Agricultural producers, agronomy consultants, and industry stakeholders from across Southern Africa will gather at the Protea Hotel, Technopark in Stellenbosch on 19 and 20 November 2026 for the annual SADC Plant Nutrition Symposium. Hosted by the Agri Vision Foundation, the two-day technical gathering aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge soil research and field-ready agricultural practices.
With an expected turnout of over 350 commercial and emerging growers, farm managers, and industry experts, this year’s symposium is structured around converting complex plant nutrition science into measurable, on-farm yields.
A Field-Focused Technical Programme
The symposium features a comprehensive agenda comprising 28 technical sessions led by more than 25 leading regional and international agronomists, soil scientists, and equipment specialists.
The primary objective of the gathering is to provide actionable solutions to pressing soil health and input cost challenges facing modern farmers. Over two days, expert presenters will delve into seven primary focus areas:
- Fertilizer Formulation & Application: Matching specific fertilizer categories to soil types, crops, and seasonal constraints.
- Precision Farming & Placement: Utilizing sensor technologies, mapping, and advanced application systems—including drones, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters—to optimize nutrient placement.
- Precision Fertigation & Foliar Feeds: Evaluating new findings in fertigation and bio-stimulants to enhance crop resilience and overall yield quality.
- Soil Health & Regenerative Approaches: Integrating biological amendments, cover crops, green manures, and soil health mapping to manage salinity, compaction, and microbial activity.
Notable session leaders include Barenbrug technical marketer Niel de Kock, who will address soil compaction and cover crops; Haifa CRF Market Development Manager Michael Koch, highlighting controlled-release technology in challenging soils; and Talborne Organics Managing Director Marc Slabber, exploring the future of next-generation plant nutrition.
Hybrid Access and Community Impact
Designed to accommodate producers across the Southern African region, the symposium offers both in-person attendance at Technopark and a live-streamed online option, ensuring broad accessibility for farmers who cannot travel to the Western Cape. In-person registration includes full access to all technical sessions, networking opportunities, and catered facilities.
In addition to its focus on technical agronomy, the event carries a strong corporate social investment footprint. All proceeds generated from delegate tickets and event sponsorships directly support the Agri Vision Foundation’s community upliftment initiatives. These non-profit efforts focus on driving sustainable food security, local agricultural entrepreneurship, and family health projects in impoverished rural areas.
Event & Booking Details
- Event: SADC Plant Nutrition Symposium 2026
- Dates: 19–20 November 2026
- Venue: Protea Hotel, Technopark, Stellenbosch (and live-streamed online).
Producers, technical advisors, and agribusiness representatives interested in attending can view the full programme and secure tickets directly online at www.agrivisionfoundation.co.za/fertilizersymposium/