Agri-Gauteng, in collaboration with Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM), hosted a farmers’ outreach programme at Mogale’s Centenary Hall on Monday morning, bringing together emerging and established farmers under one roof.

The session aimed to equip farmers with critical information on accessing support and sustainably growing their agricultural enterprises.

Held under the theme ‘Stronger partnerships build stronger farmers, ensuring a sustainable future’, the outreach highlighted the importance of collaboration in unlocking the full potential of the agricultural sector. Farmers were empowered with practical insights to help them transition from small-scale to commercial farming, while also supporting established commercial farmers who play a vital role in anchoring production systems and strengthening supply chains.

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Agriculture’s role in Gauteng’s economy

According to MCLM communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu, although agriculture contributes less than 2% to Gauteng’s provincial GDP, its impact is far-reaching. The sector sustains food security for a population of over 15 million people, supports livelihoods in peri-urban and township economies, and strengthens critical agro-food value chains.

As South Africa’s primary economic hub, contributing approximately 34 to 35% to national GDP, Gauteng relies on a resilient agricultural system to support its consumption and distribution networks.

Building partnerships for sustainable farming growth

Mahlangu said the programme created a dynamic multi-stakeholder platform where key sector challenges, such as limited access to finance, weak market integration, and fragmented institutional support, were openly addressed. Financial institutions, including Standard Bank and AFGRI, provided guidance on funding opportunities and pathways for farmers to scale their operations sustainably.

In addition, Mahlangu said farmers were encouraged to move beyond working in isolation and to build partnerships that open access to broader value chains. Emphasis was placed on agro-processing and entry into higher-value markets, enabling farmers to move beyond primary production and tap into more profitable segments of the agricultural economy.

The outreach also aligned with the District Development Model (DDM) and local economic development (LED) priorities, reinforcing agriculture’s role as a key driver of regional economic growth. By integrating agriculture into broader economic initiatives such as the West Rand Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Lanseria Smart City development, the sector is being positioned as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, and inclusive growth.

“As the session concluded, the future of agriculture in Mogale City lies in collaboration, innovation, and bold ambition. With the right support, partnerships, and access to opportunities, local farmers will not only be able to feed communities, but will build sustainable businesses, strengthen the economy, and shape a thriving agricultural future for Mogale,” said Mahlangu.

Key stakeholders in attendance included MMC for Economic Development Services, councillor Lwando Resha, Executive Director for Economic Development Services Nkhangweleni Siliga, and various agricultural companies.