MEC Ivan Meyer Welcomes Commonwealth Agricultural leaders to Cape Town

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, welcomed delegates from across the Commonwealth to Cape Town for the opening of the 31st Conference of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) being held on 1-5 November 2026, describing the gathering as an important platform to strengthen global agricultural partnerships and advance innovation, sustainability and food security.

Addressing delegates, including Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, Sir Nicholas Bacon, Chairman of the RASC, and representatives from government, academia, agribusiness and farming communities, Minister Meyer highlighted the vital role agriculture plays in connecting people, economies and nations.

“Agriculture has always been one of humanity's greatest connectors. It transcends borders, cultures and generations. It links producers to consumers, rural communities to global markets, and innovation to opportunity,” said Ivan Meyer.

Minister Meyer said the Western Cape was honoured to host delegates from across the Commonwealth and looked forward to the partnerships, ideas and solutions that would emerge from the conference. He noted that agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth, employment, exports and rural development in the province, with Western Cape producers competing successfully in some of the world's most demanding markets through innovation, sustainability and excellence.

The Minister also acknowledged the significant challenges facing agriculture globally, including climate change, water scarcity, rising input costs and supply chain disruptions. However, he emphasised that advances in technology, precision agriculture and climate-smart farming present unprecedented opportunities for growth and resilience.

“The question before us is not whether agriculture will change. The question is whether we will lead that change,” Meyer told delegates.

A central theme of the Minister's address was the importance of collaboration across borders and sectors. He said the Commonwealth's diverse agricultural community is united by shared aspirations to improve livelihoods, safeguard natural resources and build a better future for generations to come.

Reflecting on growing global divisions, Minister Meyer called on delegates to use agriculture as a force for unity and cooperation.

“In a world searching for common ground, perhaps our greatest task is not simply to make our economies stronger or our industries more competitive, but to make humanity great again. We do so when we choose cooperation over division, partnership over isolation and shared progress over narrow self-interest,” he said.

Minister Meyer also paid tribute to Chris Fourie and Agri-Expo, recognising the organisation's role as a member of the organising committee and its longstanding contribution to agricultural development, innovation and market access in the Western Cape. He noted that for nearly two centuries, Agri-Expo has played a significant role in strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the province's agricultural sector.

Reaffirming the Western Cape Government's commitment to agricultural growth, Meyer said the province remains focused on supporting exports, strengthening skills development, advancing climate resilience and fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation.

“The Western Cape is open for business. We welcome investment. We welcome partnerships. We welcome innovation. And we welcome every opportunity to deepen our relationships with partners across the Commonwealth,” he said.

The conference brings together agricultural leaders, researchers, innovators and policymakers from across the Commonwealth to explore practical solutions to strengthen food systems, improve rural economies and advance sustainable agricultural development.

Media enquiries:
Daniel Johnson
Media Liaison Officer to Provincial Minister Ivan Meyer
Cell: 079 990 4231
E-mail: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za

#GovZAUpdates 

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.