Identification of Future Commercial Grain Farmers: A Glaserian Grounded Theory Perspective

In response to the call made in South Africa's National Development Plan 2030 to increase the number of commercial farmers primarily from the previously marginalised communities, this paper sought to fulfil that call by helping identify the characteristics of those famers so that the cycle of food producers will not stop. A Glaserian grounded theory method was adopted for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen grain farmers to explore the characteristics that help identify them. Participants included commercial farmers, emerging farmers, farmers whose businesses went under, as well as farm workers. Additionally, triangulation with three experts validated the characteristics raised by the participants. Findings showed that such characteristics would include scale of operation, independence, turnover and own or rented land. Thus, the practical implications are also stated as awakening policymakers and agriculturists to use the findings to identify and develop aspiring farmers. Regarding the theoretical value of the study, the uniqueness of the contribution mainly stems from the methodology employed (i.e., Glaserian grounded theory method).