As agricultural producers contend with increasing climate pressure, scarce resources, higher production costs and changing market requirements, NAMPO Cape 2026 will place practical, commercially relevant innovation at the centre of its programme.
Taking place from 9 to 12 September 2026 at Bredasdorp Park, NAMPO Cape will bring producers, researchers, technology providers and other agricultural role players together to explore solutions that can strengthen productivity, resilience and long-term profitability.
Two programme highlights – a focused seminar on protected agriculture and the popular Farmer’s Innovations competition – will demonstrate how innovation can range from advanced controlled-production systems to simple, affordable ideas developed in a farm workshop.
“Producers do not only need to hear about new technology; they need opportunities to engage with solutions, understand the economics behind them and determine whether they can work under local production conditions,” says Dr Dirk Strydom, Managing Director of NAMPO (Pty) Ltd.
“NAMPO Cape creates that meeting point between agricultural challenges, practical experience and new ideas. Whether it is a sophisticated water-management system or a farmer’s own solution to an everyday problem, innovation becomes valuable when it improves the way in which producers operate.”
Protected agriculture as a response to production risk
A two-hour seminar titled “Protected agriculture as the future of the Western Cape vegetable industry” will take place on Friday, 11 September 2026.
Sponsored by Ikusasa and The Efficient Group, the seminar will examine how tunnel production, hydroponics, climate-control technology and precision water management can help strengthen vegetable production in the Western Cape.
Technical, economic and market perspectives will be presented, with discussions focusing on:
- klimaatsveerkragtigheid en produksiesekerheid;
- climate resilience and production security;
- protected-production infrastructure;
- hydroponics and controlled-environment agriculture;
- water efficiency and precision water management;
- retailer and fresh-produce market requirements;
- socio-economic and development opportunities; and
- the economic case for investment in technology-driven food production.
Economist Dawie Roodt is expected to conclude the programme with a perspective on the economic future of technology-supported agricultural production.
The seminar will position controlled-environment agriculture as a practical response to the need for consistent quality, improved resource efficiency and more dependable year-round supply to fresh-produce markets.
It will also highlight the potential for NAMPO Cape and Bredasdorp Park to serve as an ongoing demonstration and knowledge-transfer platform where producers can engage with tunnel technology, automation, water-saving systems and production models suited to Western Cape conditions.
The seminar is aimed at vegetable producers, developing farmers, agribusinesses, technology providers, retailers, policymakers, investors and role players involved in food security, water management and sustainable agricultural development.
Farmer’s Innovations
Innovation developed by farmers and agricultural enthusiasts will also receive a prominent platform through the 2026 Boereplanne competition.
Following a strong 2025 competition in which 32 entries were received, Grain SA is again inviting farmers, inventors, learners, students and technology enthusiasts to submit practical ideas that make everyday work on farms, in workshops and around the home simpler, safer, more efficient or more affordable.
Entries will be considered in eight categories:
- New: original agricultural equipment and digital technology;
- Modified: adapted implements and software;
- Tools: electrical and non-electrical tools;
- Home and garden: practical household solutions;
- Open category: cost-effective ideas valued below R5 000;
- Schools category: entries from learners and students;
- Commercial category: products or plans that are already being marketed; and
- Video category: inventions that cannot be physically displayed.
Commercial and video-category entries must be received by Thursday, 20 August 2026, while entries in the remaining categories close on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
All entries must be submitted on the official entry form. Physical entries must be delivered to the Boereplanne exhibition area at stand E8 by 14:00 on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
Judging will take place on Wednesday, 9 September, and the prizegiving ceremony will be held at 12:00 on Friday, 11 September.
The prize money is sponsored by Omnia Nutriology®. Winners will be announced through Landbouweekblad’s platforms and the sponsors’ social-media channels. The winner of the commercial category will also receive a 10 m × 10 m exhibition space at NAMPO Cape 2027.
Visitors will be able to view the entries at the Boereplanne stand next to Omnia throughout NAMPO Cape.
Entries and enquiries can be directed to Wim Venter at wim@grainsa.co.za or 086 004 7246
“The Boereplanne competition shows year after year that innovation does not always have to be complicated or expensive. It often begins with a practical problem and someone who decides that there must be a better way,” Strydom says.
“By sharing these solutions, participants contribute not only to their own operations, but to a more resourceful, efficient and resilient agricultural sector.”
Visitor Information:
Tickets for NAMPO Cape 2026 are available online through OpenTickets. Tickets are not day-specific and may be used on any one of the four show days.
Ticket Prices:
- R110 per adult online
- R120 per adult at the gate
- R60 per child available at the gate only
- Free admission for pre-school children
Expo hours:
- 09 tot 11 September: 08:00 to 17:00
- 12 September: 08:00 to 14:00
Accommodation Information:
- Cape Agulhas Tourism Office: 028 424 2584 / 082 896 2225
- www.overberg-info.co.za
- Tent accommodation at Bredasdorp Park: admin@antoinetteevents.co.za
