The 3rd hosting of NAMPO Cape, and the biggest yet, concluded over the past weekend. Grain SA together with Bredasdorp Park NPC are grateful for the record 32,640 guests who visited NAMPO Cape over the four days to visit the more than 500 exhibitors.
Visitors and exhibitors were blessed with lovely weather conditions despite the rain that the grain producers in the area so desperately need. “It was wonderful to be able to host NAMPO Cape again after an absence of two years,” said Toit Wessels, Grain SA’s Assistant Manager of NAMPO.
“However, the positive feedback from the exhibitors in terms of business transactions still remain one of the most important and accurate measures of success, and the exhibitors have certainly benefited from this highlight on the Cape agricultural calendar.
The many new additions during the week, and especially the Elim wildflower exhibition, the Merino Classic and the large number of farmer innovation entries were all hits. The ladies were pleasantly surprised this year with the option to visit the beauty salon after attending the ladies’ program for a treat while the men could talk business.
Visitors to NAMPO Cape were amazed by the impressive Nedbank flower arrangement exhibition led by Marjolijn Malan. For NAMPO Cape 2022, Marjolijn built a giant deconstructed protea and a fantasy bird made of ostrich and blue crane feathers and hundreds of Septuagint’s, including the rare Strawberry Septuagint.
The Overberg Youth Show was another highlight during Saturday’s program. As one of eight regional competitions in the Western Cape in which learners can participate to qualify for the Western Cape Youth Show Championships taking place during March 2023, an incredible 176 entries were received in 14 classes. The Merino Classic 2022 fulfilled its promise and housed the best merinos in South Africa under one roof for the show.
“Visitors to NAMPO Cape were excited for grain conversations and socialising and were really looking forward to come and experience what agriculture has to offer. Grain SA had positive and valuable discussions with Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, as well as the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer,” said Dr Pieter Taljaard, Chief Executive Officer of Grain SA. “The value for producers to view and easily compare new technology on one platform cannot be underestimated. New ideas for adaptations and new designs can be found everywhere with a multitude of networking opportunities with existing and new members and agricultural role players’ management teams”, concluded Taljaard.
The popular Nation In Conversation platform addressed several relevant topics including Infrastructure: opportunities amid the obstacles, Rural revival: new energy, Economic bumper car: driver or passenger? Winter grains: a boost for barley, Rural Safety: YOU are the difference, in collaboration with Agri Western Cape, and Youth: technology and strategies for the future.
NAMPO Cape 2023’s planning has started with the date set for 13-16 September 2023 at Bredasdorp Park. With the possible future involvement of other organised agricultural institutions, the NAMPO Cape platform promises to meet everyone’s needs – truly the agricultural exhibition in the South.
Applications for exhibitors who wish to be part of NAMPO Cape 2023 open 1 February 2023. Application forms and further information are available at www.nampo.co.za or www.nampokaap.co.za
Grain SA excitedly now turn its attention to the first ever NAMPO ALFA, Livestock, Hunting and Outdoor Expo which will be hosted at NAMPO Park from 29 September to 1 October 2023.
For more information visit www.nampoalfa.co.za
