Elzabe Rockman, Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, met with female farmers from the district on Saturday in the lead-up to the provincial Women in Agriculture Imbizo.

The MEC participated in discussions with female farmers from all sectors of agricultural production, engaging with them on the challenges they face, their successes, and broader concerns such as El Niño, climate change and access to markets – a critical final step in the agricultural production chain.

Rockman emphasised that, regardless of how much is produced, progress cannot be achieved without access to markets that enable female farmers to commercialise their products, as well as support those who wish to become self-sustainable.

Farmers from surrounding districts were invited to attend the Imbizo, with Parys chosen as the central venue. Discussions have already taken place in Xhariep, Mangaung and Lejweleputswa. The final engagement will take place in Thabo Mofutsanyana this coming weekend, ahead of the provincial Imbizo, where the way forward for female farmers in the province will be discussed.