Partners
CONFERENCE PARTNERS
The RASC is the only, and official, voice of Agricultural Commonwealth working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and its associated bodies. Founded in 1957 by Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, RASC plays a pivotal role in the promotion of agriculture across the Commonwealth.
The RASC provides an opportunity for Societies across the Commonwealth to engage with leading industry members to support the advancement of the sector.
AGRI-EXPO
Agri-Expo has its roots in the Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society, established in 1831. As a leading professional promotion and marketing organisation, Agri-Expo operates within the broader agricultural sector in SA. We create exhibitions, forums and events to promote the entire agricultural value and production chain.
Agri-Expo organises numerous events per year and is wellknown in the agricultural events space. From Wine Shows to Dairy Shows, from Livestock Expos to Conferences, the team of Agri-Expo is dedicated to stage world class events. Accolades from AAXO over the years includes – Best Exhibition in SA, Best Exhibition in Africa and Most Memorable awards.
Platinum Partner
Hollard is South Africa’s largest privately owned insurance group, providing comprehensive insurance and financial services to a wide range of customers and businesses. We are an insurer with a long-term vision, we believe in partnerships and having an impact in the markets in which we operate. Since inception in 1980, Hollard has grown its pan-African footprint to serve nearly four million policyholders across ten countries, primarily through trusted brokers, advisers and partners.
Our purpose is to enable more people to create and secure a better future for our customers, partners and stakeholders, through exceptional insurance solutions. As a purpose-driven insurer we are conscious of our impact on society and the environment. Our history is rooted in the belief that there is always a better way of doing things.
We collaborate closely with brokers, advisers and partners to ensure our solutions effectively reach and serve all market segments, strengthening our impact across the continent. This partnership focused approach allows us to deliver value for all stakeholders – we call it partnering to deliver the win-win-win.
Anchor Partner
WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is primarily responsible for the promotion of agriculture in all its rich diversity in the Western Cape. It provides a wide range of development, research and support services to the agricultural community in the Western Cape. The department’s headquarters are situated on the historic farm, Elsenburg, in the picturesque Boland region. We also render services to new and commercial farmers and agri workers from our regional research farms, Further Education and Training Centres, extension offices and state veterinary offices.
The department’s service area covers approximately 13 million hectares, of which 2 million hectares are under cultivation and 320 000 hectares are under irrigation. About 45% of South Africa’s agricultural exports move through the Western Cape and the value-added in the sector amounts to just less than R21 billion per annum. The agricultural sector not only stimulates economic growth in the province, but it also plays a major role in creating sustainable job opportunities.
For more information, visit www.elsenburg.com
Gold Partners
DE GRENDEL
De Grendel, meaning latch or lock in Dutch, is one of Cape Town’s oldest farms. Spanning almost 330 hectares on the fynbos-covered slopes of Tygerberg Hill, the farm enjoys panoramic views stretching from Table Bay to False Bay and, on clear days, even Cape Point.
The farm has been in the Graaff family for four generations. It was acquired in 1890 by Sir David de Villiers Graaff as a breeding ground for purebred Arabian horses. In 1912, he established South Africa’s oldest registered Holstein herd with 14 cows tracing back to the Segis cow family in Friesland. His son, Sir De Villiers Graaff, inherited the farm in 1931. While best known for leading the Official Opposition to the National Party, he was also a committed farmer who rebuilt the herd after World War II and prioritised selection for production traits. Today, De Grendel combines careful bull selection, genomics, advanced programmes and optimal management to breed productive, long-living dairy cows, contributing not only to its own herd but also to the broader South African dairy industry.
Although grapes were grown on the farm in the 1800s, modern viticulture began only in 2000 when the late Sir David Graaff returned to the farm after retiring from politics. Following extensive research into the terroir and climate, the first 10 hectares were planted. More than two decades later, 80 hectares are under vines. Sauvignon Blanc has become a key focus, reflecting the suitability for producing some of South Africa’s finest examples of the cultivar.
The Graaff family motto, Justis Favet Creator (The Creator Favours Justice), continues to guide De Grendel’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community development and building a sustainable business founded on integrity and respect.
FNB
As a leading financial service provider to the agricultural industry across the entire value chain, FNB delivers bespoke financial solutions, including a comprehensive range of loans (from overdraft facilities to long-term financing), investment options, foreign exchange services, insurance products, and other related offerings.
FNB Agriculture does not only provide financial services, but can also keep you up to date with the latest information, trends and studies in the local and international agricultural economy.
For further details, please visit www.fnb.co.za or email agric@fnb.co.za. Your local relationship manager is also available to assist you, reaffirming our commitment that Help Changes Everything.
Silver Partner
ALLTECH
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of animals and plants, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact.
We are a global leader in the agriculture industry. Our team produces specialty ingredients, premix, supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services.
Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. As a private, family-owned company, we adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and focus on advanced innovation.
We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. Together, we can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources.
Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Alltech serves customers in more than 140 countries, has five bioscience centers, and operates more than 80 manufacturing facilities across the globe.
For more information, visit alltech.com.
Bronze Partners
FAIR CAPE DAIRIES
Fair Cape Dairies is a business where the majority of its shares are owned by the Loubser Family Trust. The business is renowned for uncompromising quality and a commitment to ethical business practies. A once small-scale dairy farming operation run by the Loubser family for more than 70 years, they have grown to become one of South Africa’s leading commercial dairy brands. Their core value is to Do the Right Thing and this is the driving force behind their success as an industry leader renowned for uncompromising quality, dedicated to sustaining the environment by reducing tehir carbon footprint, being involved with and uplifting their social community and taking excellent care of their animals. Fair Cape’s mantra Do the Right Thing remains the company’s moral and ethical compass.
MOHAIR
As the collective voice of this industry, we advocate for farmers, connect the farm-to-fabric supply chain, and uphold mohair’s international reputation as a luxury fibre. By fostering innovation, education, and collaboration, we promote sustainable and regenerative farming practices, unite all stakeholders, and form strategic global alliances. Guided by integrity, community, and heritage, we strive to ensure a thriving, resilient, and globally respected mohair industry for future generations.
Industry Partners
AGRI WESTERN CAPE
Agri Western Cape is a voluntary membership organisation representing commercial agricultural producers across the Western Cape. The organisation works to inform stakeholders, policymakers and other role players about the vital contribution of farmers and farm workers, while promoting greater understanding and support for the agricultural sector. Strong collaboration is essential to addressing challenges, finding practical solutions and strengthening the future of agriculture in the Western Cape.
SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL CONVENTION BUREAU
The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) is a ‘one-stop solution’ for independent information and assistance, giving neutral advice on all aspects of hosting and organising any business event in South Africa.
WESGRO
Wesgro is the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape.
Wesgro drives economic growth in the Western Cape by facilitating investments, supporting businesses with market intelligence and regulatory guidance, and helping local companies expand globally through trade missions and buyer connections. It promotes the region as a premier destination for tourism and film production, offering support with permits, locations, and resources. Additionally, Wesgro provides valuable economic insights and data to aid decision-making and collaborates with stakeholders on initiatives that enhance the province’s development and infrastructure
