With the start of 2021, Grain SA continued to monitor the surge in the coronavirus pandemic nationally and the accompanying regulations and restrictions on the country. Under the current Alert Level 3 of the Disaster Management Act, Grain SA continually evaluated the possibility of hosting the 2021 NAMPO Harvest Day in its original format, albeit with best practices in mind to ensure the safety of exhibitors and visitors alike.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across South Africa unabated, Grain SA continued to consult extensively with all stakeholders on the best way forward. The potential risk of further waves in the coming months cannot be discounted and Grain SA had to once again make the difficult, but responsible decision, to postpone the 2021 NAMPO Harvest Day which was scheduled to take place from 11-14 May 2021 at NAMPO Park, just outside Bothaville.
Grain SA is committed to implementing appropriate action plans in relation to the continued developments of COVID-19. “The health and safety of visitors, exhibitors, staff, sponsors and the entire agricultural community during the NAMPO Harvest Day are paramount and guided by these priorities and best practice, the decision to postpone the event was a necessary one,” Jannie de Villiers, CEO of Grain SA said.
“While we’re taking precautions and doing some things a little differently, our aim remain to present a diversified agricultural trade exhibition benefiting our loyal and longstanding partners, the local communities and the broader agricultural sector as a whole. Grain SA will remain committed to applying risk-informed-decision making and keeping all stakeholders informed every step of the way,” said Dirk Strydom, Manager of Grain Economy and Marketing.
Adapting to the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and adopting new technology, the 2020 NAMPO Harvest Day was presented once off, in virtual format with more than 31 500 visitors visiting the online NAMPO exhibition platform from 9-12 September 2020, experiencing the best and latest innovations on offer at 93 participating exhibitors.
The NAMPO Cape show, scheduled for 8-10 September 2021 in Bredasdorp, Western Cape and the NAMPO Alfa show, scheduled for 30-Sep – 2-Oct 2021 on NAMPO Park, Bothaville is set to continue on these confirmed dates.
Ends
Issued by:
Grain SA Communications
Further enquiries:
Jannie de Villiers, CEO, Grain SA