NAMPO Harvest Day 2026 explores practical market solutions
Producer profitability took centre stage during panel discussions. (Image source: Grain SA)
True to its theme 'Resilience through Innovation', Grain SA's 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day highlighted the economic realities facing South African grain producers as the country's agriculture industry continues to move forward despite challenges
While the sector evolves, experts observed that producer profitability, long-term competitiveness and practical market solutions will be the key factors driving change.
The shifting price-cost dynamics between rising production costs and producer income are redefining profitability as broader food security and economic stability issues that surpass farming.
Producer profitability took centre stage during a panel discussion titled 'To Farm or Not to Farm: The Economic Reality', facilitated by Theo Vorster and featuring Grain SA chairperson, Richard Krige, Hansie Viljoen, Jaco Minnaar and Japie Grobler.
A central question posed to the panel asked, “If you were starting today, would you choose to farm -- and what would need to change for that answer to be yes?”
Panellists agreed that tackling climate change has been a big challenge for the agricultural sector, which has also adversely impacted the economy at large. Improved profitability, more predictable policy frameworks, stronger logistics systems, expanded market opportunities and greater long-term investment certainty were established as the needs of the hour.
“We cannot separate sustainability from profitability,” said Krige. “If producers are not profitable, investment slows, succession becomes uncertain, and food security is placed at risk.”
Throughout the day, Grain SA also highlighted the urgent need to improve market access and move surplus grain more efficiently through export channels and value-chain development.
