THE FUSE

The Extension and Advisory Services under the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs (DARDEA), with support from the National Department of Agriculture (DoA), is hosting a three-day Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) Approach Training of Trainers workshop in Bloemfontein. The workshop is taking place from 16 to 18 September 2026 and focuses on strengthening the ability of extension personnel and key agricultural stakeholders to support smallholder farmers. The programme aims to help farmers move away from a traditional “grow and sell” approach towards a market-driven “grow to sell” strategy. This shift places market information and buyer requirements at the centre of production decisions. The training is designed to provide officials with practical tools that they can use to help farmers build more sustainable and commercially focused horticultural businesses.