As the AGRI 5 Expo enters its 12th year, it continues to play a pivotal role in empowering black farmers, strengthening agribusinesses and advancing meaningful transformation within South Africa’s agricultural sector.

The expo serves both as a premier event and a primary platform dedicated to supporting commercial and emerging black farmers nationwide. It was held at Tzaneen Country Lodge on November 21 and 22.

This year’s expo focused on the theme: ‘Export readiness, product development, and employment creation through processing.’ It is against this backdrop that Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) partnered with the Thaba Chweu Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to sponsor 20 young emerging farmers’ participation in the 2025 expo.

The 20 beneficiaries were selected by the local DALRRD office and were represented by a gender ratio of 60% female and 40% male farmers from Mashishing and surrounding areas.

The expo was officially opened by Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who highlighted the significance of the platform. “AGRI 5 Expo’s main goal is to affirm that agriculture remains the anchor of hope for thousands of emerging farmers who aspire to transition from small-scale growers into fully-fledged commercial producers,” she said.

“It is here where emerging farmers are exposed to agro-processing opportunities, learn about import and export requirements and engage with private sector partners who can help unlock the next chapter of their businesses.”

Ramathuba further emphasised Limpopo’s agricultural strength, stating that the province produces 75% of the country’s mangoes, 65% of its papayas, 60% of its avocados, 36% of its tea, 60% of its tomatoes, and 35% of its oranges, along with significant volumes of bananas, litchis, and potatoes.

“These are not just statistics,” she said. “They are proof of the immense potential within our soil and among our farmers – particularly African farmers who continue to push boundaries despite many challenges.”

The 20 participating farmers expressed heartfelt gratitude to DCM for its support throughout the expo. One young female farmer described the experience as an invaluable opportunity to learn from industry experts, adding that the knowledge gained will undoubtedly yield long-term benefits.

DCM’s local economic development officer Mamagase Nchabeleng reaffirmed the company’s commitment to agricultural development: “This initiative is one way of encouraging our farmers to remain focused on feeding the nation. Young farmers are an essential part of our future – without them, we cannot thrive. We will continue to support and nurture them.”