Empowering Future Farmers: Insights and Innovations from the DA Farmers Breakfast 

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Future Farmers Foundation attended the Democratic Alliance (DA)-hosted Farmers' Breakfast at Fernhill, Howick, KZN. Farmers from across the sector gathered to share their experiences and gain feedback on the Department of Agriculture's progress under the new government. The event featured notable speakers and leaders in the agricultural sector.

Judy Stuart, Founder and CEO, along with Benjamin Siyabonga Goba from Shallow Drift Farm and Noluthando Molefe of Five Head Farm, shared their expertise. Mafezi Zikhali, Operations Lead, also contributed significantly to the discussions.

Deputy Mayor Sandile Mnikathi provided valuable feedback on the local municipality's progress within the Umngeni District. Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (GNU), updated attendees on infrastructure improvements related to access roads. The contributions of John Steenhuisen, National Minister of Agriculture, during his term were also highlighted.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

Farmers continue to face significant challenges, including livestock theft, which remains a persistent issue. Additionally, there is a need to broaden market access and create more opportunities from an export perspective. Programs like the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) are designed to help farmers expand their reach and improve their economic resilience.

This event highlighted Future Farmers' commitment to actively participating in discussions as the voice for youth in agriculture. We aim to better serve and align with practical project design and implementation to foster growth and innovation in the sector while addressing critical issues such as infrastructure, youth involvement, and market access.

A key moment was when Mafezi Zikhali posed a question to Minister Macpherson regarding the department's plans to integrate youth into agriculture. Additionally, we had the opportunity to present our Future Farmer Guide, which outlines the values we instil in future farmers.

Department of Agriculture Initiatives for Youth in Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture is actively working to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders through various programs and initiatives. These include structured agricultural training through reviving agricultural colleges, farmer support and development, and youth-specific programs such as the Unemployed Agriculture Graduates Youth Programme and the Township Agriculture initiatives.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, and his office for inviting Future Farmers as a youth development and capacity-building stakeholder.