As the agricultural sector continues to bear the brunt of rising costs and environmental factors, the National Maize Producers’ Organization (NAMPO) of South Africa’s annual harvest day festival aims to continue the trend of attendance growth it has shown over recent years.
Under the theme ‘Resillience Through Innovation’, this festival and expo hopes to promote technology and new ways of thinking for solutions to modern problems in the sector.
After recording a decrease in attendance after a two-year halt during the Covid-19 pandemic,
attendance at NAMPO has steadily recovered to 86 474 strong last year. Interest from exhibitors has also grown past pre-Covid numbers from 775 in 2019 to 865 exhibitors last year.
Alongside exhibitions of cutting-edge agricultural technology, this year’s NAMPO will also attempt a unique record that pays homage to Southern African farmers' most iconic piece of equipment – the trusty bakkie. As a celebration of their 9th generation Hilux, Toyota South Africa Motors hopes to bag the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Hilux vehicles in the world on Wednesday, 13 May. Registered participants of the record attempt will automatically be entered into a draw with a yet-to-be-released Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab and 12 months of coverage with Toyota Insurance on the line.
EXPANSION
The iconic NAMPO Park will also expand in time for this year’s Harvest Day with new buildings and stands which will accomodate a wider range of exhibitors including the addition of Chinese and Italian sections.
Visitors can also look forward to a new relaxation area and the Santam Women in Farming Programme will continue to uplift women in the sector.
NAMPO will also have airplane fuel available and will expand their shuttle service this year to ease movement across the terrain.
FMD MEASURES
As a means to curtail the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), no cloven-hoofed animals will be allowed at NAMPO 2026. Animals not at risk will be permitted to enter, but will be subject to strict biosecurity measures. Animals and vehicles that are involved in activities related to animals will be sprayed.
This against the backdrop of measures taken in South Africa to contain an outbreak of FMD primarily in the Free State and Northwest provinces of the country.
The NAMPO Harvest Day expo and festivities will take place from 12 to 15 May this year at NAMPO Park outside Bothaville in South Africa’s Free State Province.
– irene-mari@nmh-hub.com.na
