The heartbeat of the countryside will be reflected in all its facets this year during the annual Vivo Farmers’ Marketing Day. (Photo: Provided)
The heartbeat of the countryside will be reflected in all its facets this year during the annual Vivo Farmers’ Marketing Day. Under the theme “Rural Focus”, the value, challenges and future of agricultural communities are placed firmly in the spotlight.
According to the organizers, however, the theme is about much more than just the everyday farming activities; it is a celebration of the people, the unique communities and the way of life that the countryside has carried for generations.
“For us, ‘Rural Focus’ means that we have to turn people’s eyes back to the value, challenges and opportunities of the countryside,” says Monica Koekemoer of the organizing team.
She explains that the countryside is a space where communities are built, where production takes place and where values such as faith, family and responsibility still play a large role in daily life.
“It is this solid foundation that ensures that communities remain resilient, even in the midst of difficult times,” she says.
The Farmers’ Marketing Day is billed as the grandest agricultural expo in Limpopo. (Elisma van der Watt/Maroela Media)
Challenges that test farmers
The choice of this year’s theme comes at a time when agricultural communities right across the country are under tremendous pressure.
(Photo: Noelen Mostert)
Farmers must try to keep their heads above water on a daily basis amidst a wide range of pressing challenges.
Water shortages, climate change, the ongoing threat of foot-and-mouth disease, rising input costs and international economic uncertainty make agricultural operations increasingly difficult.
Still, the countryside and its people remain remarkably stable. The organizers point out that crisis situations often follow one another, but that the will to survive remains stronger.
“We see it in water shortages, but also in times of excess water; we see it in diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, in economic pressure, in rising diesel prices and in export restrictions influenced by international conflict and uncertainty. But even when circumstances change and challenges alternate, the countryside remains standing.”
New perspective on the economy
The ultimate goal of this year’s event is to send visitors home with a new perspective. Agriculture should not simply be seen as an isolated industry, but as a complex and living part of the wider economy and society.
“All the proceeds of the day are plowed back to support the growth of the CVO School Vivo, which ensures the future of the area’s children.
“In this respect, the Vivo Farmers’ Marketing Day serves as an extremely important link between the agricultural sector, the local community and school development.”
Koekemoer says the overarching message of the festival remains simple, but powerful: a strong countryside means a stronger country.
“The Vivo Farmers’ Marketing Day wants to create a space where people don’t just come as spectators, but really become part of the rich rural experience.”
(Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
- The festival takes place on 4 and 5 September at Vivo and promises to bring together farmers, businesses and communities from across the country. For more information or to reserve an exhibition space, visit www.vivoboeredag.co.za
- Maroela Media is a media partner of the Vivo Farmers Marketing Day.