Agri-Expo unveiled new projects, with the most significant being its role as the host of the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference – the second to be held on the African continent. Scheduled for late next year in Cape Town, it is set to increase the footprint of the country’s agricultural sector.
Breyton Milford, the general manager of Agri-Expo, said they are excited to have won the bid to host the prestigious event which is expected to draw agricultural leaders across the globe.
“For Agri-Expo it is a huge honour to present the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference. It will be the first time that we will be hosting a conference of this magnitude and we are proud that it will held in Cape Town. We are proud to showcase agriculture in the Western Cape. It is something that will hopefully bring new technology and investment to South Africa,” he said.
The unveiling of the new projects in Soetmelksvlei, Simondium in the Western Cape, was attended by agricultural stakeholders from South Africa and the United Kingdom.
The Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) is a network of over 50 agricultural societies, research institutions, and associations across the Commonwealth, which is presided over by Britain’s princess Anne.
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Ivan Meyer, Western Cape minister of agriculture, economic development and tourism, praised Agri-Expo’s achievement in securing the bid.
“Agri-Expo is synonymous with agricultural excellence. We are excited to host this conference, particularly given the current global landscape. The Western Cape is committed to economic growth, and attracting international conferences aligns with our vision,” he said.
A boon for WC agriculture
Meyer expressed the Western Cape government’s commitment to increase the economy of the province, especially in agriculture, by focusing on electricity, water, infrastructure, skills development, and foreign investment drive.
Julian Taylor, RASC Trustee from the United Kingdom, was impressed by the Western Cape’s agricultural diversity.
“Hosting this global event in Cape Town presents an incredible opportunity to showcase South African agriculture to the world. We look forward to welcoming between 200 and 300 delegates from more than 20 Commonwealth countries,” he said.
Milford said the staging of this event in South Africa was a game-changer and something to be celebrated by all.
“We are excited about the future of Agri-Expo and South African agriculture. Since restructuring two years ago, our revised strategy, focused on economic and rural development, agri-processing, youth and entrepreneurship, as well as recognising excellence, has yielded positive results, reinforcing our sustainability and impact.
“As an umbrella non-profit organisation, Agri-Expo supports 20 agricultural shows in the Western and Northern Cape, increasing financial backing by 80%. We have achieved significant financial growth over the past two years, enabling us to introduce new projects,” Taylor said.
Meanwhile, Agri-Expo said the goal of the South Africa Preserve Championships is to recognise and reward quality while showcasing outstanding preserve products.
Chief Judge Susina Jooste said a panel of expert judges would assess the entries through a blind-tasting process, following strict protocols and an independent audit.
Backing SA cheese producers
Milford said starting this year, Agri-Expo would serve as an official entry agent for South African cheesemakers at the World Cheese Awards, the world’s largest cheese competition. “At the 2024 World Cheese Awards in Portugal, 4 786 cheeses were judged by a panel of 240 experts, resulting in 104 Super Gold winners,” he said.
According to Milford, such recognition can significantly enhance a cheese brand’s market value, benefiting both large and small South African producers.
“Agri-Expo’s core focus areas wine, dairy, youth development, and agricultural shows underscore its commitment to agri-processing. The organisation played a key role in establishing South Africa’s first wine show, the South African Young Wine Show, and the country’s largest wine competition, the Veritas Awards. And what pairs best with wine? Cheese and preserves,” he said.
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