Yesterday, the first day of Nampo Harvest Day 2024, attracted 16,122 visitors to the agriculture mega event taking place near Bothaville in the Free State, South Africa.
According to reports shared with the media by the event organisers, the visitors graced the show arriving by, amongst others, 55 fixed winged planes and 13 helicopters.
The event welcomed local and international guests and exhibitors representing the full spectrum of the agricultural value chain in South Africa.
Over 900 exhibitors are participating in this year’s show. Derek Mathews, Chairperson of Grain SA, mentioned that the organization also has a waiting list of over 400 exhibitors who couldn’t secure space this year.
“Since its establishment, Nampo Harvest Day has been at the forefront of showcasing agricultural innovation on a comprehensive platform in South Africa. The event has evolved from a modest local gathering, which took place 56 years ago on the Donkerhoek farm in the Bloemfontein district and was attended by 200 farmers, into today’s world-class event,” said Mathews.
Nampo Harvest Day extends its reach beyond South Africa’s borders, as demonstrated by the presence of the UK’s Department for Trade and Business yesterday, aiming to foster business ties between the UK and South Africa.
John Humphrey, the UK’s trade commissioner, said his attendance at Nampo this year has been driven by a desire to explore opportunities for enhanced business collaboration between the two nations.
“The UK and South Africa share a longstanding trading relationship, with South Africa being the UK’s largest trading partner in Africa,” he stated.
Nampo which will continue until May 17th is expected to welcome more visitors and impact more youthful farmers following its theme, ‘Agriculture in a Digital Age,’ that emphasizes how South African farmers are increasingly using connectivity to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
