Smart
Seeds.
Smarter Inputs.
The high-level forum on seed systems, fertiliser innovation, biologicals and the agricultural inputs reshaping African farming.
when
26 – 27 Aug 2026
where
Irene Country
Club
city
Johannesburg,
RSA
Media
Sponsors
17+
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
02
Days of Programme
06
Innovation Pillars
25+
Industries Represented
Summit
Sponsors
Platinum
Gold
Bronze
— The Forum
Producing smarter
Agriculture is entering one of the most transformative periods in decades. Farmers and agribusinesses are under growing pressure to produce more with fewer resources — navigating rising input costs, climate volatility, supply-chain disruption and tightening sustainability demands.
Simultaneously, advances in seed genetics, fertiliser technologies, biologicals, precision agriculture and plant nutrition are reshaping what is possible. Biologicals and regenerative practice are moving into the mainstream. AI and data-driven farming are accelerating rapidly. Export markets are demanding sustainability, traceability and ESG compliance.
The Smart Seeds & Fertiliser Innovation Forum bridges the gap between science and commercial agriculture; innovation and practical implementation; sustainability and profitability; policy and the realities of running a farm or input business.
“
The challenge facing the sector is no longer simply about increasing
production — it is about producing smarter, more efficiently, and more sustainably.
Why this forum, now
— The Forum
Producing smarter
From seed assurance and breeders’ rights to biologicals, precision agriculture and ESG compliance — every session anchored to a question the industry is actively trying to answer.
01
Seed Systems & Genetics
Plant breeding, variety registration, IP frameworks, and the genetics shaping yield resilience.
02
Fertiliser & Plant Nutrition
Input efficiency, soil health programmes, and the economics of feeding the crop precisely.
03
Biologicals & Biostimulants
The fastest-growing input category — products, regulation, and field-trial evidence.
04
Crop Protection
Integrated pest and disease management as resistance pressure and regulation both rise.
05
Precision & Smart Farming
Sensor data, AI grading and decision-support tools that are actually moving the needle.
06
Sustainability, ESG &
Climate Resilience
Carbon, traceability and the export-market compliance now reshaping production.
— The Forum
Built for Senior Decision-Makers
A working room of senior stakeholders across the agricultural value chain — from the bench to the boardroom to the farm gate.
Take-Home Value
- CEOs, Managing Directors & Executives
- Heads of Agribusiness & Commercial Directors
- Agronomy Managers & Crop Specialists
- Seedcare & Biologicals Leads
- Product Development & R&D Managers
- Sustainability & ESG Managers
- Researchers & Academic Leaders
- Farm Managers & Production Directors
- Policy Advisors & Agricultural Economists
- Policy Advisors & Agricultural Economists
- Agricultural Investment Teams
— Confirmed Speakers
Industry Leaders
Seed company executives, ARC researchers, economists, regulators and agritech founders — all confirmed for the programme.
Matome Ramokgopa
Chairman, SANSOR
Seadi Mofutsanyana
LAB – Seed Analyst , ZAR Seeds
Dr Belinda Janse van
Rensburg
Researcher, Agricultural
Research Council
Debbie Matteucci
Chairperson, South African
Bioproducts Organisation
(SABO)
Dr. Ian Heyns
Spring wheat breeding, ARC
McGreggor Ntulii
Technical & Training Manager: AECI Plant Health
Thabile Nkunjana
Senior Economist, National
Agricultural Marketing Council
Fredo Ströh
Director | Patent Attorney, van Rooy.
Chair, Board and Director, KISCH IP
Ryan New
Managing Director,
Original Grain Company
Dr Kingstone Mashingaidze
Senior research manager,
the ARC-CGI
— Reserve Your Place
Two Days.
One Conversation.
Delegate places are limited. Get in touch to receive the full registration pack and reserve your seat at the table.
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