“Agriculture remains the backbone of many rural communities in Mpumalanga, sustaining livelihoods, supporting processing industries, and contributing significantly to employment across the province.”

This was said by the MEC for agriculture, Khethiwe Moeketsi, during the delivery of the 2026/27 policy and budget speech for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea). The department had tabled a budget allocation of R1.827b.

Moeketsi said that, in a world confronted by rising food prices, climate uncertainty and growing socio-economic challenges, Dardlea’s responsibility is to ensure that no household goes to bed hungry, and that agriculture becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

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On June 8, the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) began onboarding its first client, Green Farms Nut Co, which will use the facility to store macadamia nut kernels.

The MIFPM, described by Premier Mandla Ndlovu as the country’s first fresh produce market since liberation, was initially announced in November 2018 and was due for completion by September 2020. However, various challenges led to multiple delays and missed launch deadlines.

According to Moeketsi, prior to signing up with the MIFPM, Green Farms was storing its macadamias in Gauteng, despite the product being grown in Mpumalanga.

“The decision by Green Farms to relocate its business here is a clear example of the impact of provincial investment in establishing the market, and a positive development in Mpumalanga’s growing role as a base for future-proofing South African food security.”

She added that a key client, Grindrod Logistics, is expected to come on board once the MIFPM receives accreditation from the Perishable Produce Export Control Board to use the market’s cold-room facilities for storing export-market citrus produce.

Moeketsi said that, to date, 11 market agents have been appointed to facilitate trade in fresh produce. “It is worth noting that of the 11 agents, nine are 100% black-owned and two are owned by young people, a sharp contrast to the demographic picture across all 15 existing national fresh produce markets.

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Significantly, five of the nine black agents are start-up enterprises from Mpumalanga that have received training from the Agricultural Produce Agents Council. This reflects the transformation agenda the province is driving in this market,” Moeketsi explained.

According to her, in the 2026/27 financial year, Dardlea will implement 30 food market squares across 30 wards, with a budget allocation of R78m.

The market squares are intended to be an extension of the MIFPM, and will provide trading infrastructure for informal traders and community-based enterprises, bringing markets closer to communities and stimulating local economic development. Each food market square is expected to create at least four SMME opportunities.

Since April 2025, Mpumalanga has experienced more than 243 foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, making it one of the most significant animal health challenges facing the province. Outbreaks have been recorded in all local municipalities, with the exception of Thaba Chweu. Moeketsi said that although the outbreaks negatively affected the export of livestock and related products, trade continues in disease-free areas and in commodities not affected by FMD.