Agricultural societies, business leaders and the next generation meet in Cape Town to examine resilience, leadership and opportunity in a changing world.
The 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference – the first in Cape Town – opens today at the Century City Conference Centre. Hosted by Agri-Expo and the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC), it runs from 3 to 5 November, bringing together agricultural leaders from across the Commonwealth.
A changing global landscape
The theme, Opportunities of Change in a Connected World – From South Africa to the World, places local insights in an international context.
“The opening of the RASC Conference in Cape Town is a wonderful reminder of the value of bringing people together,” says Chris Riddle, RASC Honorary Secretary. “Agricultural shows play a vital role in connecting farmers, businesses and the public, and in celebrating agriculture’s contribution to communities and economies. By learning from one another and strengthening our international relationships, we can help ensure that these shows continue to thrive and inspire the next generation.”
The opening also includes Sir Nicholas Bacon Bt. KCVO OBE DL, RASC Chairman; HRH The Princess Royal, RASC President; Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey; Chris Fourie, Agri-Expo President and RASC Vice-President; Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, Head of Department at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture; and Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism.
South African business leader, conservationist and philanthropist Johann Rupert is the keynote speaker.
Investing in the next generation
Two member pre-conference sessions took place from 2 to 3 November.
“The conference has got off to a positive start,” says Aled Rhys Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and former RASC Next Generation Trustee. “Bringing together people worldwide who share a passion for agricultural societies and shows is special. We have much to learn from one another.”
The CEO session explored global agricultural change, the evolving role of shows and how they can help the public understand food and farming. Speakers included Dr Tobias Doyer of Grain SA, David Grindle of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions in the US, Ivor Price of Food For Mzansi and Kenny Eng of Singapore’s The Local Farm Ventures. Discussions about shows in 2050 considered what will stay the same, what will change and how organisations can remain relevant.
The Next Generation session included Francois Rossouw, 2025 South African National Young Farmer of the Year; Lynda McDonald, a PhD candidate researching farm resilience; and South African entrepreneur Lesego Serolong Holzapfel of Bokamoso Impact Investments, who shared lessons on connecting rural communities with global markets.
A wider purpose
The evolving role of shows is a key theme, with Jenni Vernon of New Zealand National Fieldays Society; Robyn Sermon of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia; Joel Cowley of Canada’s Calgary Stampede; Mark Nicholas of the UK’s Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association; and Elmarie Prinsloo of Bloem Show among the speakers.
People, leadership and resilience
Emily Norton, Chair of the UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), and Shannon Robertson, the 2025 Western Cape Agricultural Worker of the Year, will discuss women’s role in agriculture.
Melt Loubser, Managing Director of Fair Cape Investment Holdings and Chair of the South African Milk Processors’ Organisation (SAMPRO), will address resilience, sustainability and ethical business.
A session on diversity in agriculture includes Beauty Mokgwamme of South Africa’s Mohair Empowerment Trust. “I’m excited to share insights into our mentorship of emerging producers and exchange knowledge on sustainable agriculture,” Mokgwamme said.
Farmers sharing perspectives on adapting to change include Roux Steenkamp, a fourth-generation sheep farmer from Carnarvon in the Northern Cape; Nigel and Tanya Lok, the father-and-daughter team behind Robhoek Dairy Farm in the Eastern Cape; and wool producer Stefan Gerber of Gerber & Co in Simondium.
Collaborating globally
Breyton Milford, Agri-Expo General Manager and RASC Trustee, says the conference offers an opportunity to look ahead as Agri-Expo marks 195 years of service to agriculture.
“Hosting the Commonwealth Agriculture Conference is significant for South African agriculture. It allows us to share experience and learn from organisations securing agriculture’s future globally. We are grateful to our partners, including Hollard Insure, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Anthonij Rupert Wyne, FNB and De Grendel Wine Estate, among others.”
The conference concludes on 5 November with the handover to Sydney, Australia, host of the 32nd Commonwealth Agriculture Conference.
A Commonwealth of Agriculture: The Western Cape opens its doors