EASTERN CAPE — Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe has commended the robust public support and commercial success of the recent Kirkwood Agricultural Show in the Sarah Baartman District, highlighting the event’s critical role in connecting local farmers directly with consumers and buyers.
Addressing attendees at the Phindile Madama Qekeni Multipurpose Hall, Kontsiwe emphasized that modern agricultural shows must function as active hubs of economic activity rather than mere exhibition spaces. She noted their established role in celebrating farming excellence while crucially promoting market access for smallholder farmers.
The Eastern Cape department reintroduced these agricultural shows last year, providing farmers from the Amathole, Chris Hani, Sarah Baartman, and OR Tambo District Municipalities with structured opportunities to present their produce to buyers, agricultural experts, and other key stakeholders.
Beyond product showcases, the events serve as a comprehensive platform for participants across the entire agricultural value chain. They facilitate the exhibition of services, funding opportunities, and innovations, while enabling essential networking and the dissemination of valuable industry information.
Kontsiwe confirmed that the department will continue to roll out this reimagined agricultural show model across all district municipalities. The evolved format intentionally shifts focus from traditional competitive events to vibrant marketplaces, directly linking farmers with potential buyers, financial institutions, and agribusiness stakeholders to foster tangible commercial opportunities.
Local producers have echoed the positive economic impact of the initiative. Farmer Sanelisiwe Phangelele expressed strong support for the program, noting that it provides essential avenues for selling produce and gaining critical product knowledge.
“We are very delighted as farmers to have platforms like these, where we are able to sell our produce,” Phangelele stated. “This show has brought exciting opportunities for farmers in terms of markets and gaining more knowledge about our products. We need to continue with these shows so that we can improve our produce, learn from others and have access to the markets.”
According to the department, these quarterly shows, scheduled to be hosted across all district municipalities, are strategically designed to bridge the gap between agricultural production and consumer markets. The ongoing initiative aims to empower farmers, stimulate rural economies, and contribute meaningfully to the overall growth and resilience of the province’s agricultural value chain.
