The quest for KwaZulu-Natal’s next outstanding young farmer is on as entries open for the 2023 KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year competition.
The prestigious competition celebrates the efforts of young farmers in the province, recognizing their unique contributions in various areas, including production, marketing, staff management, organized agriculture, community involvement, and forward-thinking agricultural practices.
“Farmers are the unsung heroes in keeping our nation fed, healthy and employed. It’s important that we recognise the irreplaceable efforts and adaptations of our province’s young farmers and inspire others in the process,” says Kwanalu CEO, Sandy La Marque.
As one of the most diverse agricultural provinces in the country which produces a large variety of essential foods for South Africans and abroad, the competition is open to all farmers under the age of 40 who are Kwanalu members; regardless of whether are farmers or farming partners, male or female, what they produce and the size of their farming enterprise.
“We welcome a fresh batch of inspiring candidates that are able to showcase their efforts to adapt to an ever-changing and challenging agricultural climate and to find new ways, big and small, of working for the betterment of their communities, the environment, food security and the economy,” says La Marque.
Technical production, labour philosophy, community involvement and marketing are also among the criteria that will be reviewed objectively and scientifically by a provincial and national evaluation panel of experts.
The winner of the KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year competition will go on to represent the province in the national 2023 Toyota SA/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year Awards where they stand a chance to win a brand new Toyota Hilux Single Cab.
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, is a representative organization and voice of the rural and agricultural sectors in the province. It’s viewpoints are based on submissions from its members and it is committed to a sustainable and profitable future for Agriculture within KwaZulu-Natal and greater South Africa.
Entries for the KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year competition close on 30 July 2023. For more information and to enter, visit www.kwanalu.co.za or call 033 342 9393.
