Eastern Cape Farmers Find New Markets at Agricultural Show

Chairperson of the Mnquma Farmers' Association, David Nomngqokwana, welcomed the initiative and said the platform had delivered important benefits for local farmers.

Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nonceba Kontsiwe, has praised residents for their strong support of local farmers during the Agricultural Show and Mnquma Market Day held in Butterworth. The event, hosted at the Monument Centre on Wednesday, brought together farmers from across the Amathole District, giving them an opportunity to showcase and sell a wide range of agricultural products directly to consumers.

Kontsiwe said the enthusiastic response from the public was clear as many visitors left the venue carrying fresh produce purchased from local farmers. She described the event as an example of how agricultural shows can create real economic opportunities while strengthening connections between producers and consumers.

Agricultural shows evolving into business platforms

According to the MEC, agricultural shows should serve a greater purpose than simply displaying produce. She said they must become centres of economic activity where farmers can access markets, build business relationships and grow their enterprises. The province reintroduced the agricultural shows last year, creating opportunities for farmers from the Amathole, Chris Hani, Sarah Baartman and OR Tambo districts to engage with buyers, agricultural specialists and industry stakeholders.

The events also provide space for participants throughout the agricultural value chain to showcase products, innovations and funding opportunities. Farmers are able to exchange knowledge, learn about new developments in the sector and establish valuable networks that can support future growth. Kontsiwe said the department's revised agricultural show model places a stronger focus on market access and commercial opportunities, helping farmers move beyond production and into sustainable business development.

Farmers welcome opportunities for growth and learning

Chairperson of the Mnquma Farmers' Association, David Nomngqokwana, welcomed the initiative and said the platform had delivered important benefits for local farmers. He said the show created opportunities to sell products, gain new knowledge and connect with potential markets. The experience also allowed farmers to learn from one another and explore ways to improve the quality and competitiveness of their produce.

Nomngqokwana added that continued support for agricultural shows could help many emerging farmers take meaningful steps toward becoming fully commercial agricultural producers. The department plans to host the shows quarterly across all district municipalities in the province. Officials believe the programme will help bridge the gap between production and market access, stimulate rural economic activity and strengthen the agricultural value chain throughout the Eastern Cape.