2024 celebrates the 5th presentation of NAMPO Cape and the 30th anniversary of the first Mechanisation Day which took place in 1994. Since its inception, NAMPO Cape has taken the lead in the last 5 years to showcase the best agriculture has to offer in the Cape, and to offer producers and the community a platform that offers innovation, technology and networking opportunities like few.
As we navigate the complexities of 2024, the theme, Agriculture: The Backbone of Economic Growth, emerges as more pertinent than. Agriculture remains the cornerstone of global economies, driving sustainable development, ensuring food security and fostering innovation in an increasingly connected world. The agricultural sector is a critical engine of economic growth. It not only feeds millions but also provides livelihood for a significant part of the population. With advancements in agricultural technology, from precision farming to sustainable practices, the sector is experiencing a transformative phase, contributing to economic stability and resilience.
“The importance of agriculture extends beyond mere production. NAMPO Cape plays an important role in rural development and the promotion of social growth. By empowering producers with modern tools and knowledge, we can boost productivity and income, leading to a more vibrant and robust agricultural sector. In addition, agriculture’s integration with other sectors, such as renewable energy and biotechnology, opens new avenues for economic diversification and innovation,” said Dr Dirk Strydom, Grain SA’s head of NAMPO, Marketing and Research Coordination.
NAMPO Cape’s success is visible in its continued growth and according to Henk Aggenbach, chairman of the Bredasdorp Park boards, 38 additional 15x20m exhibition stands have been added next to the trial plots on site, to meet the demand for additional exhibition space. New machinery and technology are introduced annually at NAMPO Cape, and thanks to the enlarged exhibition area, new exhibitors can be accommodated with ease. Furthermore, battery-powered motorcycles, quads, and vehicles can be viewed on a dedicated demonstration track.
Sheepdog Expo
NAMPO Cape visitors can look forward to a Sheepdog Expo this year which will be presented from Wednesday, 11 to Friday 13 September in the BKB Livestock Centre. This program, presented in collaboration with the South African Sheepdog Association, involves lectures, demonstrations and competitions. The final of the annual National Toyota Young Auctioneers competition will be held on Friday 13 September, and during this event the Sheepdog auction will take place.
Lipizzaners
The world-famous South African Lipizzaners will once again deliver daily shows. These white stallions will mesmerize visitors with their breathtaking movements to the beat of famous music.
A Festival of Fynbos
Visitors to NAMPO Cape are astounded every year with a festival of Fynbos. Marjolijn Malan’s impressive flower arrangements in the Voermol hall will certainly not disappoint. The Neptun Fynbos exhibition in the Neptun Hall promises to once again, take your breath away this year, under the direction of Jan Hagen, with an exhibition that portrays the variety of plants endemic to the region, as closely as possible in their natural habitat. Different biomes will be depicted by, among other things, proteas, pincushions, various other fynbos species as well as aloe species found in the area. A tea garden, forming part of the exhibition, serves as an oasis where visitors to NAMPO Cape can catch a breather with some refreshments in a natural garden atmosphere.
The Youth is the future of agriculture
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s schools program aims to involve 500 learners from 30 schools that offer agriculture as a subject in the expo this year. Here the learners can supplement what they learn in the classroom with practical experiences that support the curriculum.
The annual Overberg Regional Youth Show takes place on Saturday, September 14. Learners can enrol in the following classes: dairy cattle, beef cattle, meat sheep, wool sheep, fibre goat, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, horse, rabbit, pigeon, culinary art, dairy preparation and photography. Boys and girls up to 17 years of age participate in three age groups: junior-junior (5 to 9 years), junior (10 to 13 years) and senior (14 to 17 years).
Women’s programme
This year’s women’s programme promises to be once again packed with celebrity guests, and definitely something to look forward to! The popular NAMPO Cape walk-in beauty salon will pamper the fairer generation from crown to toe.
See you there!
Entrance tickets are available online from 1 July 2024 at www.ticketpros.co.za, with discounted entry fees for online purchases, at R80 for adults and R50 for school-aged children. Tickets at the gates will be on sale at R100 for adults and R50 for children. Entry for pre-schooled children is free of charge. NAMPO Cape takes place from Wednesday, 11 to Wednesday, 13 September 2024 from 08:00 to 17:00 and Saturday, September 14 from 08:00 to 14:00. Visitors can contact the Cape Agulhas Tourism Office for accommodation on 028 424 2584 / 082 896 2225 or www.overberg-info.co.za.
For more information about NAMPO Cape 2024, visit www.nampocape.co.za, contact Chrystal van Wyk on 028 050 1385 or email admin@expo.org.za.
