2026 Early Bird Deadline Looms as RASC 2026 Announces First Speakers and Pre-Tour Programme
With early bird registration closing on 30th April 2026, organisers of the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference have announced the first confirmed speakers and released the official pre-conference tour programme.
Hosted by Agri-Expo in partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC), the conference takes place from 1st to 5th November 2026 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town.
Under the theme “Opportunities of Change in a Connected World: From South Africa to the World”, the event will bring together agricultural leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the Commonwealth.
2026 Pre-Conference Tour Offers Immersive Western Cape Experience
The newly released Pre-Conference Tour Programme (29–31 October 2026) offers delegates an in-depth look at South African agriculture ahead of the main event.
Hosted in Stellenbosch, this curated experience offers rare, behind-the-scenes access to South African agriculture, combining innovation, heritage and regional diversity.
Over three days, the tour will explore:
A future-focused introduction at the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute
Engagement with the next generation at Boland Agricultural High School
Insights from leading producers at Boschendal Wine Estate
Multi-generational farming across the Swartland and West Coast
Innovation, entrepreneurship and brand-building across diverse agricultural sectors
With limited capacity, delegates are encouraged to secure their place early.
First Speakers Confirmed
The first speakers announced reflect the conference’s global perspective and cross-sector focus:
Joel Cowley, Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Stampede, who will chair the CEO session, “The Story Our Shows Tell”
Ivor Price, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Food For Mzansi, contributing insights on digital storytelling and agricultural narratives
Emily Norton, Norfolk farmer, founder of Farm Foresight and Chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, speaking in the session “The Role of Women in the Agricultural Sector”
Elmarie Prinsloo, CEO of the Showgrounds Development Trust and the Central Agricultural Society (Bloem Show), addressing “Biosecurity in a Changing World” in the session
“Agricultural Shows and Events - Adapt or Die”.
Further speaker announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
A Final Call to Register
As the first RASC conference hosted in Cape Town, the event is expected to attract strong international interest. Organisers encourage any interested persons, particularly from Africa and the broader Commonwealth, to take advantage of early bird rates before the 30th April deadline.
Delegates from South Africa and other African countries will also enjoy a special regional offer, in recognition of the host continent.
Partners for the 2026 RASC Commonwealth Agricultural Conference include the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Hollard, FNB, De Grendel Wine Estate, the South Africa National Convention Bureau and Wesgro, Plaas Media, among others.
Registration and programme details are available at: www.rasc2026.com