The 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference, held from 2 to 5 November 2026 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, brought together delegates, farmers, and leaders from across the Commonwealth. As President of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC), Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal delivered an inspiring keynote address that emphasized the enduring importance of traditional farming knowledge alongside modern innovation, climate resilience, and the critical need to engage the next generation.
Lessons from the Past, Innovation for the Future
Addressing delegates, Her Royal Highness emphasized that agriculture is far more than just an economic sector—it underpins community survival, food security, and long-term natural resource stewardship. While acknowledging the rapid pace of technological, economic, and environmental change, The Princess Royal cautioned against discarding time-tested practices in favour of short-lived innovations.
Highlighting that true innovation must directly benefit rural communities, she noted that modern technology and scientific research are most effective when combined with the practical, accumulated wisdom of past generations. Emphasizing the humanness of the industry, she lightly noted that technology has its limits when facing nature:: “And last but definitely not least, weather, which is the bit that nobody can guarantee,” she remarked, adding with a touch of wit: “And I defy AI to come up with an answer. You can’t eat it either.” Respecting agricultural history, she noted, provides a firm foundation for adapting to climate impacts, optimizing soil and water management, and reducing waste.
Engaging Youth and Building Global Connections
A central theme of her keynote address was securing the future of global agriculture by actively attracting talented young people into the sector. The Princess Royal challenged the perception of agriculture as an industry of the past, highlighting its dynamic overlap with science, technology, engineering, environmental management, and entrepreneurship. Praising the RASC Next Generation program and South Africa’s efforts in youth involvement, she urged the sector to integrate young voices sooner rather than later, noting that human civilization has only advanced because people were prepared to produce food.
The Princess Royal also highlighted the value of the Commonwealth as an interconnected network connecting diverse agricultural systems—from highly developed commercial operations to smallholder emerging farms. Pointing out that farmers worldwide share common challenges such as supply chain shifts, changing consumer expectations, and unpredictable weather, she called for open dialogue and collaborative solutions tailored to local environments.
The Power of In-Person Collaboration
Reflecting on the unique value of the RASC as a practical forum, Princess Anne reminded attendees that the greatest benefit of an international gathering often occurs outside the formal agenda. Emphasizing the power of personal interaction, she candidly shared: “I suspect, as I normally do, that the real value of conferences is the conversations you have around the events… I’m somebody who doesn’t have an email address, but I’m perfectly prepared to accept that digital has a huge added value.”
She encouraged delegates to build lasting partnerships and friendships, noting that face-to-face interactions foster deep understanding and mutual confidence across borders. Expressing her gratitude to host organization Agri-Expo and the Western Cape, she celebrated South Africa as a vibrant backdrop for addressing the shared future of agriculture.
Highlights of Broader Engagements Across Cape Town
Beyond her central role at the conference, Her Royal Highness participated in several key engagements that highlighted the deep bilateral ties between the United Kingdom and South Africa.
At Varsfontein Stud near Paarl, The Princess Royal toured the thoroughbred breeding facility, which has produced 53 Grade 1 winners, to gain insight into South Africa’s breeding industry and examine the bilateral trade protocols governing the international movement of horses between the two nations.
In Cape Town, she met with local township entrepreneurs supported by the UK-South Africa Tech Hub’s Township Digital Market Access Programme, learning firsthand how digital tools and e-commerce platforms enable small businesses to scale nationwide.
Additionally, Her Royal Highness spent time with South Africa’s last known surviving World War II veteran and his family, personally expressing her gratitude for his historic service.
Strengthening Commonwealth Ties for the Future
Her Royal Highness’s visit served as a powerful reminder of the vital link between high-level agricultural policy and hands-on rural practice. By combining her leadership at the RASC with visits to local breeding operations, tech initiatives, and historic commemorations, Princess Anne reinforced the enduring strength of the UK-South Africa partnership. Her presence in Cape Town left delegates and agricultural leaders with renewed confidence, reminding the global farming community that while the sector must continually adapt to modern challenges, its foundation rests firmly on shared knowledge, community resilience, and respect for the land.
Commonwealth Conference Puts Western Cape Agriculture on the World Stage