THE FUSE

Limpopo’s farming sector is seeing renewed energy as cooperatives receive stronger institutional support aimed at improving productivity, market access and long term sustainability. The Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), together with the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), has been driving cooperative development through targeted programmes that focus on practical farming outcomes. Recent International Co-operative Day build-up activities held in Lebowakgomo brought agricultural stakeholders together to prepare farmers for stronger participation in the 2026 provincial celebrations. For many smallholder farmers, cooperatives are becoming a critical entry point into formal agricultural markets. The focus has shifted from policy discussions to real farming challenges such as production costs, input access and market competitiveness.