14 May 2017

A youth owned company called Farmers Guide is planning to host Botswana’s first ever farmers’ awards later this year.
Though they were yet to confirm the venue of the event, the company’s founder, Mr Godfrey Modise explained in an interview that the awards would be held on October 28 in Gaborone.
Mr Modise said the awards would reward the extraordinary breed of farmers who have made their businesses a success through sheer determination, grit and foresight.
“The reason behind this initiative is that agriculture is a pillar of this country. We need farmers everyday for everything we eat and drink. Without farming none of us has a future,” he explained, bemoaning that the nation was still lagging behind when it comes to recognising farmers. “Food doesn’t grow in supermarkets, farmers are the ones producing food for all of us to survive. So in that regard it is our belief that farmers should be recognised before anyone can be recognised,” added the Farmers Guide boss.

He said the farmers’ awards would be the most prestigious farming event in the farming calendar, and would offer an opportunity to the industry’s top players to connect with key decision makers and influential businesses within the farming industry.
Mr Modise further explained that the awards would celebrate the very best of Botswana farming by recognising and rewarding innovation, dedication, hard work and passion for agriculture.
“The awards aim to acknowledge and highlight the achievements of farmers, inspire others and influence the public about the role that farmers play in society,” he said, adding that the achievements of best performing farmers would be showcased in order to inspire not only farmers but the public at large to venture into farming.

He further said other aims of the awards were to build self-confidence through rewards for excellence, provide role models and mentors for youth and encourage leadership and life skills in young farmers.
He said the awards would be open to all Batswana in possession of an identity card, explaining that entrants should be a registered company/business that has existed for six months or above.
He said farmers could get entry forms at the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security and veterinary offices around the country, and then send the completed forms by post or put in designated entry boxes.
“This initiative started with a call for entries in May which will go on until June 16. Shortlisted entrants will be announced on July 27 and three entries will be selected from each category,” he said.

Mr Modise explained that winners for each category would be selected after the onfarm/business judging visits, and that the winner’s name would be revealed at the awards night on October 28. He said all shortlisted entrants would automatically be considered for the overall Farmer of the Year Award.
The awards will have 12 categories which are arable farmer, beef farmer, dairy farmer, small stock farmer, exceptional farmer (specialty farming, examples being crocodile, fish and game farming), agricultural products manufacturer, integrated farmer, horticulture farmer, phenomenal woman in farming, young farmer (male and female), agribusiness tech, innovator, informal farmer.

Mr Modise said one could self-nominate or farmers or the public could nominate a farmer/agri-business which they think should be recognised.
“In the end we want people to realise that farmers and the farming sector should not be taken lightly. As Batswana farming is part of our culture and we need to treat it as business and continue with this legacy left for us by our forefathers,” he said.
He said the awards have been endorsed by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, which sponsors the event. Other sponsors are Haskins, Paperclip, Botswana Young Farmers Association, Likuni Breeders Farm, Modd Media and Agri-Bright.  ENDS