Farmers and agribusinesses seeking finance, stronger market connections and opportunities to grow can engage with key agricultural stakeholders at the Agricultural Development Agency’s (Agda) Annual Stakeholder and Member Engagement Conference on 22–23 October 2026.
Taking place at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng, the event will run under the theme “Bridging value chain commercialisation: Capital, risk and inclusive growth”.
The two-day conference will bring together farmers, government representatives, financiers, insurers and industry organisations to discuss barriers to agricultural growth and practical ways to support commercialisation.
Day 1: Finance, infrastructure and risk
Thursday, 22 October, will focus on unlocking agricultural commercialisation, with opening remarks from Agda board chairperson Dr Mathews Phosa and an overview of the agency’s work by chief executive officer Leona Archary.
Wandile Sihlobo, presidential envoy on agriculture and land reform and chief economist at Agbiz, will deliver the opening keynote on South Africa’s agricultural landscape.
A panel featuring Theo Boshoff, chief executive officer of Agbiz; Tobias Doyer, chief executive officer of Grain SA; and Mooketsa Ramasodi, director-general of the department of agriculture, will examine how to make the agricultural value chain more inclusive and efficient.
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Logistics and infrastructure will also feature prominently. Transnet group chief executive Michelle Phillips will provide strategic input before a panel explores the challenges of connecting producers to markets and moving agricultural products efficiently through the value chain.
In the afternoon, delegates can choose between sessions on agricultural finance, insurance and regenerative agriculture, or attend the Agda Agricultural Enterprise Pitch Competition.
The finance discussion will explore funding needs and barriers to accessing capital, with representatives from the Banking Association of South Africa, Absa, Land Bank, Masimong Group Holdings and Nedbank.
The insurance session will consider agricultural risk protection, featuring representatives from Hollard Insure, Santam Insurance, King Price and Agda Agrisure Brokers. Another session will examine regenerative agriculture and the support needed to build resilient farming systems.
The pitch competition will showcase agricultural enterprises and their growth ambitions. The winner will be announced during the evening’s cocktail and networking function, which will also include awards.
Day 2: Connecting farmers to markets
Friday, 23 October, will focus on market access, partnerships and practical next steps. Following Agda’s annual general meeting for members, the conference programme will open to non-member delegates.
Fhumulani Ratshitanga, chief executive officer of Fruit South Africa, will deliver a keynote on agricultural markets before a panel discusses how enterprises can establish routes to market.
Panellists include Cedric Nephawe of Joburg Market, Francois Knowles of the Agricultural Produce Agents Council, Dr Boitshoko Ntsabele of the Citrus Growers Association and commercial farmer Pitso Sekhoto.
The discussion will explore market access, quality and compliance requirements, reliable supply relationships and the gaps between producers and buyers. For farmers targeting formal markets, understanding these requirements is essential to building buyer relationships and supplying consistently.
The programme will then turn to value chain commercialisation, with input from Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Gauteng MEC for agriculture and rural development.
A closing panel, titled “Closing the gap”, will bring together perspectives from government, finance, farmer organisations and agricultural enterprise development. Contributors include Keneilwe Mabona of the Public Investment Corporation, AJ Mthembu, president of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa, Phakamile Madonsela of the National Empowerment Fund, and farmer and entrepreneur Dr Dan Mosia.
The panel will examine gaps in finance, risk protection and market access, as well as opportunities for stronger partnerships. Archary will outline Agda’s next steps before the conference concludes with closing remarks and lunch.
Building connections across the value chain
Agda will use its conference survey to inform discussions and help connect delegates according to their needs, interests and potential contributions to the agricultural value chain. Participants can share their priorities and explore relevant connections, although individual introductions or funding agreements are not guaranteed.
For farmers and agricultural businesses, the conference offers an opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders, raise practical challenges and explore support for sustainable commercial growth.
The event takes place at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, 44 View Point Road, Bartlett, Boksburg, Gauteng.
Book your ticket through Quicket.
Delegates can also complete the Agda conference survey to share their needs and interests ahead of the event.
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