The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has called on eligible farmers and agricultural enterprises to enter the 2026 Youth and Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
The annual awards form part of the department’s ongoing commitment to recognising the contribution of women and young people in agriculture, while promoting and advancing their participation in the agricultural sector as a way to strengthen food security, job creation, and driving economic growth.
North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, said the awards serve as an important platform to acknowledge excellence in agriculture, while encouraging young farmers and women entrepreneurs to remain committed to the sector despite the challenges they may face.
"The competition is open to youth- and women-owned agricultural enterprises operating in the North West province and meeting the required eligibility criteria. Participation in the youth category is limited to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35. Enterprises must be at least 80% owned, managed, and operated by youth or women," Sambatha said.
The submissions for applications close on Friday, 28 August 2026, and winners will be announced during an awards ceremony to be held in Heritage Month (September).
Awards will be presented in the following categories:
• Best Youth/Woman Subsistence Farmer
• Best Youth/Woman Smallholder Farmer
• Best Youth/Woman Commercial Farmer
• Best Youth/Woman Exporter
• Best Youth/Woman Person with Disability
• Best Youth/Woman Agro-Processor
• Best Youth/Woman Worker
• Overall Youth/Woman Winner
“Interested applicants are encouraged to contact their district coordinators to obtain application forms. Further enquiries may be directed to the Provincial Project Coordinator, Poiho Ramotlatsi, on 071 367 5236,” the department said.
Applicants may also visit their nearest district or local agriculture office for assistance with application forms.
The department said all applications will undergo a verification process in line with the competition rules, with shortlisted projects to be assessed through site visits before the final nominees are confirmed. – SAnews.gov.za
