101 In essence, the 2024 Awards were not just a celebration of yield, but a reflection of values – legacy, mentorship, and resilience. By honouring South Africa’s finest producers and highlighting the collective strength of both established and developing farmers, Grain SA continues to elevate the standard of excellence in South African agriculture. GRAIN SA CONGRESS 2025 – LEADERSHIP AND POLICY DIALOGUE The 2025 Grain SA Congress, held from 12 to 13 March 2025 at NAMPO Park, Bothaville, brought together South Africa’s leading grain producers, policymakers, agribusiness leaders, and industry experts under the theme ‘A producer’s journey: From surviving to thriving.’ The annual Congress remains Grain SA’s premier governance and policy platform, where members set the strategic course for the organisation and engage in dialogue on the issues shaping South African agriculture. The Grain SA Congress serves as the industry's most influential platform for collective decision-making, ensuring that producers’ voices are central in shaping policy and advocacy priorities. In 2025, the discussions underscored the industry's evolution from navigating volatility to building resilience and growth – reaffirming the organisation’s role as the trusted, unified voice of South African grain producers. Delegates from all nine provinces, Grain SA’s Board and Management teams, and numerous industry stakeholders attended the event. Government participation included Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, who addressed the Congress, alongside outgoing Chairperson Derek Mathews and newly elected Chairperson Richard Krige, joined by Vice-Chairs Danie Minnaar and Jeremia Mathebula. International insight was provided by Paul Temple, UK grain producer and vice-chairperson of the Global Farmer Network, while corporate partners such contributed thought leadership on innovation and technology. Actions Outcomes Prepared and distributed advocacy briefs and policy toolkits to delegates and speakers, equipping them with data-driven insights on tariffs, land reform, rural safety, and climate resilience. Delivered daily Congress communication to members via digital channels (WhatsApp, social media, and newsletters), ensuring transparent information flow. Coordinated media engagement and on-site interviews with key leadership figures, ensuring consistent message discipline around policy, markets, and innovation. Managed press coverage highlighting the leadership transition from Derek Mathews to Richard Krige, with clear continuity in vision and advocacy. Supported live panel discussions on financial resilience, long-term planning, market trends, and innovation – aligning content with Grain SA’s strategic advocacy pillars. Produced and disseminated real-time policy announcements and post-Congress press statements through Grain SA’s communication channels and mainstream media. Strong attendance from across the agricultural value chain, with delegates representing every region and commodity group. Enhanced visibility of Grain SA’s advocacy voice through 79 media items across national, broadcast, and agricultural press. Positive sentiment exceeding 76%, driven by strong leadership messaging on resilience, unity, and innovation. Published key policy commitments from the Minister of Agriculture on land reform transparency, rural safety, tariff adjustment acceleration, and biosecurity strengthening. Successful leadership transition, reaffirming Grain SA’s institutional stability and continuity of purpose. Communication elevated international and innovation dialogue through contributions from Paul Temple (Global Farmer Network) and Todd Heap (Bayer Global Corn Strategy Lead) on sustainability and technological adoption in maize production. In summary, the 2025 Congress reaffirmed Grain SA’s central role in shaping the future of agriculture – moving the conversation from short-term survival to long-term sustainability. It highlighted that resilience in farming is built through partnership, knowledge-sharing, and continued advocacy. By uniting producers, policymakers, and industry under one roof, Congress 2025 strengthened Grain SA’s capacity to influence policy and champion the prosperity of South African grain producers. COMMUNICATION, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVOCACY
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