A trade and career expo is set to provide farmers with skills and contacts to help them access markets and grow their networks.
“This is where meaningful networking will begin. It pains me deeply to see a farmer work so hard, produce a beautiful harvest, and yet watch it go to waste simply because they cannot access the right markets,” said farmer and agroecology activist Rosa Ramaipadi.
She organises the Limpopo Trade Show and Career Expo, which is set to get underway in Polokwane on Thursday (21 August).
“Through this platform, we want to change that narrative by connecting farmers, buyers and service providers directly, so that every effort put into production finds its rightful place in the economy,” Ramaipadi said.
The expo was established in response to the province’s ongoing challenges with market accessibility. It is now poised to empower SMMEs across Limpopo.
The three-day event at Jack Botes Hall brings together township and rural-based businesses under one roof to network, showcase products and explore new opportunities.
Ramaipadi, a former teacher who now specialises in organic, agroecological and regenerative agriculture, told Vutivi News that the only way to overcome market accessibility challenges was by bringing different sectors together under one roof.
“Every farmer needs a motor vehicle dealership, a water drilling company, energy suppliers, packaging services, funding, and many more. We all need each other, so we must come together and collaborate. This way, we will help each other and win the battle,” said Ramaipadi, who is the director of Matladi Group (Pty) Ltd and a member of the SA Organic Organisation.
“A farmer needs an agro-processor, and both need a buyer. For example, a farmer who produces peanuts can sell them to an agro-processor who makes peanut butter. Both the farmer and the processor will then need to brand and package their products in a presentable manner.”
Ramaipadi said the expo would also provide access to funding, mentorship and guidance from industry leaders.
Participants will include representatives from banks, who will advise on the importance of business accounts for SMEs.
Other role players will advise will on funding, loans and grants.
“The Department of Agriculture will also be on board, and the hospitality sector will cook and showcase indigenous vegetables such as telele, monawa, lerothwe and many more,” Ramaipadi said.
