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| NAMPO 2015 a true agricultural showcase
From 12 to 15 May 2015 agricultural producers and the public once more have the opportunity to experience first-hand what modern agriculture looks like and to see what is new on the market. The products of 650 exhibitors on the same site can then be compared properly during Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day outside Bothaville in the Free State. This agricultural showcase has developed into an influential agricultural trade show over the past 49 years. Farmer hospitality, rural atmosphere and geniality of agriculture and its people ensure that roughly 70 000 visitors flock to the Harvest Day every year to come and do business and enjoy the stock exhibitions, giant machines, 4x4’s, farmer patents, food and the farm atmosphere. A transport system with six custom made wagons on three routes has been introduced to make the site more accessible to people who find it difficult to move around. As farming is a scientific business, NAMPO 2015 supports producers in increasing their productivity and profitability in order to promote sustainable food security for the country. A reasonably large presence of solar-energy and related products is also present at the Harvest Day, as electricity supply is a major challenge in farming these days. ‘It is only the country’s grain producers who stand between load shedding and ‘food shedding’. If we do not have producers who face the risks of the grain industry, we are going to have the same situation with our food as with electricity – too little food for South Africa. That is why Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day is a major image building opportunity to help create that unity about agriculture,’ said Jannie de Villiers, Grain SA’s chief executive officer. He said that the grain industry is an indissoluble part of food security and that the Nation in Conversation panel discussion at NAMPO 2015 contributes towards this debate, which means that the sustainability of the industry can be maintained. During the week of NAMPO, Grain SA also receives local and foreign politicians and policymakers as guests so that they can experience agriculture and its people first-hand. As representatives of the entire grain value chain attend NAMPO, there is ample opportunity for networking, communicating with one another and strengthening relationships. The participation of approximately 60 international exhibitors from nine different countries proves that Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day is correctly positioned to offer an effective networking opportunity to the emerging dynamics of food and fibre production in Southern Africa and even Sub-Saharan Africa. ‘Pay a visit to the new experimental sites of eight seed companies located to the east of the grounds. This is a new addition to the Harvest Day that enables producers to not only visit the exhibition of their seed supplier, but also to view the cultivars under practical conditions,’ said Cobus van Coller, chairperson of the Harvest Day. The stock component is supplemented by an auctioneer’s competition presented in the auction complex in collaboration with Stock Farm and Toyota. In line with the main objective that NAMPO should at all times create a platform for acquiring information – even on diversification in farming – the number of exhibitors aimed at the game industry have been increased. In order to improve the accommodation network that functions effectively in the region, a tent hotel will be erected on the southern side of NAMPO Park. It comprises 100 proper two-man tents with ablution facilities – and breakfast is included. Please visit www.harambeehotel.com or www.nampo.co.za for online bookings. ‘Members of Grain SA regard the NAMPO Harvest Day as a proud event which they are part of. In addition to the exclusive parking and free entrance, our members are received as guests at the members’ hall. Grain SA’s leadership and staff are looking forward to enjoy this opportunity to have personal contact with our members,’ said De Villiers. Although the NAMPO Harvest Day is now approaching its 50th anniversary, technological development is definitely at the forefront. An electronic access ticket system by TicketPro enables visitors to purchase entry tickets online and at R10 less than at the gates. Please visit www.ticketpro.co.za or www.nampo.co.za to obtain your tickets beforehand. A NAMPO app was developed recently and enables visitors to obtain the product information of participating exhibitors on their smartphones or tablets. Please download the app from your favourite online store. The prices of the tickets are R90 per person on Tuesday and Friday and R100 per person on Wednesday and Thursday. Entrance for pre-school children and parking are free. Tune in to Grain SA Radio at 99.2 FM for traffic reports and current Harvest Day information. Gates open at 07:00 and close at 17:00. No pets, bicycles, carts or motor cycles will be permitted on the premises. To enable exhibitors to complete their finishing touches undisturbed, access control will be in force on Monday, 11 May 2015. A site map, alphabetical list of exhibitors, the day programme and a summary of refreshment points are contained in a free handy booklet available at the entrance gates. More information and the day programme can be viewed online at www.nampo.co.za, www.grainsa.co.za or nampo.mobi. Photo 1: The theme for NAMPO 2015 is ‘Agricultural showcase’, and it is represented by this icon.
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