NGRP Annual Meeting 2026

The NGRP Annual Meeting is the flagship engagement platform of the programme, providing a national forum for knowledge exchange, strategic alignment and collaboration.

The 2026 NGRP Annual Meeting, taking place from 1–3 March 2026, will be hosted by Grain SA in collaboration with industry partners. Now in its fifth year, the meeting has become a key platform for connecting the research community with producers, industry and policymakers.

The 2026 theme, “Integrate: Research, Industry, Policy”, reflects the need for closer alignment across the grain sector to address shared challenges. Focus areas include weeds, pests and diseases, climate resilience, new breeding technologies, chemistry and agribiologicals. 

Download a copy of the invitation here

Overview: What is the National Grain Research Programme (NGRP)?

The National Grain Research Programme (NGRP) is South Africa’s coordinated platform for applied grain and oilseed research, aimed at strengthening the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of grain producers. Led by Grain SA, the NGRP brings together producers, researchers, industry partners and policymakers to align research priorities with real-world production challenges. The programme ensures that investment in research delivers practical, regionally relevant solutions that support informed decision-making on-farm and across the grain value chain.

Why the NGRP Matters

Grain producers operate in an increasingly complex environment shaped by climate variability, rising input costs, pest and disease pressure, and evolving regulatory frameworks. The NGRP exists to ensure that research addresses these challenges directly - by focusing on practical outcomes that improve productivity, manage risk and enhance long-term profitability. By coordinating research nationally and avoiding duplication, the programme helps ensure that limited resources are used effectively and that scientific advances translate into tangible benefits for producers.

What the NGRP Does

The NGRP functions as both a coordination mechanism and a knowledge exchange platform for grain research in South Africa. It:

• Identifies and prioritises research needs informed by producer realities

• Facilitates collaboration between research institutions and industry

• Supports applied research across key production and system challenges

• Creates platforms for sharing results, insights and innovations

• Strengthens alignment between research, industry practice and policy

In doing so, the programme helps bridge the gap between research and implementation.

Research Focus Areas

The NGRP supports research across a range of priority areas critical to grain production, including:

• Weeds, pests and diseases

• Climate resilience and climate-smart production systems

• Cultivar performance and new breeding technologies

• Soil health and sustainable production practices

• Chemistry and agribiological solutions

• Technology and innovation adoption in grain systems

These focus areas evolve over time to reflect emerging risks, opportunities and producer needs.

How Research Priorities Are Set

Research priorities within the NGRP are shaped through ongoing engagement with producers, researchers and industry stakeholders. Input from regional production realities, emerging scientific insights and national strategic challenges informs the prioritisation process. This ensures that research remains relevant, responsive and aligned with both on-farm needs and broader sector objectives.

Collaboration and Partnerships

A core strength of the NGRP is its collaborative approach. The programme brings together:

• Grain producers

• Universities and research institutions

• Industry partners and value chain role players

• Research councils and technical specialists

Through collaboration, the NGRP fosters shared understanding, accelerates innovation and strengthens the overall impact of research investments.

Past NGRP Engagements and Outcomes

Previous NGRP meetings have demonstrated the value of coordinated engagement across the grain research ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on science-based solutions, strategic alignment and collaboration. Insights and outcomes from past meetings continue to inform current research priorities and strengthen linkages between research and practice.

Links to previous NGRP engagements and coverage:

• National Grain Research Programme platform (NWU)

• SA Grain / Graan coverage on NGRP science and collaboration

• Coverage of past NGRP annual meetings co-hosted with research partners

Research Impact and Knowledge Sharing

The NGRP is committed to ensuring that research outcomes are accessible and meaningful to producers. Findings are shared through industry platforms, publications, meetings and producer-focused communication channels. By translating research into practical insights, the programme supports informed decision-making and continuous improvement in grain production systems.

Get Involved

The success of the NGRP depends on active participation from across the grain sector. Producers, researchers and industry partners are encouraged to engage with the programme, contribute to discussions, and help shape future research priorities. Together, the NGRP aims to build a strong, integrated research foundation that supports the long-term success of South African grain producers.

The National Grain Research Programme (NGRP) is the backbone of South Africa’s grain and oilseed research
effort - designed to ensure that producers have access to credible, locally relevant science that strengthens
on-farm decision-making and long-term sustainability. Coordinated by Grain SA, the NGRP brings together
researchers, industry partners and producers to invest in practical research that improves productivity,
profitability and resilience across South Africa’s diverse production regions.

From cultivar performance and conservation agriculture to soil health, climate risk and technology adoption,
the programme ensures that research priorities are driven by real producer needs, turning scientific insight
into solutions today - and that keep the grain sector competitive today - and future-ready for tomorrow.