On behalf of the Stakeholder Group of the Agricultural Development Agency I am pleased to announce a major milestone in the operationalisation of the Agricultural Development Agency.

On 9 September 2020 the first board was elected by the founding members of the Agency. They are:

For the Commercial Farmers sector: Nick Serfontein and Kallie Schoeman

For the Smallholder Farmers sector: Nono Sekhoto and David Mthombeni

For Commodity Organisations: Jannie de Villiers

For Agri-business: John Purchase

This represents the start of building a credible organisation that brings together role-players from across the sector. As we have indicated, AGDA intends to support development of black emerging farmers within the agricultural value chain as well as inclusive growth and transformation through a partnership model using best practice examples from across the country. Our focus will be facilitating access to affordable and accessible finance, skills development and access to markets. This is the time for us to build a strong social compact that will ensure sustainability and growth. Job creation and Food security are essential to rebuilding our economy and the livelihoods of our people and we believe that AGDA working in partnership with various stakeholders and government can contribute to a sustainable agricultural sector

ISSUED BY LEONA ARCHARY

INTERIM CEO: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY