Johannesburg: Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe has welcomed the strong public support shown during the department's Agricultural Show at Kirkwood, in the Sarah Baartman District, where farmers successfully marketed and sold their produce. Addressing attendees at the Phindile Madama Qekeni Multipurpose Hall on Monday, Kontsiwe said the event demonstrated the growing value of agricultural shows as platforms for connecting farmers with consumers and creating economic opportunities. According to South African Government News Agency, the department reintroduced the agricultural shows last year, where various farmers from Amathole, Chris Hani, Sarah Baartman and OR Tambo District Municipalities had an opportunity to showcase their produce to different stakeholders, including buyers and agricultural experts. The shows also provide a platform for participants and role players across the agricultural value chain to exhibit products, services, funding opportunities and innovations, while enabling farmers to network an d access valuable industry information. Kontsiwe said the department will continue rolling out the reimagined agricultural show model across all district municipalities, with a stronger focus on improving market access and fostering commercial opportunities for farmers. She noted that the shows have evolved from traditional competitive events into vibrant marketplaces that connect farmers directly with potential buyers, financial institutions and agribusiness stakeholders. Farmer Sanelisiwe Phangelele welcomed the initiative, saying it had created valuable opportunities for producers. "We are very delighted as farmers to have platforms like these, where we are able to sell our produce. This show has brought exciting opportunities for farmers in terms of markets and gaining more knowledge about our products. We need to continue with these shows so that we can improve our produce, learn from others and have access to the markets," Phangelele said. The department said the quarterly shows, which will be hosted across all district municipalities, are expected to bridge the gap between production and markets, empower farmers, stimulate rural economies and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the province's agricultural value chain.