By: Brandon Moss

South Africa’s agricultural community gathered at Bredasdorp Park in the Western Cape from 9 to 12 September 2026 for NAMPO Cape, one of the country’s leading agricultural exhibitions.

Held under the theme “Together We Grow,” the event brought together farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, technology providers, financial institutions and agricultural organisations to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of farming.

With more than 500 exhibitors and approximately 600 exhibition spaces, NAMPO Cape provided a platform for producers to explore machinery, crop technologies, farm inputs, financial services and practical innovations designed to improve productivity and sustainability.

Technology and Innovation Lead the Conversation

Agricultural technology was a major focus of the exhibition. Farmers had the opportunity to examine new machinery, precision-farming tools, crop genetics, irrigation solutions and other technologies aimed at improving efficiency.

The event also highlighted the growing importance of innovation as farmers face rising production costs, changing weather patterns, limited resources and increasingly demanding markets.

For many producers, the value of NAMPO Cape extended beyond viewing new equipment. It offered an opportunity to compare solutions, engage with suppliers and identify technologies that could be adapted to their own farming operations.

Wheat and Canola Under the Spotlight

Grain production featured prominently during discussions at the event.

Industry representatives raised concerns about weak wheat returns, high input costs and the pressure facing winter-grain farmers. The discussions also highlighted the rapid expansion of canola production in the Western Cape.

Canola has become increasingly important as producers search for alternative crops and more sustainable financial returns. Industry representatives noted that the area planted to canola has grown significantly over the past decade, partly because wheat production has become more difficult to sustain economically.

However, producers were reminded that crop decisions must take local soil conditions, rainfall, market access, input costs and rotation benefits into account.

Farmers Prepare for Climate Uncertainty

The possible effects of the 2026–2027 El Niño cycle were another major concern.

Agricultural experts warned that drought, heat stress, irregular rainfall and pressure on water resources could affect crop yields, livestock production and farm profitability across Southern Africa.

At the same time, the sector was described as better prepared than during previous climate-related crises. Improvements in irrigation, seed genetics, climate information, soil management, grain stocks and financial planning could help farmers respond to difficult conditions.

The message from the event was clear: climate resilience must become a continuous part of farm management rather than a response introduced only after drought has begun.

Biosecurity and Foot-and-Mouth Disease Remain Concerns

Animal health and biosecurity also featured in discussions at NAMPO Cape.

Foot-and-mouth disease continues to create financial and logistical challenges for livestock producers, affecting animal movement, market access and export opportunities.

Although live cattle, sheep and goats were not displayed at the event, livestock organisations and industry representatives remained involved in discussions about animal health, disease prevention and the future of the livestock sector.

The event reinforced the importance of stronger traceability systems, responsible animal movement and cooperation between farmers, government and industry bodies.

Finance and Rising Production Costs

Agricultural finance was another important theme.

Farmers are operating in an environment of higher diesel, fertiliser, machinery and borrowing costs. Weaker commodity prices have added further pressure, making financial planning and cost control increasingly important.

Discussions at NAMPO Cape encouraged producers to examine their production systems carefully, improve efficiency and consider new approaches to managing financial risk.

The event also created opportunities for farmers to engage with financial institutions and service providers about investment, working capital and long-term business sustainability.

A Platform for Collaboration

The central message of NAMPO Cape 2026 was that agricultural progress depends on cooperation.

Farmers cannot address climate risks, rising costs, infrastructure challenges, market uncertainty and biosecurity threats in isolation. Collaboration between producers, researchers, agribusinesses, financiers, policymakers and communities is essential.

Through its exhibitions, industry sessions and innovation platforms, NAMPO Cape provided a space for stakeholders to exchange ideas and identify practical solutions for the seasons ahead.

What NAMPO Cape Means for African Agriculture

Although NAMPO Cape is based in South Africa, many of the issues discussed are relevant across Africa.

Farmers throughout the continent face similar challenges, including climate variability, limited access to finance, high input costs, weak infrastructure, inadequate market access and the need for better technology.

The event demonstrated how agricultural exhibitions can connect producers with new knowledge, equipment and partnerships. It also showed that innovation must be matched with affordable finance, reliable infrastructure, skills development and supportive agricultural policies.

As the agricultural sector prepares for an uncertain production season, the key lesson from NAMPO Cape 2026 is that resilience will depend on shared knowledge, practical innovation and stronger cooperation across the entire value chain.