Document: Farmer's Forum Report: Local Development in Thabo Mofutsanyana, Free State

Introduction:

Farmer’s Forum Local Development held its first event in Free State Province, Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality. The event was held at Bakenpark Hall (Bohlokong), on the 28th of May 2010. The event marked the third of the 9 forums organised by Magatsheni Agricomm in promoting dialogue on issues affecting farmers and the role the municipalities play in the economic emancipation of the developing farmer. In recognizing the governments roles and other stakeholders, there were presentations made that looked at issues:

• Market access,
• Infrastructure development and maintenance,
• Agriplanning,
• Best farming practices,
• Mechanisation and effective farm management strategies. 

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 (SALGA),
• Productivity SA, 
• National Agricultural Marketing Council,
• Agricultural 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 Agriculture as a Local Economic Development Strategy, within district municipality, 
• Relationship management between the farmers, municipalities within the and local government on issues concerning services and infrastructure maintenance 
• The promotion of agribusiness using the IDP (Integrated Development Programme) Strategy.