Hundreds of local and international farmers gathered this week for Africa’s largest agricultural exhibition, , which concludes today in Bothaville the Free State. The event brought together emerging and commercial farmers, industry leaders, and government officials to address pressing issues in agriculture, including .

The final day of the expo will see  leading discussions on operational challenges faced by farmers. Among the critical topics raised were:

Deputy President  and other high-ranking officials visited earlier in the week, emphasizing the government’s focus on .

A recurring theme was the need for  for small-scale farmers. Many emerging farmers highlighted difficulties in selling produce and obtaining loans, as financial institutions often require collateral they lack.

The expo also showcased , aimed at reducing labor-intensive practices while maintaining productivity. Innovations in automation and sustainable farming were central to discussions on modernizing the sector.

As NAMPO 2025 concludes, stakeholders hope the dialogues will translate into actionable policies to strengthen South Africa’s agricultural resilience. Minister Steenhuisen’s closing address is expected to address these concerns directly, setting the tone for the sector’s next steps.