STELLENBOSCH – As South Africa marks Youth Month and prepares to commemorate Youth Day on 16 June, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen is set to place young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs at the centre of a high-level industry discussion aimed at shaping the future of the sector.
Steenhuisen will engage with youth in agriculture and leading figures from the industry during a round-table discussion in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape on Wednesday 17 June.
The gathering comes at a critical time for South Africa’s agricultural sector, which faces mounting pressure to attract a new generation of farmers, innovators and agri-business leaders. The event will bring together young producers, students, agricultural organisations, industry captains and government representatives to explore opportunities for growth, innovation and transformation within the sector.
With youth unemployment remaining one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, agriculture is increasingly being viewed as a sector capable of creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening food security.
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The discussions will focus on empowering young farmers, removing barriers to entry and creating pathways for sustainable participation in the agricultural economy. Young producers will also have the opportunity to share their experiences, highlight the challenges they face and engage directly with decision-makers on issues affecting the future of farming.
The Department of Agriculture said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to position agriculture as a viable and attractive career choice for young South Africans while showcasing successful youth-led agricultural enterprises.
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The timing of the engagement carries particular significance. Youth Day, commemorated annually on 16 June, honours the courage and sacrifice of the young people who stood up for their rights during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Fifty years later, South Africa’s youth continue to confront a different struggle – securing meaningful economic opportunities and building sustainable futures.
Industry leaders attending the discussions are expected to examine ways of unlocking investment, expanding skills development programmes and creating an environment in which young people can thrive within the agricultural value chain.
The round-table discussion will take place at the Agricultural Research Council’s Nietvoorbij facility in Stellenbosch.
