcomes risks keeping farmers trapped on the margins of the sector,” said Ramokgopa.
A central theme of her address was the need to move beyond fragmented support systems. Farmers often have to navigate multiple institutions – government departments, financiers and private sector partners – each operating in isolation. This lack of alignment, she argued, weakens the overall impact of development efforts.
Instead, she called for a more integrated approach, where the state acts as an enabler; not just a funder. “This includes creating a supportive policy environment, investing in infrastructure and unlocking private sector funding through blended finance models. For farmers, this means thinking beyond grants and focusing on building enterprises that can attract investment and scale over time.”
Bridging the divide between commercial and smallholder farmers
Ramokgopa also highlighted a structural reality that emerging farmers must confront: South Africa still operates as “two agricultures”. On one side is a well-developed, globally competitive commercial sector. On the other, a large group of smallholder and emerging farmers facing constraints such as limited access to land, finance and markets.
“Bridging this divide,” she stressed, “requires more than policy discussions – it requires practical steps to improve competitiveness, consistency of supply and participation in value chains.”
She pointed out that opportunities do exist, particularly through regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. However, access to these markets will depend on farmers’ ability to produce at scale and meet quality standards.
Beyond economics, Ramokgopa reminded farmers that agriculture sits at the centre of food security and social stability.
“Rising input costs, climate variability and disease outbreaks – such as the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease crisis – are not abstract risks, but daily realities that can determine whether a farming enterprise survives.”
Her message to emerging farmers was clear: Resilience must be built into the business model.
Looking ahead, she urged farmers – especially young entrants – to position themselves for the next 20 years. Technology, data and innovation will increasingly determine who participates in agriculture and who captures value.
“Technology, research and intellectual property are the true levers of value creation,” she said.
Ultimately, Ramokgopa’s address was both a challenge and an opportunity. For upcoming farmers, success will depend not only on accessing support, but on building disciplined, market-oriented and future-ready farming businesses that can stand on their own.
African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo 2026
The African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo 2026 is taking place on 26 and 27 March at Time Square Hotel in Pretoria. This two-day event will bring together more than 200 farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, policymakers, financiers and industry leaders. The goal is clear: To align resources, unlock opportunities and strengthen partnerships that will accelerate the growth of South Africa’s new generation of commercial farmers.
Hosted by African Farming, the Imbizo builds on a strong commitment to advancing black commercial agriculture through information-sharing, networking and development-driven platforms.
Powered by: AFGRI | Ford | Standard Bank – South Africa | RMIS – Red Meat Industry Services | Afrivet | Shell | Vaal University of Technology | Pannar Seed
Also read: Third African Farming Imbizo to advance new-generation farmers into the mainstream economy
Meet the speakers: Ntuthuko Shezi
Meet the speakers: Bennedicter Mhlongo
Meet the speakers: Sizo Tshabalala
Meet the speakers: GG Alcock
Meet the speakers: Caiphas Muyambo
Meet the speakers: Louw van Reenen
Meet the speakers: Dr Lerato Matsaunyane
Meet the speakers: Leeko Makoene-Motsuenyane
Meet the speakers: Rodrigo Lopes de Almeida
