THE FUSE

Successful farming is built on more than planting seeds, caring for crops and producing a quality harvest. While growing fresh produce remains a critical part of agriculture, farmers also need strong market knowledge to ensure their products reach the right buyers and generate sustainable income. The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) recently highlighted this important connection through its Fresh Produce Marketing Workshop held at The Parktonian All-Suite Hotel in Braamfontein. The workshop focused on helping farmers understand the journey beyond production by developing skills in marketing, product standards and value addition. By combining agricultural knowledge with business understanding, the programme aims to help producers become more competitive and better prepared for the demands of the fresh produce industry.