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Cape Wine Masters Honour Leaders in Wine Research and Industry Development

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Cape Wine Masters Honour Leaders in Wine Research and Industry Development

The Institute of Cape Wine Masters (ICWM) hosted its Annual General Meeting in Stellenbosch on 15 and 16 May, where the organisation presented its annual awards recognising contributions to the South African wine industry. The event also marked a return to the traditional May schedule after several years of August gatherings following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The awards ceremony took place at STIAS, the training facilities of Stellenbosch University (SU). Prior to the presentations, guests attended a wine tasting featuring Albert Ahrens of Ahrens Family Wines, Nongcebo Langa of Delheim Wines, and Barbara Melck of Reyneke Wines. All three winemakers are graduates of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University and shared their approach to expressing terroir and vineyard identity through wine production.

Wine Personality of the Year

Professor Wessel du Toit, Professor in Oenology at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Viticulture and Oenology, received the Wine Personality of the Year Award.

The ICWM recognised Du Toit for his contribution to wine research, wine education, and his support of the Cape Wine Masters programme.

Born in Worcester, Du Toit enrolled at Stellenbosch University in 1996, where he completed a BSc degree followed by an honours degree in Wine Biotechnology, an MSc Agric in Oenology, and a PhD in Oenology. He was appointed lecturer in Oenology at SU in 2001 and became full Professor of Oenology in 2023.

Known as the “Wine Prof,” Du Toit teaches wine-related courses both at the university and to the broader public. His research includes wine production, sensory science, and wine chemistry. He has authored more than 93 peer-reviewed publications, including several focusing on oxygen and phenolics in wine.

The ICWM also acknowledged his ongoing mentorship and support of prospective Cape Wine Masters, particularly through the assessment of dissertations and academic guidance.

Dave Hughes Trophy

The Dave Hughes Trophy for outstanding dedication to the wine industry was awarded to Junel van der Merwe.

The trophy was instituted in 2020 in honour of the late Dave Hughes, co-founder of the Cape Wine Academy and honorary Cape Wine Master.

Van der Merwe graduated as a Cape Wine Master in 2004 with a dissertation titled “Pinotage and its role in the Cape Blend.”

She lectures across all levels of Cape Wine Academy courses and promotes South African wines internationally. Together with her husband, Alvi van der Merwe, she is co-proprietor of Alvi’s Drift Wines.

The ICWM further recognised her role as Maître of the Commanderie de Bordeaux en Afrique du Sud and her continued contribution to the Cape Wine Masters community.

Vision 2030 Programme

The AGM also highlighted the ICWM’s Vision 2030 programme, which has welcomed six candidates since 2024. The programme aims to support the development of a more diverse wine culture and industry.

International support from the Gerard Basset Foundation has enabled the ICWM to expand opportunities to both Cape Wine Academy and WSET candidates.

Founded in 1983, the Institute of Cape Wine Masters has awarded the Cape Wine Master qualification to 120 individuals to date.

Deeds and Finance Reform: PGP Champions the Path to Commercial Farming at NAMPO 2026

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Deeds and Finance Reform: PGP Champions the Path to Commercial Farming at NAMPO 2026

The final leg of the 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day turned its focus toward the future of South Africa’s developing farmers. Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP), the farmer development arm of Grain SA, hosted a high-level Plenary Round Table aimed at dismantling the barriers that prevent smallholder farmers from transitioning into sustainable commercial agriculture.

Under the theme “Empowering Developing Farmers to Commercialisation,” the dialogue brought together Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, Free State MEC Elsabé Rockman, AFASA President AJ Mthembu, and private sector leaders.

Unlocking Land as a Bankable Asset

The most significant theme was the urgent need to convert state land leases into bankable assets to unlock agricultural finance. Currently, many successful farmers operate under lease agreements that limit their ability to access funding due to a lack of collateral.

Minister John Steenhuisen made a firm commitment during the session, advocating for the transfer of title deeds to successful farmers on state land. “Where farmers are successfully farming on state land, we should be giving those title deeds over to those farmers. They have earned their stripes,” the Minister stated. This shift is intended to provide the “patient capital” and security required for modern farming operations.

A New Model for Growth

PGP Chairperson Jeremia Mathebula outlined the organization’s development model, which categorizes farmers—subsistence, smallholder, and new-era—to provide targeted mentorship and training.

To ensure measurable action, Mathebula announced a focused initiative to identify and support five developing farmers per province over the next five years. This targeted commercialization program received strong support from both government and private sector stakeholders.

The Role of Private Partnerships

The private sector remains a cornerstone of this transition. Bayer, a long-standing PGP partner, revealed that their coordinated support has reached more than 18,000 farmers nationally. By utilizing digital agriculture tools, satellite monitoring, and improved seed technologies, these farmers are improving yields and decision-making.

However, AFASA President AJ Mthembu called for an end to “working in silos,” urging for better coordination across the sector to create real impact.

Overcoming Infrastructure Hurdles

The round table addressed physical obstacles to profitability, such as deteriorating rural roads and limited storage facilities. Free State MEC Elsabé Rockman confirmed that the government is prioritizing agricultural economic routes and improving rural infrastructure planning to support market access.

Conclusion: From Discussion to Action

The session concluded with a call for accountability and results. PGP Vice Chairperson Thobani Ntonga emphasized that the objective is to move beyond discussing problems and focus on “dismantling the barriers” preventing farmers from upscaling. For South African food security to remain resilient, the industry must deliver bankable land ownership, improved logistics, and stronger market access pathways.

Bothaville Makes History: Hilux Nation Reclaims Global Crown at NAMPO 2026

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Bothaville Makes History: Hilux Nation Reclaims Global Crown at NAMPO 2026

On Wednesday, 13 May 2026, the town of Bothaville became the site of a new world record. Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) rewrote the history books during the 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day, where the iconic Hilux reaffirmed its status as the heartbeat of the South African farming community by staging the largest recorded gathering of Hilux vehicles ever achieved.

The Record: 1,545 and Counting

In a remarkable display of brand loyalty and community spirit, 1,545 Hilux vehicles converged on NAMPO Park in Bothaville, officially reclaiming the record for the largest Hilux gathering ever recorded. This milestone sees Toyota surpass the previous global benchmark of 1,440 units, a title South Africa previously held following an earlier record at Atlantis Dunes.

“The record-breaking celebration was an incredibly memorable day,” said Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM. “We set our sights on making history and our Hilux community rallied behind us from across South Africa. This event wasn’t just about the record-breaking attempts; it was about honoring the enduring legacy of the Hilux and the strong community that surrounds it.”

Strict Adjudication and Future Records

To achieve this historic feat, every vehicle underwent a rigorous verification process. Beyond the primary gathering record, Toyota also undertook four additional Guinness World Record™ attempts on 13 May:

  • Most pickup tailgates closed simultaneously
  • Most car horns sounded simultaneously
  • Most cars switching on their lights simultaneously
  • Most car doors closed simultaneously

While the 1,545-vehicle gathering is confirmed, these four additional “simultaneous action” records are currently under official adjudication and will be announced once verified by Guinness World Records.

A Legacy on Display

The gathering served as a living timeline of the Hilux’s South African journey, which began in 1969. Among the 1,545 bakkies in Bothaville were standout examples of the brand’s “Legendary Toughness,” including one of the oldest models dating back to the early 1970s and another that has traveled over one million kilometers—a true reflection that the Hilux is built to last.

Hendrik Coetzee: The Nation’s First 9th-Gen Owner

The highlight for many in the Bothaville crowd was the grand prize draw. Hendrik Coetzee, a participant in the world record attempt, was announced as the winner of a brand-new, new-generation Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab.

Coetzee’s selection makes him one of the first customers in South Africa to take ownership of the next-generation model, a prize that includes complimentary insurance and a suite of premium accessories.

Resilience Through Innovation

The record-breaking event was a centerpiece of the broader NAMPO theme, “Resilience through Innovation.” For the thousands of families who traveled to Bothaville for the week-long festival (running until 15 May), the day was a celebration of a vehicle that has become a member of the family.

As Leon Theron concluded: “The Hilux is not only a vehicle. It is a legacy that is proudly South African—one that is truly built for generations and built into families, communities and shared moments.”

From Volume to Value: Experts’ Take on South Africa’s Historic Citrus Milestone

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From Volume to Value: Experts’ Take on South Africa’s Historic Citrus Milestone

For years, the South African citrus industry has been chasing the horizon. This week, it finally crossed it. With 2.9 million tons exported in 2025, South Africa has officially unseated Spain as the world’s top citrus exporter by volume. However, while the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) has reason to celebrate this massive output, the achievement is tempered by the immediate pressure of logistical constraints and recent climatic challenges; the crown is heavy, and the “logistics ledger” is yet to be balanced.

The Volume Victory

National Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen championed this milestone as a defining moment for national resilience. “To overtake a citrus export giant like Spain, even by a small margin, is no easy feat,” Steenhuisen remarked, noting that South Africa’s reputation for world-class quality and strict compliance with international plant health standards has finally tipped the scales.

Yet, Steenhuisen offered a crucial distinction that separates market dominance from sheer output. While South Africa leads in export volume, giants like Brazil and China still dwarf our total production, albeit for their own domestic consumption. South Africa’s success is a triumph of “export-focused” strategy—a model that has turned the sector into a R44.9 billion ($2.47 billion) cornerstone of the agricultural economy.

The Provincial Engine and the Growth Strategy

From the Western Cape, Minister Dr. Ivan Meyer—whose portfolio spans Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism—highlighted the regional pulse behind the national numbers. Meyer pointed to the provincial “Growth for Jobs” strategy as the silent partner in this success, framing citrus not just as a farming achievement, but as a critical economic pillar.

“This achievement reflects years of sustained investment and a relentless focus on quality,” Meyer noted, emphasizing that the Western Cape remains the vanguard for meeting the rigorous international standards that allow South African fruit to command global shelf space. He further emphasized that this milestone is about more than just numbers; it is about livelihoods. “The sector supports thousands of jobs and sustains livelihoods in many of our rural communities,” he added.

The “Sihlobo Synthesis”: Value vs. Volume

While politicians celebrate the “No. 1” ranking, Agbiz Chief Economist Wandile Sihlobo provides the necessary economic nuance. Sihlobo’s analysis suggests that while we have won the volume race, the “value race” remains a steeper climb. Spain benefits from proximity to Europe—a luxury South Africa pays for in massive logistics costs and shipping “friction.”

Sihlobo has been vocal about the “double-edged sword” of 2026. While the industry targets a staggering 210–215 million cartons this season, the infrastructure to move it is under siege. The recent floods in the Western and Eastern Cape, which have placed parts of the industry under a National State of Disaster, serve as a reminder that production is only half the battle. As Sihlobo has aptly noted, this success is a “miracle of the private sector,” often occurring despite state-run rail and port inefficiencies.

The Road to 260 Million

The consensus among Steenhuisen, Meyer, and the CGA is that the current record is merely a pitstop on the road to “Vision 260″—the industry’s goal of 260 million cartons by 2032.

To get there, the narrative must shift toward the “intensified diplomacy” Steenhuisen mentioned. The recent breakthrough in Chinese export protocols is the template for the future. South Africa is no longer just a Southern Hemisphere player; it is the global anchor of the citrus trade. But as the experts warn, staying at the top will require a radical overhaul of the ports to ensure that the No. 1 spot translates into sustainable, long-term profitability.

Robertson Valley Rallies as Van Loveren Navigates Record Flood Recovery

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Robertson Valley Rallies as Van Loveren Navigates Record Flood Recovery

The Robertson Valley is beginning a long road to recovery following a catastrophic weather event that saw floodwaters surge past the region’s 100-year flood line. While the devastation to infrastructure and agriculture is extensive, a powerful narrative of community resilience is emerging, led by the recovery efforts at the iconic Van Loveren Family Vineyards.

Impact of the 100-Year Flood

The Breede River, swollen by unprecedented rainfall, breached its banks with a force not seen in decades. At Van Loveren, the surge reached levels of nearly two meters, inundating the winery and causing widespread damage. The impact on operational assets has been significantVan Lovern

Stock Losses: Initial assessments estimate a loss of 1.3 million bottles of wine.

Infrastructure: Significant damage was sustained by warehousing facilities, irrigation systems, and access roads.

Equipment: Key production machinery, including filtration systems and the estate’s solar battery infrastructure, were caught in the deluge.

While the full extent of the vineyard damage—including the total number of hectares affected—is still being calculated, the scale of the disaster has sent shockwaves through the local agricultural sector.

People First: The Human Element

Amid the logistical and financial assessments, Van Loveren has maintained a firm focus on the “human cost” of the flood. Approximately 20 homes on and around the property, housing employees, owners, and renters, were affected by the rising waters.

Managing Director Phillip Retief emphasized that the safety and well-being of the staff and their families remain the company’s absolute priority. The estate has noted an incredible outpouring of support from the local community, with neighbors and farmers working side-by-side to provide immediate relief to those displaced or impacted.

Operational Continuity and Trade Outlook

In a strategic move to reassure trade partners and consumers, Van Loveren has activated a comprehensive continuity plan. Despite the loss of bottled stock, the estate confirmed that wine held in tanks remains unaffected.

Key measures currently in place include:

Alternative Warehousing: Operational facilities are already being utilized to manage short-term supply requirements.

Bottling Surge: Teams are working 24/7 on urgent bottling and recovery plans to rebuild inventory.

Logistics Update: While dispatch and exports are delayed this week, a phased resumption of deliveries is expected to begin next week.

The estate warns that there may be temporary supply pressure on specific product lines while inventory is reallocated, but they remain committed to minimizing disruptions.

A Valley Defined by Resilience

The disaster has highlighted the unique unity of the Robertson Valley. Phillip Retief reflected on the spirit of the region, stating, “Robertson is a resilient valley, and together we will get through this.”

As the water recedes, the focus shifts from emergency response to the steady rebuilding of one of South Africa’s most beloved wine estates. For the agricultural community of the Western Cape, Van Loveren’s recovery serves as both a testament to the risks of climate volatility and the enduring strength of the farming spirit.

Financing and Market Expansion: Day Two of NAMPO 2026 Focuses on Producer Survival

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Financing and Market Expansion: Day Two of NAMPO 2026 Focuses on Producer Survival

If the opening day of NAMPO 2026 was about defining the crisis, the second day, 13 May 2026, was about finding the capital and the channels to survive it. Grain SA used the day to intensify discussions with government and financial institutions regarding the urgent financial pressures facing producers while advancing long-term solutions for sector resilience.

High-Stakes Financial Dialogue

The day was marked by a high-level breakfast engagement convened by Grain SA Chairperson Richard Krige. The session brought together Minister John Steenhuisen, representatives from AFASA, and senior leadership from South Africa’s major financial institutions, including ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Land Bank.

The primary concern shared with lenders was the staggering increase in input costs. Grain SA revealed that fuel and fertiliser now account for approximately 45% of total production costs in many operations, with fertiliser prices alone surging by up to 80%. Krige warned that these margins are being squeezed further by low commodity prices and high financing costs, requiring “urgent collaboration across the value chain” to protect national food security and rural economic activity.

Tackling Regulatory Hurdles

A significant portion of the financial discussion focused on the D11 directive. Grain SA expressed deep concern over how debt restructuring requirements and current security cover are placing additional strain on already vulnerable producers. This led to a breakthrough agreement to engage with National Treasury regarding the practical implications of the D11 framework on agricultural financing. All parties agreed that financing models must better reflect the seasonal and cyclical nature of farming.

“Grain on Legs” and New Markets

Minister Steenhuisen reaffirmed agriculture’s status as a “bankable opportunity” and a primary driver of economic growth. He highlighted government efforts to unlock international markets where South African producers can earn a premium.

To complement these export goals, Grain SA promoted its “grain on legs” strategy. This initiative focuses on expanding domestic livestock, feed, and protein value chains to convert surplus grain into higher-value products before export. “When logistics systems are constrained, we must not only ask how to move more grain—we must ask how to move more value,” Krige explained.

Innovation in Risk and Energy

The discussions on 13 May also looked toward the future of energy and risk management. Grain SA advocated for biofuels as a critical pillar for market diversification and domestic grain utilisation. Furthermore, Minister Steenhuisen confirmed the government is exploring shared-risk insurance approaches and index-based models with National Treasury to provide faster disaster relief for droughts and floods.

As the second day concluded, the message from NAMPO Park was one of partnership. While the financial climate remains harsh, the alignment between organised agriculture, the state, and the banking sector offers a roadmap toward a more resilient grain economy.

Western Cape Disaster: Agricultural Heartland Severed by Climate Volatility

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Western Cape Disaster: Agricultural Heartland Severed by Climate Volatility

The Western Cape has moved from one climate extreme to another with breathtaking speed. On 1 May 2026, the province was warned of a dry winter ahead with dams at worrying levels; by 11 May, the provincial cabinet was welcoming a national disaster classification. This transition from scarcity to catastrophic surplus has left the agriculturalN sector with no time to pivot.

The Logistics Crisis: A Graveyard of Infrastructure

The most visible sign of the catastrophe remains the N1 corridor between Rawsonville and Paarl. In a major breakthrough following overnight work by SANRAL, Premier Alan Winde confirmed on 14 May that the N1 is now open in both directions, though it remains under strict traffic control. Authorities have implemented a scheduled rotation to manage the flow: traffic currently moves Southbound (Worcester to Paarl) from 06:00 to 09:00, and Northbound from 09:00 to 12:00.

Despite this reopening, the route remains a “bottlenecked flow” with heavy delays expected throughout the day. Furthermore, all vehicles carrying hazardous materials are strictly prohibited from the Huguenot Tunnel at this stage and must utilize the Du Toitskloof Pass. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution as water is still crossing the road in some areas.

Near Worcester, the force of the Breede River previously undermined the roadbed, uprooting massive slabs of tar like broken tectonic plates. Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, confirmed that the department is in “full recovery mode,” prioritizing these “economic arteries.” However, the damage elsewhere is widespread. In the Klein Karoo, the N12 through Meiringspoort is closed indefinitely, forcing excessive detours through the R341 and N9, adding hundreds of kilometres and massive fuel costs to every delivery.

The Breede Valley: A Region Divided

The Breede River Valley has borne the brunt of the structural devastation. As the river surged to record levels, it transformed from a life-giving resource into a destructive barrier. In a dramatic rescue between Worcester and Rawsonville, NSRI teams spent Tuesday night evacuating 23 farm workers—including babies and the elderly—from rooftops after they were stranded by rising waters along the “Old N1.” Tragically, three lives were lost in the area.

The town of Worcester was effectively cut off this week as the N1, R43 (to Wolseley), R46 (to Villiersdorp), and R60 (to Robertson) were all shut down. The critical Nekkies Bridge remains a focal point of concern, while in Wolseley, the Klein Berg River burst its banks, submerging vineyards and displacing nearly 600 people into community halls.

Devastation on the Riverbanks

The most heartbreaking losses are found in the orchards and vineyards on the riverbanks. In the Hex River Valley, growers describe “the most water ever seen,” as the surging river reclaimed its natural floodplain.

Infrastructure & Homesteads: In the Goudini and Louwshoek areas near Rawsonville, historic farm homesteads and worker villages have been decimated. Some houses were physically washed away, while others are filled with meters of river silt.

The Olifants River Surge: Following the opening of the Clanwilliam Dam sluices yesterday, 12 May, a wall of water hit Vredendal and Klawer. The R363 river-level road has been severed, and many riverbank vineyards are currently submerged.

Witzenberg and Ceres: Isolated by rockfalls in Michell’s Pass and near-total power outages, these pome fruit hubs are struggling to maintain cold-chain integrity while communication remains intermittent.

Crop Outlook: A Race Against Rot

The timing has created a phytosanitary nightmare for the citrus industry. In the Cederberg and West Coast, orchards are too sodden for heavy machinery, closing the narrow window to treat for brown rot. While the apple harvest in Grabouw was largely complete, high-value late cultivars like Pink Lady suffered significant “fruit drop” due to 120km/h winds.

As the flood peak moves toward the lower Breede and Olifants systems, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has begun a formal assessment. For now, the focus remains on the humanitarian crisis, as thousands of displaced farmworkers seek shelter while the province begins the long, expensive road to recovery.

South Africa Secures 8 Million FMD Vaccines as Massive National Drive Gains Momentum

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South Africa Secures 8 Million FMD Vaccines as Massive National Drive Gains Momentum

In a major escalation of the government’s “war” against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has announced the arrival of an additional two million doses of the Dollvet vaccine from Turkey. This latest shipment, which landed on Tuesday morning, brings the total number of doses successfully imported since late February 2026 to eight million.

The accelerated procurement drive marks a turning point in the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to biosecurity and the protection of rural livelihoods. With five million additional doses expected shortly, the country is projected to have landed a total of 15 million doses by the end of May 2026.

Objective: 80% Herd Immunity by December

The vaccination campaign is the centerpiece of a strategic roadmap to vaccinate 80% of the national herd—approximately 14 million cattle—by the end of December 2026. This large-scale effort is designed to help South Africa achieve and maintain the international status of “FMD free with vaccination.”

“By securing vaccine volumes at this scale, we are ensuring that the agricultural sector remains a resilient pillar of the economy,” Minister Steenhuisen stated. The move aims to protect export markets and safeguard domestic food security from the economic damage caused by recurring outbreaks.

“Cows Do Not Carry Passports”: A Regional Front

Recognizing that diseases do not respect borders, the Minister has launched a new era of South-South cooperation. On Monday, May 11, Steenhuisen was joined in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, by Eswatini’s Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, and representatives from Mozambique. Together, they oversaw the vaccination of 300 cattle, symbolizing a unified regional front.

Drawing on lessons from South America’s successful FMD eradication, Steenhuisen emphasized that no country can defeat the disease in isolation. “Cows do not carry passports,” he remarked. “If one country acts alone, the risk remains for everyone. We must move beyond simply reacting to outbreaks.”

Establishing a SADC Antigen Bank

The momentum for a regional response will continue later this month when Minister Steenhuisen chairs a meeting of SADC Agriculture Ministers in Zimbabwe. A key proposal on the agenda is the establishment of a SADC Antigen Bank. This would allow Southern African nations to access vaccines rapidly during emergencies without relying on lengthy international procurement processes.

Discussions will also focus on regional livestock traceability and coordinated animal movement control platforms to prevent the cross-border spread of transboundary diseases.

Standing with the Farmers

Acknowledging the “pain, uncertainty, and economic damage” the disease has caused, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s support for the farming community. He committed to ensuring that, through this large-scale plan, the current outbreak will be the last to devastate the industry.

Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and report any suspected cases immediately.

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FNB Experts at NAMPO 2026 Call for Biosecurity Revolution

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FNB Experts at NAMPO 2026 Call for Biosecurity Revolution

As NAMPO Harvest Day 2026 opened yesterday, May 12, the conversation in the halls and exhibition spaces turned toward a single, invisible threat: biosecurity. While the sector has long treated biological risks as isolated incidents, FNB Business leadership used the event to advocate for a total shift in strategy—from reactive crisis response to long-term resilience.

Dawie Maree, Head of Information and Marketing at FNB Agriculture, and Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist at FNB, addressed producers and stakeholders against a backdrop of increasing biological pressures that now threaten the very core of the agricultural value chain.

System-Wide Economic Pressure

Maree noted that the era of viewing biosecurity as a contained production problem is over. “When biosecurity breaks down, the effects move quickly beyond the farm gate,” he explained. The financial consequences are staggering; while the 2021 Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak cost the red meat industry R2.1 billion, the current, more widespread outbreaks are expected to exceed that margin significantly.

The impact is not limited to livestock. From avian influenza disrupting poultry supplies to crop pests undermining export confidence, these disruptions have become multi-year events that threaten food security and national trade stability.

The Brazilian Benchmark

A key highlight of the briefing was South Africa’s transition to ‘FMD-free-with-vaccination’ status. Makube pointed to Brazil’s 20-year journey to achieve this as proof that there is no “quick fix.”

“The current FMD crisis exposed both government and industry failures,” Makube noted, citing inadequate enforcement of decades-old surveillance protocols. He emphasized that the path back to stability will require sustained discipline and a willingness to move away from reactive thinking. By the time an outbreak is visible, he warned, the cost is often already mounting and the conversation has shifted from containment to business survival.

A New Pillar of Risk Management

For capital providers like FNB, biosecurity has moved from a technical detail to a central pillar of financial risk. “A producer’s management practices, including biosecurity protocols, are part of the broader picture of resilience and sustainability,” the experts stated.

This means that biosecurity is now an integral part of lending and risk conversations long before an outbreak occurs. In a crisis, the bank’s role becomes one of connection—bridging farm-level realities with industry and policy responses—and providing tailored interventions such as restructuring or temporary relief.

Rebuilding for the Next Decade

The FNB team concluded that rebuilding national biosecurity is a shared responsibility. While the government must prioritize institutional capacity for diagnostics and vaccine readiness, producers must integrate biosecurity into daily operations.

As discussions at NAMPO 2026 continue, the central question remains: how can the sector build a system that is better prepared for the next decade? The consensus is clear: biosecurity must be treated as a strategic priority across the entire agricultural economy to ensure that the “farm gate” remains a gateway to global markets.

Resilience and Innovation: Economic Realities Take Centre Stage at NAMPO 2026

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Resilience and Innovation: Economic Realities Take Centre Stage at NAMPO 2026

The opening day of the 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day kicked off at NAMPO Park with a sobering yet constructive look at the economic landscape of South African agriculture. Under the theme “Resilience through Innovation,” industry leaders and producers gathered to confront a dual reality: while the sector remains a strategic pillar of the national economy, it is currently operating under immense financial strain.

The Profitability Crisis

The primary focus of the day’s discussions was the tightening “price-cost squeeze”. Grain SA emphasized that rising production costs coupled with volatile producer income have moved profitability from a “farming issue” to a national “food security issue”.

During a high-level panel discussion titled “To Farm or Not to Farm: The Economic Reality,” Grain SA Chairperson Richard Krige, alongside experts like Jaco Minnaar and Japie Grobler, addressed the mounting pressures of market volatility and shrinking margins. Krige warned that without profitability, investment in the sector slows and succession becomes uncertain, ultimately placing the country’s food stability at risk.

Global Competitiveness and Technology

A significant portion of the opening day was dedicated to South Africa’s position in the global market. Grain SA CEO Dr. Tobias Doyer argued that the industry can no longer rely on protection mechanisms alone. Instead, long-term sustainability must be driven by productivity growth and the adoption of cutting-edge science.

“There is only one way we remain globally competitive—and that is through better science, better technology, and improved productivity,” Doyer stated during a strategic overview session. The message was clear: South Africa must pivot toward becoming a globally competitive, export-driven grain economy.

Moving Beyond Bulk Exports

To build a more resilient value chain, discussions touched on the necessity of value addition. Rather than simply exporting bulk grain, leaders explored opportunities in animal protein, regional trade, and industrial demand to diversify income streams for producers.

Policy and Infrastructure Priorities

The presence of Minister John Steenhuisen highlighted the ongoing engagement between the sector and the government. Grain SA reiterated its commitment to tackling several critical regulatory and logistical hurdles, including:

  • Logistics and Port Efficiency: Improving the movement of surplus grain through export channels.
  • Regulatory Certainty: Addressing diesel rebate administration and agricultural remedy regulations under Act 36.
  • Market Transparency: Ensuring fair price formation and removing trade barriers.

A Solutions-Driven Future

Despite the heavy focus on economic challenges, the atmosphere at NAMPO Park remained resolutely optimistic. The event continues to serve as a vital platform for stakeholders—from researchers to international policymakers—to share practical interventions.

As Richard Krige concluded, NAMPO is the space where the industry confronts difficult realities to “build confidence in the future of South African agriculture”. The Harvest Day activities will continue through Friday, offering further opportunities for the agricultural value chain to unite.

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