Viticulture, oenology, forestry and wood sciences – these are just some of the scarce and critical skills constantly needed in modern agriculture. They are part of the discussion programme for the AgriYouth Indaba taking place on 12 August 2014. The AgriYouth Indaba runs alongside the African Farmers Workshop and Expo, a three-day exhibition at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg from 12 to 14 August 2014, intended to empower emerging and subsistence farmers. This is an event for all aspiring young farmers and not to be missed.

The Indaba is designed to increase awareness of the many exciting career opportunities available in agriculture. The theme of this year’s event is ‘The Future Food Producer’. “Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in South Africa’s economy, offering a wide array of opportunities for young people,” explains Mahlatse Masimini, CEO of Moshate Media, organisers of the event. “We want to inspire, encourage and support young people in exploring all facets of agriculture as a potential career, and uplift youngsters already working in agriculture.” The AgriYouth Indaba will address youth development in a holistic strategy that encompasses political, economic and social dimensions. Simo Vilakazi, Business Development Manager at Moshate Media, adds that the main objective of the AgriYouth Indaba is to address youth empowerment as well as job creation in the agricultural sector. “The Indaba will make young people aware of career and entrepreneurial opportunities that exist in the sector.”

Indaba Attractions
Young people already succeeding in the agricultural sector will be profiled during the Indaba, sharing their experiences and successes in the grain, livestock, poultry and fresh produce sectors with visitors and guests. In addition, career advisors from two of South Africa’s top universities will be at the Indaba to explain the various fields of agricultural education and funding options available. Indaba visitors can also attend an informative panel discussion on the various opportunities available for young, aspirant farmers in the agriculture sector. Speakers will include a wine maker, agricultural economist, veterinarian and a farm manager. Indaba organisers have arranged some excursions to local farms and agro-processing facilities to provide real-life examples of the sectors discussed.

Expo Empowers Agri-Visitors
The African Farmers Workshop and Expo (AFWE) focuses on helping farming communities increase production while increasing their own revenue.
“Raising productivity among South Africa’s emerging farmers is critical to achieving and maintaining sustainability in agriculture,” continues Masimini. “To do that, the farming community needs a knowledge-exchange that provides emerging farmers with access to support, tools and innovation in agricultural practices. The African Farmers Workshop and Expo is the ideal networking platform to achieve this.” AFWE combines a comprehensive indoor and outdoor exhibition, a breeders’ expo, and numerous daily workshops with the AgriYouth Indaba and the Agri BizNiz Summit. “Visitors to AFWE have a valuable opportunity to discover the latest information, resources, products and services needed for emerging and subsistence farmers to run more efficient, more profitable farms,” adds Masimini. The exhibition showcases agricultural machinery and commercial vehicles, irrigation equipment, research organisations, financial services, chemical products, livestock, dairy equipment, IT technology and animal health products.