Cape Town’s first Commonwealth Ag Conference - Programme released

Organisers of the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference have released the preliminary programme for the event, which will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, for the first time.

Hosted by Agri-Expo in partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC), the conference will take place from 1 to 5 November 2026 under the theme "Opportunities of Change in a Connected World – From South Africa to the World."

Importantly, the conference is open to all interested delegates and is not limited to members of the RASC.

Recent Commonwealth Agriculture Conferences have been held in Edinburgh, Brisbane, Edmonton, Livingstone and Singapore, with Cape Town now preparing to welcome delegates from across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Conference Programme

The preliminary programme reflects both global agricultural priorities and uniquely South African perspectives.

"Agriculture operates in an increasingly interconnected world," says Breyton Milford, General Manager of Agri-Expo and RASC Trustee.

"Decisions made in one part of the world increasingly affect farmers, agribusinesses and consumers elsewhere. The programme is designed to bring together international and South African perspectives on the issues that matter most, while highlighting the role of women, young people and future leaders in shaping agriculture’s future.”

Through keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking opportunities, delegates will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping agriculture today, from food security, sustainability and climate resilience to geopolitical developments, changing trade dynamics, evolving consumer expectations and the future of rural communities.

Confirmed Speakers

Among the confirmed speakers are:

Dr Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism

John Bennett OAM, President of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, Australia

Christo van der Rheede, Chief Executive of the FW de Klerk Foundation, South Africa

Joel Cowley, Chief Executive of the Calgary Stampede, Canada

Melt Loubser, Managing Director of Fair Cape Dairies and Chairman of the South African Milk Processors’ Organisation (SAMPRO)

Robyn Sermon, Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia

Elmarie Prinsloo, Chief Executive of Bloem Show, South Africa

Ivor Price, Co-founder and Managing Director of Food For Mzansi, South Africa

Emily Norton, Chair of the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), UK

Dr Tobias Doyer, Chief Executive of Grain SA and the organiser of NAMPO Harvest Day

Shannon Robertson, Western Cape Prestige Agricultural Worker of the Year 2025

David Grindle, President & Chief Executive of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE), United States

Beauty Mokgwamme, General Manager, The Mohair Empowerment Trust, South Africa

Francois Rossouw, National Young Farmer of the Year 2025, South Africa

Stefan Gerber, Wool Producer and Founder of Gerber & Co, South Africa

Additional speakers and programme updates will be announced in the coming months.

Opportunities For Delegates

"Whether delegates are interested in food security, agricultural innovation, sustainability, agricultural events or leadership development, the conference offers a valuable opportunity to learn from global experts and connect with peers from across the Commonwealth,” says Milford.

Pre-Conference Tour

A major highlight of the event is the Pre-Conference Tour from 29 to 31 October 2026, which offers delegates exclusive access to leading agricultural enterprises, educational institutions, and farming operations across the Western Cape.

Hosted in and around Stellenbosch, the tour provides a unique opportunity to experience South African agriculture firsthand while building relationships with fellow delegates before the conference begins.

Registration And Accommodation

VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR REGISTRATION AND ACCOMMODATION

In recognition of the host continent, preferential registration rates are available to delegates from South Africa and other African countries.

A variety of accommodation options is also available around the Century City Conference Centre to suit different budgets and travel preferences.

Conference Partners

Partners of the 2026 Commonwealth Agriculture Conference include the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Hollard, FNB, De Grendel Wine Estate, Fair Cape Dairies, Plaas Media, the South Africa National Convention Bureau and Wesgro, among others.

The preliminary conference programme, registration details, accommodation information, and the pre-tour programme are available at https://www.rasc2026.com.