Commercial farmers and the state must unite to train new farmers

Since the birth of the new South Africa in 1994, there has been a strong drive towards the redistribution of agricultural land. The ANC has been adamant that many previously disadvantaged people that become private landowners should also become commercial farmers. Up to now, most attempts to establish ‘new’ farmers on land bought or expropriated by the state have not been particularly successful. The main reason for this has been these new farmers’ lack of know-how.

Thus, there is a strong need for cost-effective, relevant and appropriate programmes to be put in place for the training of learners to become commercial farmers. The present training institutions, namely agricultural colleges, further education and training colleges and universities, are not entirely suitable for this task. Other ways to address this need must therefore