Joburg Market bridges gap from farm to market for Limpopo growers

Building on its engagement with farmers in Limpopo earlier this year, Joburg Market returned to the province for a second market access and capacity-building training aimed at strengthening emerging farmers' readiness to participate in formal agricultural markets. The Market participated in a week-long capacity-building training programme, delivered in collaboration with African Farming and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture.

The programme reached more than 300 farmers across the Greater Giyani Local Municipality and the Collins Chabane Local Municipality, helping farmers strengthen their operations and improve their participation in formal agricultural value chains.

The programme brought together industry experts from the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC), the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) and Land Bank. APAC provided insights into the role and functions of agricultural produce agents, including the Fidelity Fund and trust accounts, and explained how these mechanisms promote accountability and safeguard farmers when conducting transactions through produce agents.

PPECB focused on export compliance, inspection requirements and cold-chain management for fresh produce destined for international markets. Farmers were also guided on export readiness and the standards required to successfully participate in export markets.

Land Bank shared information on available funding opportunities and financial support mechanisms aimed at assisting farmers to grow and expand their agricultural enterprises. Representing Joburg Market, acting Divisional Manager: Programme Management, Cedric Nephawe, shared the importance of market access and the requirements farmers need to meet when supplying formal markets. His presentation covered product quality, packaging, presentation, consistency and understanding buyer requirements.

“One of the biggest challenges farmers are experiencing is packaging. Farmers need to package their produce in a way that is appealing to customers, while also protecting the quality of the product and meeting market requirements," said Nephawe.

Through initiatives such as these, Joburg Market continues to contribute to building capable farmers and creating stronger pathways from production to market.

Written by Busisiwe Moagi
21/09/2026

To stay informed about the latest developments in the City, connect with us on:

X: @CityofJoburgZA
Facebook: City of Joburg
Instagram: @CityofJoburg
TikTok: @CityofJoburg
LinkedIn: City of Johannesburg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfJoburgZA/videos