Emerging grain farmers in the Eastern Cape are poised to take a step towards commercial success following the launch of the Grain Commercialisation Chapter by the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), an initiative aimed at building sustainable farming enterprises and expanding access to markets.
The initiative was unveiled during a Grain Commercialisation Chapter launch and Harvest Day held at Sonskyn Farm in the Elundini Local Municipality, on Thursday.
The event formed part of the department's broader Agriculture Commercialisation Programme, which aims to unlock the economic potential of farmers through targeted support, strengthening production capacity and integrating producers into sustainable agricultural value chains.
Delivering her 2026/27 Budget Vote earlier this year, Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe announced that the department had allocated R80 million to the grain and oilseeds value chain to support grain and oilseed production on 24 000 hectares of land across the province.
Addressing farmers, industry stakeholders and government partners at the launch, Kontsiwe reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to helping farmers move beyond subsistence farming to thriving agricultural businesses.
“One thing I have always emphasised is that people must not underestimate their potential. Even a child crawls before they eventually walk. The department’s approach was centred on identifying farmers’ potential and providing the necessary interventions to help them advance.
“As government, we took a decision that our people must be supported to become commercial farmers. These farmers include the young, women and other producers who participate in various agricultural value chains such as grain, wool, citrus, livestock, poultry and others,” Kontsiwe said.
She also highlighted the importance of grain production in supporting the province’s livestock production and strengthening food security.
"Joe Gqabi District is one of the leading districts in wool production, and this year, farmers have performed exceptionally well. However, to have quality livestock, you need quality feed. Through grain production, these farmers are playing a critical role in producing food for both people and animals,” the MEC said.
The Harvest Day also showcased the success of young farmers entering the agricultural sector, including 21-year-old Iviwe Sondlo, who leases Sonskyn Farm where the event was held.
Sondlo’s passion for agriculture was inspired at an early age by his father who introduced him to farming by teaching him how to operate a tractor.
In 2025, his father encouraged him to pursue farming together with his cousin and the two young farmers partnered and leased the farm, planting maize on 47 hectares of land.
“We are planning to include more grains in future, expand our enterprise, and create more employment opportunities for young people," Sondlo said.
The department said Sondlo's journey reflects its vision of attracting more young people into agriculture, while building a new generation of commercial producers.
Sonskyn Farm currently supplies its produce to established industry players, including, BKB in Nqanqarhu (formerly Maclear) and Bester in Mthatha. – SAnews.gov.za
