Western Cape reaffirms commitment to agricultural growth

The Western Cape government has reaffirmed its commitment to growing the agricultural sector through investment, innovation, skills development, export promotion and climate resilience.

Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Ivan Meyer, reiterated the commitment at the 31st Conference of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) held in Cape Town from 1 - 5 November 2026.

Meyer said the conference provided an important platform to strengthen international agricultural partnerships and advance innovation, sustainability and food security.

He welcomed delegates from across the Commonwealth, including RASC chairperson Sir Nicholas Bacon.

In his address, Meyer highlighted agriculture's role in connecting people, economies and nations, while driving economic growth, employment, exports and rural development.

“Agriculture has always been one of humanity's greatest connectors. It transcends borders, cultures and generations. It links producers to consumers, rural communities to global markets and innovation to opportunity,” Meyer said.

He noted that Western Cape producers continue to compete successfully in some of the world's most demanding markets through innovation, sustainability and excellence.

The MEC also acknowledged the challenges facing the global agricultural sector, including climate change, water scarcity, rising input costs and supply chain disruptions.

However, he said technological advances, precision agriculture and climate-smart farming offer significant opportunities to strengthen the sector's resilience and competitiveness.

“The question before us is not whether agriculture will change. The question is whether we will lead that change,” he said.

Meyer emphasised the importance of collaboration across borders and sectors, noting that the Commonwealth's diverse agricultural community shares the common goals of improving livelihoods, protecting natural resources and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

Against the backdrop of growing global divisions, he urged delegates to use agriculture as a catalyst for unity and cooperation.

“In a world searching for common ground, perhaps our greatest task is not simply to make our economies stronger or our industries more competitive, but to make humanity great again. We do so when we choose cooperation over division, partnership over isolation and shared progress over narrow self-interest,” the MEC said.

Meyer also commended Agri-Expo President Chris Fourie and the organisation for their role in the conference's organising committee and their longstanding contribution to agricultural development, innovation and market access in the Western Cape.

He said Agri-Expo has, for nearly two centuries, played an important role in strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the province's agricultural sector.

Reaffirming the province's commitment to creating an enabling environment for agricultural growth, Meyer said the Western Cape Government will continue to prioritise export support, skills development, climate resilience, and investment in innovation.

“The Western Cape is open for business. We welcome investment. We welcome partnerships. We welcome innovation, and we welcome every opportunity to deepen our relationships with partners across the Commonwealth,” Meyer said.

The conference brought together agricultural leaders, researchers, innovators and policymakers from across the Commonwealth to explore practical solutions to strengthen food systems, improve rural economies and advance sustainable agricultural development. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.