by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa’s agricultural sector is undergoing a strategic shift, with farmers moving beyond survival tactics towards profitability driven by innovation, improved decision-making and stronger commercial discipline.
This transition comes amid persistent cost pressures, including rising input and logistics expenses, but industry players are increasingly responding with long-term planning and adaptive strategies rather than short-term defensive measures.
The evolving approach will take centre stage at the 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day in Bothaville, Free State, where the theme “Resilience Through Innovation” reflects a sector repositioning itself for sustained growth.
Brendan Jacobs, Head of Agribusiness at Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa, said resilience in the sector had taken on a broader, more strategic meaning.
“Resilience in agriculture has evolved,” he said.
“Beyond just getting through a difficult season, it is about using innovation and better information to make smarter decisions, manage risk and build farming businesses that can remain profitable.”
Across the agricultural value chain, farmers are increasingly applying innovation in ways that deliver measurable results, from improving operational efficiency to enhancing financial planning and expanding market access.
The focus, Jacobs noted, is not on innovation for its own sake, but on practical solutions that can be implemented in the short to medium term to support sustainable profitability.
“Profitability has become the clearest indicator of resilience,” he added.
“When innovation is applied with intent and supported by sound financial planning, it enables farmers to cope with volatility while also positioning their businesses for sustained growth.”
Industry stakeholders are expected to use the NAMPO platform, scheduled for 12 to 15 May, to exchange insights on building commercially resilient farming enterprises.
Standard Bank said it would engage with clients and partners from across the continent during the event, contributing to discussions on how innovation can be translated into long-term competitiveness for the agricultural sector.
– CAJ News