The Overberg region once again put its best foot forward as it hosted the 5th annual NAMPO Cape Expo from 11-14 September 2024 in Bredasdorp. With a record-breaking 45,894 visitors over four days, the event surpassed last year’s attendance of 34,635, solidifying its status as the leading agricultural showcase in the Western Cape. This year’s NAMPO Cape not only served as a celebration of agriculture, but also demonstrated the sector’s vital role in the economic growth of the Overberg region.
Agriculture, the bedrock of the Overberg’s economy, was at the heart of this year’s theme Agriculture The Backbone of Economic Growth which resonated throughout the event, underscoring agriculture’s crucial role in feeding millions of people and creating employment opportunities for a significant portion of the population. “Agriculture significantly influences global trade due to its direct effects on other economic sectors, creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth,” said ODM Executive Mayor, Ald Sakkie Franken.
Mayor Franken further elaborated on agriculture’s indispensable contribution to the region, saying “Agriculture is essential for any society because it helps to feed people. It plays a vital role in the growth of our economy as well as the development of our region. It is safe to say that our existence depends directly on it.” His remarks reflect the deep connection between agriculture and the overall economic health of the Overberg, where farming and related industries form the backbone of the community.
Expanding Opportunities for Growth
The NAMPO Cape Expo has become a crucial platform for networking and partnership-building within the agricultural sector. Exhibitors from across the country, representing diverse sectors from crop farming to livestock management, converged to showcase their products and innovations. The Expo fosters business connections that translate into growth for local and regional economies. Through the various partnerships formed at the event, Overberg’s farmers and agribusinesses have access to new markets, technologies, and opportunities to expand their operations.
This year’s event introduced new and exciting exhibitions, such as the debut of the Sheepdog Expo where skilled dogs demonstrated their talents in herding livestock. Visitors were also captivated by the world-famous South African Lipizzaners, whose majestic movements left audiences spellbound. The floral arrangements and Fynbos exhibitions, a hallmark of the event, once again celebrated the region’s biodiversity, highlighting the importance of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
The Agri in Conversation program was another highlight, offering a platform for engaging discussions on pressing issues affecting agriculture, from climate change and technological advancements to market access and policy reforms. Industry leaders, farmers, and policymakers came together to share insights and strategies, ensuring that the agricultural sector remains a driver of growth and innovation in the region.
Nurturing the Future of Agriculture
A key focus of NAMPO Cape 2024 was the future of agriculture, particularly the role of youth in driving the sector forward. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s schools program played a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. Students from across the province participated in interactive exhibits, gaining hands-on experience and learning about the diverse career opportunities within the agricultural sector.
The importance of women in agriculture was also front and center, with a vibrant women’s program packed with celebrity guests and entertainers. From farming to agribusiness, women are making significant strides in the sector, and the program celebrated their contributions while encouraging greater participation from women in agriculture.
A Pillar of Economic Empowerment
Beyond the excitement of the exhibitions and the rich cultural experiences, NAMPO Cape continues to strengthen the economic fabric of the Overberg region. By bringing together key stakeholders, from farmers to agribusiness leaders and government officials, the expo has become a powerful platform for economic empowerment. The record-breaking visitor numbers are a testament to the growing importance of NAMPO Cape in the agricultural calendar, not just for the Overberg but for the broader Western Cape region.
As the 2024 edition comes to a close, the positive impact on the region’s economy and the agricultural sector is clear. NAMPO Cape has grown from strength to strength, evolving into a vital event that not only showcases the best of South African agriculture, but also paves the way for future growth, collaboration, and innovation.