The NAMC is committed towards facilitating market access for smallholder farmers. During this reporting period, the Agribusiness Development division linked 70 smallholder farmers in the Free State province with the Ultimate Growers (PTY) LTD, which supplies Freshmark Group, Boxer and Hospitality Industry. About 32 farmers were from Sasolburg and the surrounding areas, and the remaining 38 farmers were from Welkoms.

A Jozini Market and Information Day was held by the Jozini Local Agricultural Office in partnership with Makhathini Irrigation Scheme Farmers, which was attended by over 100 farmers from Jozini and surrounding areas. Nonhlanhla Gwamanda, Senior Economist of NAMC, presented about market-related opportunities as part of NAMC’s efforts to assist farmers in accessing markets.

The NAMC participated in a consultative workshop on the implementation of the commodity-based extension approach and Smallholder Empowerment and Promotion approach. The workshop aimed to implement a value chain approach for integrated and holistic support services for smallholder farmers, prioritising market access, by engaging Public Private Partnerships.