Get ready for ‘bigger and better’ Nampo Cape

By Glenneis Kriel | 3 September 2024 | 9:00 am

This year, the Overberg in the Western Cape will be celebrating the fifth instalment of Nampo Cape (NPC) and the 30th anniversary of Mechanisation Day. This year’s NPC, taking place from 11 to 14 September in Bredasdorp, promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Henk Aggenbach, chairperson of Bredasdorp Park NPC, said at the recent media launch of the event that this year’s theme, ‘Agriculture: The Backbone of Economic Growth’, was chosen to highlight the importance of agriculture in the global economy and as a contributor to food security.

“The agriculture sector is a critical engine of economic growth. It not only feeds millions but provides livelihoods for a significant part of the population. With advancements in agricultural technology, from precision farming to sustainable practices, the sector is experiencing a transformative phase, contributing to economic stability and resilience,” he said.

Aggenbach added that NPC not only provided a valuable networking platform for farmers and other agricultural role players, but also d over 100 jobs from the week before until the week after the event had ended.

In addition, exhibitor surveys estimate the economic value of NPC to be between R10 million and R12 million, whereas the Overberg District Municipality estimates that the event contributes between R15 million and R25 million to the local economy.

So far, 600 exhibition spaces have already been sold for this year’s event and 38 additional 15x20m stands added to accommodate new exhibitors. About 40 000 visitors are expected to attend NPC over the four days.

Aggenbach highlighted some of the events that would attract people, including the latest in production innovation and technology; a sheepdog expo; training, demonstrations, competitions and an auction; and a daily performance by South Africa’s world-famous Lipizzaner horses; and a fynbos festival.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture will also aim to involve 500 learners from 30 schools that offer agriculture as a subject in the expo this year to supplement their classroom learning with practical experience, and the annual Overberg Regional Youth Show will take place on Saturday, 14 September.

Dr Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA, said grain farmers in the Western Cape were caught in a price-cost squeeze, with fertiliser, diesel, wages, electricity and herbicides costing more annually. He said the only way for them to survive this was to continuously look for ways to become more efficient and better at what they were doing.

“Nampo Cape helps bring farmers, manufacturers, input suppliers and service providers together to discuss their challenges, identify ways to overcome them, and remain at the cutting edge of technology.”