Sedibeng District Hosts 3rd Annual Agri-Summit

06 September 2024, Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market

On Friday, 6 September 2024, the Sedibeng District Municipality hosted its 3rd Annual Agri-Summit at the Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market. With the theme "30 Years of Growing the Agricultural Economy Together," the event brought together farmers, agribusiness stakeholders, and government representatives.

The summit was led by Executive Mayor Cllr Lerato Maloka, along with MMC for Local Economic Development Cllr Lulama Gamede, and Gauteng MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Ms Vuyiswa Ramokgopa. Together, they highlighted the vital role agriculture plays in driving regional economic growth and sustainability.

This year's summit provided an essential platform for farmers, agri-businesses, investors, and policy makers to engage in productive dialogue. Key discussions centred on topics such as the refurbishment of the Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market, the establishment of Agri-parks and Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs), mechanization, and agro-processing. The implementation of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) and enhancing food security in the Sedibeng region were also top priorities.

“We are steadily refurbishing the Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market to become a vibrant hub for the finest, freshest fruits, vegetables and other produce and moreover it can locally integrate with our food and beverage sector (tourism sector) and many other sectors in our regional economy,” stated Executive Mayor, Cllr. Lerato Maloka.

Various exhibitors such as ( FNB, Standard Bank, Old Mutual, Vaal University of Technology, Avbob, GDARDE, Engen, Pannar, Cannibis Industry, HS Supplies, Agri-Duo, Agri-Park, WOFSA, Joburg Market, Some Local Farmers and many more). Someleze Jali, Fresh Produce Manager, stated that the event aimed at creating a platform were all Agri-industry stakeholders and role players meet, share information, network and showcase their products and services. He is adamant that those who have missed out on the event, should be on the lookout on the 4th Agri-summit in 2025. He further mentioned that hosting the event at fresh produce market was a strategy to show case the positive changes that are taking place and encouraging all Agri sector role players, farmers and buyers to utilize the market at full capacity in order to strengthen food security in the region and creating opportunities.

“As GDARDE, we do support this initiative. We have also made investments into this particular facility because we want to see it thriving and the economy of Sedibeng to grow and be one of the core pillars of the agricultural sector in Gauteng” stated MEC Ramokgopa.