- Support for Emerging and Communal Farmers: The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture is committed to helping emerging and communal farmers access sustainable markets and financial support to enhance their agricultural activities.
- Addressing Market Access Challenges: MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe highlighted that farmers often struggle to access reliable markets, as retailers tend to prefer purchasing from outside the province, and emphasized the importance of the agricultural show as a platform for marketing local produce.
- Financial Support to Reduce Crop Waste: The department emphasizes the need for financial backing to prevent crop waste, especially for perishable items like vegetables, thereby supporting farmers’ economic sustainability.
- Promotion of Skills Development and Youth Employment: Participation of agricultural high schools in the show is seen as a crucial step in developing skills and creating employment opportunities for young people in agriculture.
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has reinforced its commitment to supporting emerging and communal farmers by helping them access sustainable markets and financial backing. This was mentioned during the Agricultural Show held at Mthatha Stadium in the OR Tambo District on 5 September 2025.
Speaking at the event, MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe acknowledged the hard work of farmers but noted that many still face serious challenges in accessing reliable markets.
“Farmers say they are often overlooked by retailers who choose to buy from companies outside the province. This show is a vital platform to market their produce, and we want to link them with institutions that can help,” she said.
Kontsiwe also stressed the need for financial support to prevent crop waste, particularly in perishable goods such as vegetables. She welcomed the participation of agricultural high schools, calling it an important step for skills development and youth employment.
The show also featured seamstresses who received industrial sewing machines from the department. Kontsiwe said her goal was to see their products sold in town clothing stores. Award-winning seamstress Nobuntu Saka praised the assistance, saying it allowed her to train youth and women while running shops in Port St. Johns and Mthatha Airport.
Nombuyiselo Mlonyeni, representing Ingquza Hill Municipality cooperatives, said more than 100 co-ops are active in farming, sewing, and agro-processing but still face shortages of equipment, fencing, water, and proper infrastructure.
