- Follow us:
- Our Commodities:
-
January 2025
THE 2024 GRAIN SA GALA AWARDS FUNCTION WAS HELD AT THE BIRCHWOOD HOTEL IN BOKSBURG ON FRIDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2024. THE EVENT WAS A MAGNIFICENT CELEBRATION, HONOURING ALL GRAIN FARMERS WHO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF GRAIN PRODUCTION IN SOUTH AFRICA.
‘It is with joy and pride that we celebrate the innovation and dedication of grain farmers in South Africa at the 25th Grain Producer of the Year function. The nominees in each category have pushed boundaries and adopted best practices, which allowed them to excel in their field. This evening belongs to them and they are the reason why we are here tonight,’ said Richard Krige, vice-chairperson of Grain SA, when he welcomed the guests.
He also thanked Syngenta for sponsoring the evening and believing in the awards. ‘These awards are not only about the yields achieved, but also about the collective impact of successful farming in our communities. It highlights the power of unity, innovation and perseverance.’
2024 GRAIN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Grain SA’s annual Grain Producer of the Year award is one of South Africa’s most prestigious agricultural recognitions. Established by Grain SA and sponsored by Syngenta, this award aims to honour outstanding commercial farmers who demonstrate innovative farming practices, contribute significantly to the agricultural sector as well as their communities, and maintain high standards of sustainability and productivity.
Dr Tobias Doyer, chief executive officer of Grain SA, reminded guests that winning the Grain Producer of the Year award is not only a mark of distinction but also serves as an inspiration for other farmers. ‘Recipients often become role-models within the agricultural community, encouraging others to adopt modern, sustainable practices and contributing to the overall development of South Africa’s grain industry.’
He added that the award underscores the vital role that grain farmers play in securing South Africa’s food supply and their contribution to the country’s economy, highlighting the resilience and innovation within the agricultural sector.
Luc Henry, the newly appointed managing director of Syngenta, said in his keynote address that South African farmers are pioneers of agriculture who set a high standard of excellence. ‘We celebrate South Africa’s leading growers tonight for the way in which they adopt innovation and strive towards growth, inclusion and engagement,’ he said.
Derek Mathews, chairperson of Grain SA, was given the task of announcing the winner in the category Grain SA/Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year. He congratulated the finalists and reminded the audience that it is the resilience of South African farmers that sets them apart.
‘We are extremely proud of our grain farmers and their achievements within this vibrant sector,’ he added before announcing father and son duo, Michael and Gareth Allen, as 2024’s Grain Producers of the Year.
In accepting, Michael thanked Grain SA and Syngenta for sponsoring the award. ‘We cannot do without the valuable partnerships with key role players in the grain value chain. I am a great supporter of organised agriculture, which I believe requires engagement that starts in your own office, moves to your neighbour, then your farmers’ union and finally organisations such as Grain SA. We cannot farm without organised agriculture and being part of it is a great honour.’
FARMER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Another highlight of the gala awards was the introduction of the winners in Grain SA’s Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) Farmer Development Programme competition. This programme aims to bridge the gap between subsistence farming and commercial farming, addressing both technical and business challenges that new farmers face.
The following winners were also celebrated at the Grain SA gala awards:
In announcing the winners, Jeremia Mathebula, chairperson of PGP and vice-chairperson of Grain SA, said that the recipients of these awards are beacons of hope and an inspiration to the communities they farm in. ‘Achieving great yields takes passion, faith and hard work. It is these values that allow farmers to grow from obtaining 2 t/ha to becoming 8 t/ha growers,’ he added.
Sponsor representatives, Dr Langelihle Simela (business development manager: Absa Agri Business), Antois van der Westhuizen (managing director: John Deere Financial Africa and Middle East) and Sakhumzi May (chief agricultural economist at Land Bank) congratulated the winners and thanked Grain SA/PGP for driving the programme with continued success.
Publication: January 2025
Section: Pula/Imvula
