South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry is navigating an era of rapid change. From tightening export requirements and escalating biosecurity threats to water constraints, climate pressure, and the loss of key crop protection actives, producers are being forced to rethink how they farm and plan for the future.
With the harvest season in full swing and logistical pressure at the Port of Cape Town remaining a critical focal point, the Hortgro Technical Symposium 2026, themed Growing Forward in a Changing World, offers timely, practical, and science-based guidance for the road ahead.
Taking place from 25–29 May 2026 at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, the five-day symposium combines strategic insight, in-depth technical sessions, and practical, in-orchard learning, all designed to support resilient and profitable pome and stone fruit production. Registration is now officially open, and early booking is encouraged as technical field day slots are limited.
Strategic Context for a Volatile Environment
The symposium opens on Monday, 25 May, with a dedicated Business and Strategy Day, focused on risk, resilience, and leadership. Proceedings include a motivational address by adventurer Riaan Manser and an economic outlook by Ninety One CEO Hendrik du Toit, who will unpack the challenges and opportunities of our new reality.
South African thought leaders Prof William Gumede and Wandile Sihlobo will address socio-economic realities, local elections, and principles for inclusive and sustainable growth. Their insights are particularly vital as the industry assesses the impact of recent policy shifts on land and labor. Additionally, Dr Khotso Mokhele of Hans Merensky Holdings will share a vision for “shared futures” in agriculture, setting a clear strategic context for producers planning beyond the next season.
Trade, Regulation, and Market Access
With exports central to industry sustainability, the programme gives focused attention to trade and regulatory challenges. Producers will gain insight into the implications of EU trade deals and sustainability ambitions (Prof Christine Wieck), alongside practical guidance on gaining access to new markets from Hortgro’s Jacques du Preez. Special attention will be given to the 2026 shipping window and navigating the increasingly complex phytosanitary barriers in Far Eastern markets. A global retail perspective on cultivar strategy in the United States by Tom Barnes highlights how consumer trends are shaping variety choices worldwide.
The programme also tackles the growing regulatory complexity around crop protection, with Rod Bell (CropLife) and Prof Marina Joubert emphasizing the importance of rethinking agricultural science communication to maintain market trust.
Technical Depth Where it Matters Most
Over two intensive technical days, the symposium addresses on-farm challenges that directly influence orchard performance:
Biosecurity: Building proactive systems and understanding plant quarantine in the South African regulatory environment.
Rest-Breaking: Strategies for apple and pear production in a future without traditional cyanamide (an urgent transition as regulatory deadlines approach).
Crop Protection: A panel discussion on transitioning to sustainable pest management as traditional actives disappear.
Spray Efficiency: European and local examples of spray drift reduction and target-adapted dosing.
Sustainability: Research on orchard water use, regenerative farming, and carbon removals.
Learning in the Orchard
The symposium concludes with two practical components:
Pome Fruit Field Day (28 May): Held in the Elgin Valley, featuring site rotations at Oak Valley Estate, De Rust Estate, Gelukstroom, and Rustfontein. Transport arrangements and specific rotation schedules will be provided to registered delegates.
Stone Fruit Seminar and Orchard Walk (29 May): Held in Simondium, focusing on plant improvement, certification, and rootstock selection for nematodes.
Who Should Attend?
Producers, technical managers, advisors, researchers, and industry stakeholders committed to the long-term success of South Africa’s deciduous fruit sector will find the Hortgro Technical Symposium 2026 invaluable. It delivers credible science, strategic insight, and practical solutions to help the industry grow forward in a changing world.