PMA’s Agri-Food Career Fair has blossomed into a three-event show held on different dates in Stellenbosch, Pretoria and KwaZulu-Natal. It seeks to appeal to all young people, from graduates to school-leavers. The agricultural business community – including farmers – has responded by setting up stands and information kiosks at the career fairs, and the list of exhibitors reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of the agriculture sector.
Fresh food markets
A career in agriculture has not quite reached the ‘sexy’ stage, but it has certainly begun to look more interesting and attractive than before. There is no disputing that our country needs well-trained young people in all the agricultural disciplines to ensure food security in the future.
A far-reaching development this year has been the decision by the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (Imasa) to have a stand at these shows. Those of us who know the markets appreciate that this new approach is quite a radical departure from the norm. Long overdue, it holds exciting prospects for all concerned.
Its foundation lies in the decision taken a few years ago by the Agricultural Produce Agents Council to introduce a qualification-based licence for all fresh produce commission salespersons working at the markets.
This licence is now compulsory for all salespeople.
Forging a career
Other training in the industry, such as product knowledge and post-harvest handling and storage, to mention only two aspects, is also available. This allows a young person to ‘grow’ into the career over a few years. To the casual observer, the work of a market agent might appear simple but the fact that this person represents the farmer on the market floor places a great responsibility on his or her shoulders.
The industry’s welcome new approach seeks to turn that responsibility into a meaningful career that attracts ambitious youngsters.
