Mark your calendars for the 7th Potatoes SA Transformation Symposium. This event sparks innovation and growth for new-era producers, connecting them with industry leaders. Plus, an outstanding farmer will be recognised for their potential or commercial success.
The symposium, taking place on Thursday, 15 February 2024 at the Birchwood Hotel, OR Tambo Conference Centre in Kempton Park, will gather farmers and industry leaders under the theme “Human capital development – an essential step in unlocking strategies for economic inclusivity.”
According to Rendani Murovhi, transformation manager at Potatoes SA, the symposium serves as a vital vehicle for new-era potato producers and community project leaders to interact with industry role players.
The role players offer services and platforms essential for the development, empowerment, and commercialisation of new-era farmers, and enterprise sustainability.
“In addition, it gives us the ideal opportunity to showcase the progress made and the successes achieved in the potato industry as far as transformation is concerned,” Murovhi said.
Transformation with purpose
Potatoes SA’s transformation efforts are focused on identifying and empowering new-era black potato farmers, ensuring their active participation in mainstream agriculture.
“These efforts entail, amongst others, capacity building, technical support, networking, mentoring, and providing industry exposure. Since the inception of transformation programmes, developing potato farmers from across South Africa have shown interest in participating in the enterprise development programme of Potatoes SA,” Murovhi said.
In addition, numerous communities continue to participate in the small grower development programme and offer tertiary pipeline opportunities to deserving agricultural students.
Despite the increased numbers of new entrants under the Potatoes SA transformation programmes and the progressive growth of black potato farmers, inclusivity in the whole potato value chain requires stimulation, Murovhi added.
For more information: foodformzansi.co.za