This is the view of Jannie de Villiers, CEO of Grain SA, after the organisation’s 52nd NAMPO Harvest Day, which was presented successfully during the past week. According to ticket sales, 82 817 visitors streamed through the gates to visit the 746 exhibitors and to enjoy the family atmosphere and farm hospitality that are so unique to the Harvest Day. The private airstrip at NAMPO Park handled 361 aeroplanes and helicopters, ferrying a variety of visitors there, with ease.

‘The growing interest in the NAMPO Harvest Day is encouraging, and it proves that agriculture is still alive and well. To each exhibitor, visitor and staff member: thank you that you came to enjoy the event with us and helped to write the NAMPO story with us. A personal highlight of each NAMPO is meeting various people, talking and building relationships. Those relationships strengthen the hope on which agriculture is built.

This time last year, producers in the midst of the worst drought in decades were encouraging each other and exchanging plans during the NAMPO Harvest Day. This year we shared each other’s joy with the promising harvest at hand

said Jannie de Villiers, Chief Executive Officer of Grain SA.

The public enjoys the warm-hearted atmosphere and yearns for information on how the agricultural industry can assist to unfold the future. Members of a European trade delegation visiting the Harvest Day even referred to the family spirit and sense of security they experienced between Harvest Day visitors.

NAMPO’s main objective is to connect farmers and suppliers, but the importance of networking and the forming of partnerships and relations is a key factor, without which the agricultural industry cannot survive. Various visitors from Africa, neighbouring countries and local politicians were received and addressed by Grain SA during the Harvest Day. International visitors who are looking for local partnerships and distribution opportunities are also a common sight at the Harvest Day.