Joburg Market empowers emerging farmers and agro-processors

The Joburg Market recently partnered with the Soweto Farmers’ Market and the Dipula Income Fund to empower emerging farmers and agro-processors.

The collaboration aims to strengthen food security, enhance operations and improve value chain systems.

The agro-processors event on March 15 at the Joburg Market in City Deep, Johannesburg, highlighted the importance of investing in township farmers, building trust with suppliers and teaching the next generation about agriculture.

The Joburg Market’s services, such as banana ripening and cold storage, support farmers by extending the shelf life of produce and ensuring food safety.

The market fosters a robust and more sustainable agricultural sector through strategic partnerships, education and essential market services.

The Joburg Market contributes to a more resilient and thriving agricultural industry by supporting emerging farmers and agro-processors.

Its chairperson, Muzikayise Ndlovu, emphasised the importance of building trust with farmers and attracting additional suppliers.

“We need to strengthen relationships with farmers by visiting farms and engaging with farmers to understand their production processes and challenges. There is also a shortage of certain produce, which needs addressing with suppliers,” said Ndlovu.

“By educating the younger generation and guiding them to be interested in food production, we can create a new generation of innovative problem solvers that can ensure SA eradicates food shortages and issues like counterfeit goods in the industry,” he continued.