THE FUSE

Litha Kutta, Head of Partnership Development & Ecosystem Coordination at Land Bank, participated in a panel discussion focused on improving market access for farmers at the SA Future of Food Conference 2026. The session, titled “From Shelf to Source: Unlocking Retail Procurement & Market Access”, examined the practical relationship between farmers, retailers, markets and other players across the agricultural value chain. The discussion was moderated by Ivor Price, Managing Director of Food For Mzansi, and brought together leaders with experience across agricultural development, market management, retail and food production. The panel explored issues that can influence whether farmers are able to move successfully from producing agricultural products to securing opportunities in formal markets. A key message from the discussion was that agricultural success depends not only on production but also on understanding the requirements of the markets farmers want to serve.