What does it take to turn agricultural potential into thriving, commercially sustainable businesses? Agda’s Annual Stakeholder and Member Engagement Conference is bringing the people with the power to make it happen into one room on Thursday, 22 and Friday, 23 October 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng.
Agda chief executive Leona Archary unpacks why collaboration, access to finance and stronger industry partnerships matter, what delegates can expect from two days of straight-talking discussions, and how the right connections could help close the gaps holding agricultural enterprises back.
What makes this year’s conference particularly important for Agda and the agricultural sector? What are the key issues or opportunities you hope to put in the spotlight?
For the first time, Agda is expanding its annual stakeholder and member gathering into a two-day conference, with its Annual General Meeting forming part of the programme.
This brand-new format allows Agda to tackle the entire journey to commercialisation. Finance, insurance, logistics, regenerative agriculture and markets are all connected in one programme.
What’s also important is that it brings people with different decision-making responsibilities into the same room, including those who can influence agricultural growth. These include representatives from government, banks, investors, insurers, infrastructure organisations, industry bodies and farming businesses.
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What can delegates look forward to? Are there any particular discussions, announcements or highlights that you’re especially excited about?
Delegates can look forward to two days of honest conversations about what it takes to grow agricultural businesses.
Two discussions I’m particularly looking forward to are our opening strategic panel, “Making the agricultural value chain more inclusive and efficient”, and our closing panel, “Closing the gap”.
The opening discussion asks a question that goes to the heart of Agda’s work: what needs to change so that more agricultural enterprises can participate, compete and grow? Bringing together perspectives from government, industry and business gives us an opportunity to examine the barriers and the shared responsibility we have in addressing them.
“Closing the gap” brings these conversations together around finance, risk, markets and the support enterprises need. For someone working hard to build a business, a gap in support can mean a missed season, a lost opportunity or growth put on hold. This discussion will explore where stronger connections and coordinated action could make a practical difference.
Together, these panels give the conference a clear purpose: understanding what stands in the way of inclusive growth, then identifying what we can do together to move it forward.
I’m also excited about the Agri Pitch Competition, powered by Agda, Masimong and WinField United SA. During this session, entrepreneurs will have a platform to present their businesses, growth plans and capital needs to people who can influence their next chapter.
This is particularly special to us because it speaks directly to Agda’s purpose: bringing together the partnerships and support that agricultural enterprises need to become commercially sustainable.
How important is collaboration between farmers, agribusinesses, funders and other industry stakeholders in unlocking opportunities for agricultural businesses, particularly small and emerging enterprises?
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Agda. We believe inclusive agricultural growth depends on farmers, businesses, funders, government and other partners working together, because each brings expertise, resources and relationships that others cannot provide alone.
But collaboration requires more than simply being in the same room. It asks us to listen, honour our commitments and take responsibility for the part we can play. We need to understand what an enterprise actually needs and work with its owner to build a practical way forward.
That is what drives Agda’s work: bringing together the partnerships and support that help agricultural enterprises grow. When we do that well, the benefits extend beyond a single business to the people it employs, the families it supports and the communities it serves.
Why should people be excited about being part of this year’s conference? If you had to give prospective delegates one compelling reason to attend, what would it be?
If I had to give one compelling reason to attend, it would be the opportunity to connect with people who could help move your work forward, and whose work you could help advance.
Whether you are building an enterprise, making investment decisions or shaping programmes and policy, this is an opportunity to bring your questions, experience and ambitions into the conversation.
What excites me is the potential in those exchanges. Someone in the room may understand the challenge you’ve been carrying. You may have the expertise or relationship another person needs. And a conversation could become the beginning of a partnership that creates opportunities far beyond either organisation.
What would you like members and stakeholders to take away from the conference? What conversations or connections do you hope will continue long after the event?
We want members and stakeholders to leave with meaningful connections and a shared commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector. The conference is designed to create space for relationships and conversations that continue long after the event.
In particular, we hope the discussions around funding models and the support farmers need will lead to ongoing collaboration. Through these connections, we can explore new mechanisms and practical approaches that help agricultural enterprises grow and become commercially sustainable.
Secure your ticket today and join Agda’s Annual Stakeholder and Member Engagement Conference on Thursday, 22 and Friday, 23 October 2026 in Boksburg. Click here to get your tickets.
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