Document: Farmer's Forum Report: Local Development in Makhado, Limpopo

Introduction:

Farmer’s Forum Local Development hosted its first event in Limpopo, Makhado Municipality on the 24th of March 2010. The event marked the first of the 9 forums that are organised by Magatsheni Agricomm in promoting dialogue on issues affecting farmers and the role municipalities play towards the emancipation of the developing farmer. In recognizing government’s roles and other stakeholders, there were presentations made by institutions that work with farmers, and the following issues were addressed:

• market access for local farmers,
• Precision farming for a competitive advantage,
• infrastructure development and maintenance,
•  Agriplanning,
• The promotion of “best farming practices”, 
• Mechanisation and effective farm management strategies,
• The rising cost of input supplies.

What is Farmers Forum?

Farmers Forum “Local Development”- is an agribusiness interactive dialogue platform for developing and commercial agriculture. The forum is appreciated and supported by:

• The National Department of Agriculture
• The South African Local Government Association
• Productivity SA
• National Agricultural Marketing CouncilAgricultural Research Council

The forum will go around the country, and be hosted in areas strategically identified in consultation with the local municipalities through SALGA (South African Local Government Association). These areas are identified as agricultural active hubs within district local municipalities.

Our Objectives:

• Assist farmers with information on “precision farming, access to existing and alternatives markets and profitability. 
• Promote business to business relations: The availability of shared resources from local farmers.
• The facilitation of services that are geared towards farmers on a district level.
• Position and promote of Agriculture as a Local Economic Development Strategy within district municipality. 
• Relationship management between the farmers, district municipalities and local government on issues concerning services and infrastructure maintenance.