NAMPO 2025 concluded with a strong call to secure South Africa’s food security, emphasizing agriculture’s crucial role in poverty alleviation, job creation, and overall economic stability. The NAMPO Harvest Week in Bothaville, Free State, brought together government officials, farmers, and business leaders, all underscoring the necessity for increased support to bolster the agricultural sector and ensure the nation's food supply.

High-ranking government officials, including the president and deputy president, actively engaged with farmers to address pivotal challenges and explore opportunities for growth. A key point was the rising global recognition of agriculture's importance, with one official noting that "Food security is now a top priority for global forums like the G20, G7, and the African Union," marking a significant acknowledgment of agriculture's essential contribution to national health and economic well-being.

Farmers highlighted the pressing need to protect agricultural production in the face of growing population demands and external threats. One producer emphasized, "Food security is critical—we must produce more with the same resources to feed our growing nation," advocating for innovations in farming equipment to enhance efficiency and output. Concerns were voiced regarding risks such as land grabs and disease outbreaks like foot-and-mouth disease, which pose a threat to export markets. An industry representative cautioned, "If we lose these markets, capital flows elsewhere, hurting our economy," emphasizing the interconnectedness of agricultural health and economic stability.

Businesses are actively pursuing the expansion of intra-African trade, aiming to strengthen ties between South African farmers and their counterparts across the continent, fostering collaborative growth and resilience within the agricultural sector. However, the persistent challenge of climate change remains a significant threat, endangering both agricultural practices and long-term food security.

As NAMPO Harvest Week drew to a close, the overarching message was clear: a collaborative approach involving the government, farmers, and the private sector is indispensable for securing South Africa’s agricultural future and ensuring food security for its growing population.