Company Announcement- The Agri’s got Talent project recently kicked off and gives workers in the fruit and wine industries the opportunity to receive recognition for their singing talent. It is a joint initiative between HORTGRO and the VinPro Foundation, which respectively represents these two industries. “However, Agri’s got Talent is more than just a singing competition; the project also has a strong focus on developing skills that can be ploughed back into agricultural communities,” explains Retha Louw, HORTGRO manager of corporate services and organiser of the project for the second consecutive year.

The project consists of a selection process, a week of voice training and life skills programme for the top ten finalists, as well as a gala event, during which a winner will be announced by a judging panel. The winner will receive a cash price and the chance to perform at agricultural events. “The winner of the 2014 Agri’s got Talent, Ayabongo Mhobo, recently performed at the Breytenbach Centre in Wellington, with well-known Afrikaans singer, Andriëtte Norman. Andriëtte will again be closely involved in this year’s project,” says Retha.

Participants should be an agricultural worker in the fruit or wine industry, either on a farm or in a pack-house or cellar. Entrants should be older than 18 years, may only enter as individuals (no groups) and can sing in any of South Africa’s indigenous languages. The top ten finalists should be available to attend a one week skills development course from 26 – 31 July 2015 in Paarl, and perform on a stage during the gala evening on 31 July 2015.

Enter by sending a 3 minute video clip of a song of own choice via Whatsapp to 082 372 1557, or e-mail to info@hortgro.co.za Include your name and surname, own cell phone number, name of farm/cellar/pack-house, as well as the name of the nearest town. The closing date for entries is 30 April 2015.

For enquiries contact Retha Louw at 021 870 2900, info@hortgro.co.za. Follow the action at www.agrisgottalent. wordpress.com, Agri’s got Talent on Facebook or @AgriTalent on Twitter.