Youth Empowerment Highlighted at YARD Farmers Day in Ventersdorp
- Karen Scheepers
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The City of Matlosana’s National Fresh Produce Market recently participated in the Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) Farmers Day, hosted at Matsapola Farm in Ventersdorp within the JB Marks Municipality. The event, held on Friday, 11 July 2025, was organized by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to encourage, educate, and empower young farmers through networking opportunities and knowledge sharing.
Background on YARD Initiative
The Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) initiative, officially endorsed by the South African government since 2007, aims to address specific challenges faced by young people in agriculture. Nationally, YARD focuses on promoting youth participation, providing tailored training programs, developing leadership skills, and advancing economic inclusion through AgriBEE and similar initiatives. Its ultimate goal is to attract more young South Africans into agriculture, addressing critical issues like unemployment and food security.
Role of Matlosana Fresh Produce Market
The City of Matlosana’s National Fresh Produce Market plays a critical role in the regional agricultural economy, serving as a major hub for local farmers to access larger consumer markets. Beyond its primary function of selling produce, the market actively supports emerging and youth farmers by providing market information, training workshops, logistics assistance, and equitable access to buyers. By participating in events like YARD Farmers Day, the Fresh Produce Market reinforces its commitment to youth empowerment and economic growth, ensuring that young farmers can thrive in a competitive agricultural sector.
JB Marks Municipality’s Collaborative Effort
The choice of Matsapola Farm in Ventersdorp, located within JB Marks Municipality, underscored the cooperative spirit between municipalities aiming to uplift the region’s young agricultural entrepreneurs. JB Marks Municipality’s involvement highlights a commitment to supporting local farming initiatives and creating a conducive environment for agricultural growth and development.
Through its active participation, JB Marks continues to foster collaborative relationships with institutions such as the Matlosana Fresh Produce Market, amplifying the potential for broader regional development.
Event Highlights
The YARD Farmers Day event at Matsapola Farm offered young farmers practical and motivational activities.
Highlights included:
Hands-on demonstrations of best practices in vegetable crop planting.
Informative presentations from private sector organizations outlining available services, financial assistance, and technological innovations aimed specifically at youth in agriculture.
Networking sessions designed to connect young farmers with established agricultural businesses and potential mentors.
These activities aimed to provide not only practical farming knowledge but also opportunities for young farmers to build relationships vital for their growth and future success.
Inspirational Stories from Young Farmers
The event featured compelling success stories from young agricultural entrepreneurs. One young farmer from JB Marks Municipality shared her journey of transforming a small family plot into a thriving agribusiness, highlighting the instrumental support provided by the YARD initiative and the Matlosana Fresh Produce Market. Another young farmer detailed his success in securing market access and financing for expanding his vegetable farm, attributing his achievements to the practical knowledge and networking gained from previous YARD events.
These personal narratives provided attendees with tangible examples of how support structures like YARD and local agricultural markets significantly impact young farmers' lives, inspiring many participants to envision greater possibilities for their farming ventures.
Contributing to Regional Growth
The YARD Farmers Day is more than a standalone event; it symbolizes a broader movement toward youth-driven agricultural transformation in South Africa. Initiatives such as these align perfectly with the national goals of empowering youth, enhancing food security, and stimulating rural economic development. The active involvement of local institutions like the Matlosana Fresh Produce Market and JB Marks Municipality underscores their commitment to sustainable growth and youth empowerment.
Events like the YARD Farmers Day play a critical role in not only promoting agriculture as an attractive career option for youth but also ensuring the continued growth and resilience of South Africa's rural communities. By actively investing in young farmers today, municipalities and institutions are securing a prosperous and sustainable agricultural future for generations to come.
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