​Joburg Market has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening South Africa's agricultural value chain through its support of the AGDA Annual Stakeholder and Member Engagement, a two-day conference focused on addressing challenges and unlocking opportunities within the agricultural sector. Day one featured insights from Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land Reform and chief economist Wandile Sihlobo. He called on stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions to help the sector navigate these challenges.

Director-General of the National Department of Agriculture Mooketsi Ramasodi shared perspectives on the 2.5 million hectares of land and the importance of building a more inclusive and efficient agricultural value chain.

On day two, Joburg Market's acting Chief Operations Officer Charles Park participated in a panel discussion on creating routes to market. The panel brought together APAC CEO Francois Knowles, Citrus Growers Association CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshebele and commercial farmer Pitso Sekhoto.

Park addressed market access, Joburg Market's response to recommendations from the Competition Commission, and the importance of compliance and packaging requirements within the fresh produce trading environment.
“Creating accessible and inclusive routes to market requires us to address the practical barriers that affect participation in the agricultural value chain. This includes strengthening compliance and understanding packaging requirements to ensure that market processes support fair participation and efficient trade."

The discussions further explored practical ways to improve market access, advance transformation and facilitate the participation of black market agents in the agricultural trading environment.

The conference also featured contributions from Agri SA CEO Johann Kotzé and African Farmers Association of South Africa President AJ Mthembu.

Joburg Market's participation reinforces its commitment to stakeholder collaboration, market accessibility and transformation in support of a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.
 

Written by Busisiwe Moagi
26/10/2026
 

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