Taking place on 23 October 2025 at the Joburg Market premises, this year’s annual Farmer’s and SMME Day is set to be a vibrant celebration of enterprise, innovation, and agricultural transformation, all under the inspiring theme ‘From Farm to Market – Enhancing Market Access”.
The event has grown into one of the city’s most empowering platforms for small-scale producers, traders, and agripreneurs. It brings together key industry players, development partners, financial institutions, and government agencies to unlock opportunities within South Africa’s agri-economy.
Building pathways from farm to market
Every year, this initiative strengthens the bridge between producers and markets, ensuring that transformation in agriculture translates into tangible opportunities. It has become a cornerstone event for the Joburg Market’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and enterprise development.
This year’s programme promises a dynamic blend of expert talks, networking sessions, and practical business guidance tailored for farmers and small enterprises. Participants can look forward to engaging with some of the most influential voices in the sector, including:
- Deborah Machard, W&RSETA
- Keneilwe Nailana, Standard Bank
- Luvuyo Sandi, Kagiso Trust
- Sophy Litshani, Vhegies Pty Ltd
- Ayanda Vana, KHULA App
- Roman Rahme, Kingfresh
- Sello Makhubela, Joburg Market
- Mzikayise Ndlovu
These speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience across areas such as funding, enterprise growth, skills development, and sustainable agricultural practices. Their insights will equip emerging farmers and entrepreneurs with practical strategies to expand their market reach and improve competitiveness.
Empowering farmers and small businesses
Over the years, the Farmer’s and SMME Day has become more than just a networking event. It’s a learning hub for growth-minded agricultural players. Attendees gain first-hand knowledge about how to access the Joburg Market trading system, explore funding mechanisms, understand compliance requirements, and enhance product quality and packaging for market readiness.
According to the Joburg Market team, the goal is not only to educate but to inspire collaboration and create lasting business linkages.
“This platform continues to empower small businesses, connect farmers to market opportunities, and strengthen local agricultural value chains,” says a Joburg Market representative.
The event also provides opportunities for one-on-one interactions with industry experts and financial institutions, enabling participants to explore real solutions to their business challenges. Whether it’s navigating financing options, improving logistics, or refining branding, the day offers something for every stage of the agricultural journey.
Partnerships driving transformation
The success of this initiative would not be possible without the invaluable support of the Joburg Market’s sponsors and partners. This year, Land Bank, Standard Bank, RSA Group, Kagiso Trust, and King Fresh join forces with the Market to advance market access, enterprise growth, and agricultural inclusion.
Together, these partners are helping to create an ecosystem that supports sustainable agribusiness development and encourages emerging farmers to participate meaningfully in South Africa’s agricultural economy.
Their involvement highlights the collective commitment to building a resilient and inclusive food system — one that opens doors for small producers and ensures their products find a fair and profitable path “from farm to market.”
Ultimately, the Joburg Market Farmer’s and SMME Day stands as a testament to what can be achieved when collaboration meets purpose. It embodies the shared vision of an inclusive agricultural economy where emerging farmers and small businesses are not left on the margins but are equipped to thrive within the mainstream market system.
By bringing together knowledge, opportunity, and partnership, the event reminds us that market access is more than just a transaction — it is the foundation for empowerment, sustainability, and community growth. From farm to market, this is where transformation takes root.
