NAMPO Cape 2026 Set to Showcase Innovation, Partnerships and Solutions for South Africa’s Agricultural Sector

NAMPO Cape 2026 is set to return as the premier agricultural event for South Africa’s winter grain region, bringing together thousands of farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders from 9 to 12 September 2026 at Bredasdorp Park. Held under the theme “Together We Grow,” this year’s event aims to strengthen collaboration across the agricultural value chain while addressing the challenges currently facing producers. As one of the country’s leading agricultural exhibitions, NAMPO Cape continues to provide an important platform where innovation, knowledge sharing and business opportunities come together. The event will showcase the latest farming technologies, production solutions and industry developments while encouraging meaningful discussions about the future of agriculture. At a time when farmers are navigating economic uncertainty and changing market conditions, the exhibition offers practical support and valuable networking opportunities for businesses of every size.

Spanning approximately 32 hectares, NAMPO Cape 2026 will feature an impressive 600 exhibition spaces occupied by more than 500 exhibitors representing various sectors of the agricultural industry. Visitors can expect to explore a wide range of agricultural machinery, precision farming technologies, irrigation systems, livestock equipment, crop production inputs and digital farming solutions. The exhibition provides farmers with the opportunity to compare products, meet suppliers and discover technologies that can improve efficiency and profitability. Equipment manufacturers, financial institutions, seed companies, fertiliser suppliers and agricultural service providers will all be represented, creating a comprehensive showcase of the latest developments in modern farming. The large exhibition space ensures that visitors have access to practical demonstrations and direct engagement with industry experts.

The 2026 theme, “Together We Grow,” reflects the importance of collaboration during a period of significant economic pressure for South African agriculture. Farmers across the winter grain regions continue to face rising production costs that have placed considerable strain on farming businesses. Increased prices for fertilisers, fuel, seed, chemicals and other essential inputs have reduced profit margins for many producers. At the same time, weaker commodity prices have limited income opportunities, making careful financial management more important than ever. The theme highlights the belief that stronger partnerships between producers, agribusinesses, researchers and government institutions are essential to overcoming these challenges and building a more resilient agricultural sector.

Financing costs have also become a major concern for many farming enterprises. Higher interest rates have increased the cost of borrowing, making it more expensive for producers to invest in machinery, infrastructure and production expansion. These financial pressures are particularly challenging for emerging farmers and businesses seeking to modernise their operations. In addition, policy uncertainty has created further hesitation within parts of the agricultural sector, influencing long-term investment decisions. NAMPO Cape 2026 provides an opportunity for industry leaders and policymakers to engage in constructive discussions that help improve confidence and encourage sustainable agricultural growth.

Recent concerns surrounding South Africa’s wheat tariff dispensation have further affected producer confidence within the local grain industry. Wheat farmers continue to monitor policy developments closely because tariff decisions directly influence the competitiveness of locally produced grain against imported products. Maintaining a fair and predictable trading environment remains important for ensuring the long-term sustainability of domestic wheat production. Industry stakeholders are expected to discuss these issues extensively during the exhibition while exploring strategies that strengthen food security and support local producers. Such conversations are particularly valuable as the sector seeks practical solutions to ongoing market challenges.

Livestock producers are also expected to play a significant role during the event as they continue managing the effects of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. The disease has disrupted livestock production, animal movement and market access in several areas, placing financial pressure on many farming businesses. Producers have been working closely with veterinary authorities to strengthen biosecurity measures and comply with disease control protocols. Discussions during NAMPO Cape 2026 are likely to focus on improving disease management, protecting livestock industries and enhancing resilience against future outbreaks. Sharing knowledge and best practices will remain essential for supporting recovery within the livestock sector.

The agricultural community has also faced additional challenges following severe flooding across parts of the Western Cape during May 2026. Flood damage affected agricultural infrastructure, roads, irrigation systems and production areas, creating significant financial and operational difficulties for many farmers. Infrastructure recovery remains a priority as producers work to restore normal farming activities and prepare for future seasons. The exhibition provides an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss rebuilding strategies, climate resilience and improved disaster preparedness. These conversations are expected to contribute to stronger planning and greater long-term sustainability within the agricultural sector.

According to Dr. Dirk Strydom, Managing Director of NAMPO (Pty) Ltd, the exhibition provides producers with an opportunity to step away from the daily pressures of farming and engage directly with the wider agricultural value chain. He emphasised that NAMPO Cape allows farmers to explore practical solutions that strengthen both their businesses and their confidence for future production seasons. Events of this nature encourage collaboration by bringing together experts from different sectors who can exchange ideas and identify new opportunities. Direct interaction between farmers, suppliers, researchers and financial institutions creates valuable partnerships that often continue long after the exhibition has ended. This collaborative environment reflects the event’s central message that shared knowledge and cooperation are essential for agricultural success.

Knowledge sharing will once again be a major feature of NAMPO Cape 2026 through a series of presentations, seminars and industry discussions held at the Santam Auditorium. Representatives from Grain SA, the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, the Milk Producers’ Organisation and Vinpro will participate in discussions covering issues affecting their respective industries. Visitors can also attend popular dialogue sessions such as Nation in Conversation, Food For Mzansi discussions, the Ikusasa Water Wise Centre and the Protected Vegetable Production Seminar. These sessions will provide practical information on production efficiency, water conservation, sustainability, agricultural policy and emerging technologies. Educational programmes remain one of the exhibition’s greatest strengths by helping producers make informed decisions in an increasingly competitive agricultural environment.

Several new and returning attractions will add further value to the four-day exhibition. The Land Bank Livestock Tent will focus on breeder societies sharing expert knowledge rather than displaying live cattle, sheep or goats, allowing visitors to gain valuable breeding and production insights. An expanded poultry exhibition and show will highlight developments within South Africa’s growing poultry industry. The equestrian programme will feature performances by the South African Lipizzaners, Griffins Horse Archery and exciting Mounted Games presented in the Western Cape Lubricants Arena. Visitors will also enjoy demonstrations by skilled sheepdogs, displays by the South African Air Force Dogs and a dedicated South African Boerboel showcase that celebrates one of the country’s best-known dog breeds.

The Women’s Programme has also been expanded for 2026, offering an engaging experience that celebrates agriculture, culture and community. The Women’s Tent will feature regional cuisine, live music and appearances by well-known personalities including Brendan Peyper and Willem Botha. This programme recognises the growing contribution of women across every part of South Africa’s agricultural industry while creating opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing. By combining education with entertainment, the exhibition aims to provide something meaningful for every visitor regardless of their agricultural background. Family-friendly activities also make NAMPO Cape an attractive destination for producers and their families.

Tickets for NAMPO Cape 2026 became available online from 1 July 2026, providing visitors with flexible access to the event. Tickets are not allocated to specific dates and may be used on any one day during the exhibition. Online adult tickets are available for R110, while adult tickets purchased at the gate cost R120. Schoolchildren can enter for R60 when purchasing tickets at the gate, and preschool children will receive free entry. The exhibition will operate from 08:00 to 17:00 between Wednesday, 9 September and Friday, 11 September, while Saturday, 12 September will conclude with operating hours from 08:00 until 14:00.

NAMPO Cape 2026 promises to deliver far more than a traditional agricultural exhibition by providing a comprehensive platform for innovation, education and industry collaboration. As South African producers continue navigating rising production costs, market uncertainty, animal health challenges and climate-related pressures, the event offers practical solutions that can help strengthen farming businesses for the future. With hundreds of exhibitors, extensive educational programmes, industry discussions and family-friendly attractions, the exhibition will once again demonstrate why it remains one of the country’s most important agricultural gatherings. The theme “Together We Grow” captures the shared commitment of farmers, agribusinesses and industry partners to building a stronger and more resilient agricultural sector. Through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing, NAMPO Cape 2026 is expected to inspire confidence and support sustainable growth across South Africa’s agricultural value chain.