The Grain Commercialisation Chapter was launched on 23 July during Harvest Day at Sonskyn Farm in the Elundini Local Municipality as part of the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture’s (the department) Agriculture Commercialisation Programme. This programme aims to strengthen emerging farmers’ production capacity, provide them with targeted support, and integrate them into sustainable agricultural value chains.
Speaking at the event, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe said the provincial government remains committed to helping farmers transition from subsistence production to profitable commercial enterprises.
She noted that the department had allocated R80 million to the grain and oilseed value chain, as announced in her 2026/27 Budget and Policy Speech earlier this year, to support production on 24 000ha across the province.
Commercialisation remains a provincial priority
Kontsiwe said the department’s commercialisation strategy focuses on identifying promising producers and providing the support they need to expand their production.
She noted that government has deliberately prioritised creating opportunities for emerging farmers to become successful commercial producers.
“As government, we took a decision that our people must be supported to become commercial farmers. These farmers include young people, women, and other producers who participate in various agricultural value chains, such as grain, wool, citrus, livestock, and poultry.”
She added that strengthening grain production is also essential for improving food security and supporting the province’s livestock industry.
“The Joe Gqabi District is one of the leading districts in wool production and, this year, farmers have performed exceptionally well. However, to produce quality livestock, you need quality feed.
“Grain farmers are playing a critical role in producing food for both people and animals.”
Young farmers display their commercial potential
The Harvest Day also showcased the progress of young farmers entering the agriculture sector, with 21-year-old Iviwe Sondlo, a beneficiary of the commercialisation programme, sharing his journey as part of the new generation of grain producers.
Sondlo currently leases Sonskyn Farm, where the event was held. His interest in agriculture began in his childhood when his father taught him how to operate a tractor.
In 2025, his father encouraged him and his cousin to venture into farming together. The pair subsequently leased the farm and planted maize on 47ha.
“We are planning to diversify into more grain crops in the future, expand our enterprise, and create employment opportunities for more young people,” Sondlo told Farmer’s Weekly.
His operation currently supplies maize to established agricultural businesses, including BKB in Nqanqarhu (Maclear) and Bester in Mthatha.
