1. Mentoring in the Agricultural Sector AgriSETA Conference 22 October 2009 Deon van der Ross

2. Content Background Challenges Partnerships Mentoring Linkages Current Situation Successes Conclusion

3. 1/8/20163 BRAZIL

4. 1/8/20164 CHINA

5. 1/8/20165 COLOMBIA

6. 1/8/20166 EUROPE

7. World Fastest Growing City

8. 1/8/20168 = Unemployment = % growth =% increase in technical skills South Africa 2020 =% ?

9. Background – development / mentorship program OVK started with a development program for black farmers in 2007 A total of 60 farmers has completed a six month business management course Sixteen farmers are currently in the commercialization project – (summer and winter crop) Between OVK, VKB & GSA = 66 farmers in summer and winter crop projects > 3000 ha Impact on food security by Agri - Businesses

11. Challenges Basic knowledge about running a business Knowledge – acceptable farming practices Excess to funding Excess to markets Building a track record Lack of equipment Government policies / strategies

12. Partnerships OVK, Grain South Africa and Free State Department of Agriculture AgriSETA Maize Trust Wheat Trust IDC Suppliers Monsanto Omnia Opticrop Wenkem, Novon Protecta Santam Agri Commercial farmers

13. Mentorship Training is a vital part of the development program and is definitely the foundation for success, but IT IS NOT ENOUGH In addition to information a person needs experience to operate effectively – something you cannot get from a textbook MENTORING Mentorship refers to a developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps a less experienced or less knowledgeable person The mentor is not just a provider of knowledge but rather a guide.

14. Sometime you have to admit that you need help

15. Linkages Willingness from both parties Compatible Relationship Location ------------- Scope Deliverables Exit strategy

16. Current Situation Trained – basics about running business Knowledge – acceptable farming practices Excess to funding Excess to markets Track record Support structure (mentor) ------------- Farmer organisations Business Organisations

17. Successes 2007 – One farmer to University (AgriSETA support) 2007 – First place – Dev. Grain Farmer of the year (GSA) 2008 – Second and Third place - Dev. Grain Farmer of the year (OVK & GSA) 2009 – First and Second place - Dev. Grain Farmer of the year (OVK,VKB & GSA)

18. "Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to error that counts." Nikki Giovanni

19. " You will learn and grow according to the nature and consequences of your actions." Robert Anthony

20. You can do anything - or can you ?

21. The woodpecker may have to go

26. Conclusion Address the challenges stop the blame game Empowerment vs. Beggar mentality Relationships between all stakeholders Available expertise Support form Government Coming together is a beginning...Keeping together is progress...Working together is a success." Anonymous