Grain SA still giving recognition where it is due

Entries for the Grain SA Farmer Development Programme’s Farmer of the Year awards already opened at the beginning of the year and even amidst the 2020 lockdown and the cancellation of several agricultural events, the awards programme has managed to stay afloat.

Every year at the colourful Day of Celebration, Grain SA proudly celebrates the successes of the Farmer Development Programme. The incredible progress of its Subsistence Farmers, Smallholder Farmers, Potential Commercial Farmers and New Era Commercial Farmers as well as their contribution to household and local food security are showcased during this event. Unfortunately, the Day of Celebration was also caught in the COVID-19 trap and the event will not be taking place in October as usual. But, especially with the promise of a good harvest out there, it is important to give recognition to every farmer and to reward the dedication and hard work that went into this year’s entries.

Grain SA therefore still visited and judged the entrants in the Farmer Development Programme’s Farmer of the Year awards and now proudly announces the finalists for the 2020 season. Each of the finalists will receive their recognition together with the finalists for the 2021 season. This will take place during the 2021 Day of Celebration function, where the winner in each category will be announced. Next year’s event will therefore honour more finalists in each category, and an overall winner will be announced! Don’t miss the 2021 Day of Celebration – it promises to be bigger and more colourful than ever, with a double dose of the best farmers from the Farmer Development Programme.