FSA takes new farmer mentorship to a new level

Free State Agriculture (FSA) has decided to facilitate the establishment of an organisation to support mentors and mentorship programmes in the province.

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It will be accommodated within the union’s structures.

The decision was taken at a FSA mentorship workshop in Senekal. “We understand the need for successful land reform and the role mentors can play in the development of sustainable and profitable new farmers,” said FSA land reform committee chairperson Martin Detering.

Mentorship by experienced and dedicated mentors can make the difference between the success or failure of new farmers, said Dr Fanie Terblanche, agricultural economist at the University of Pretoria.

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“But it’s not a quick fix for the new farmer,” he added. “It calls for a long term relationship built on, among others mutual understanding, integrity and respect, among others.”