Delegates used the platform to vent their frustrations over infrastructure, funding and market penetration.
The summit's plenary discussion in Soweto on Friday was dominated by issues of land availability, electricity, irrigation and participation in the value chain.
Farmers felt divided, calling for the need of a unifying forum through which black farmers could engage the government with a single voice.
"We want an association that represents all farmers across the board, that will lobby, research and develop solutions for farmers. Without getting the basics on farming under control, farmers cannot confidently envisage the next step of agro processing," said small-scale farmer Tebogo Mabalane.
Thandeka Mbassa, the department's head, said an agro-processing strategy would be developed and funding mobilised to drive its action plan.
She said a database of farmer information needed to be established to respond to farmers' needs and ensure better monitoring.
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