Page 7 - GrowSA News September

I I N D U S T R Y P A R T N E R
AGRI-EXPO ANEWWAYTOEXPERIENCEAGRICULTURE

The Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society was “The pandemic is a reality with dire consequences.
established in 1831 when a group of farmers came We just need to manage these challenges because
together to showcase their products, award prizes, and it creates endless opportuni�es,” states Johan.
socialise. This was soon followed by the first wine show in
1833 and in 1834 when the first Dairy Championships Collabora�on is extremely important to Agri-Expo. In
was presented. addi�on to the close coopera�on they have with various
agricultural organisa�ons, they also have excellent
In 1996, a�er they sold the Goodwood Showgrounds, the rela�onships with local and provincial governments such
Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society registered Agri- as the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.This
Expo as a trademark and bought Sandringham Farm, collabora�ve business approach resulted in, amongst
Stellenbosch, with vineyards, guava orchards, and open others, the South African Cheese Fes�val that was
space for exhibi�ons. established in 2002.

What started as an event with 3000 people grew to the
largest culinary event in, Africa with an audience of
30 000, also one of the first outdoor events that took the
decision to limit the number of daily visitors. This year,
the SA Cheese Fes�val as a virtual event was just as big a
success.
Johan Ehlers, CEO of Agri-Expo
When a few agricultural socie�es iden�fied the need to
Today, Agri-Expo is a professional promo�on and involve the youth in ac�vi�es to cul�vate an affinity for
marke�ng organisa�on for the agriculture sector, agriculture, the Na�onal Youth Show was founded in
focussing on exhibi�ons and public rela�ons ini�a�ves. 1998, with Agri-Expo as one of the founding partners.
Sandringham is the home of the SA Cheese Fes�val, Agri- Youth Shows are now hosted in all nine provinces and in
Expo Livestock, Die Groot Plaasproe, and several other the Western Cape, Agri-Expo is s�ll a partner and avid
agricultural and related shows and expos. supporter of the Western Cape Youth Show movement.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown of the When asked what advice he would give to new entrants
country also had a huge impact on Agri-Expo’s to the agriculture market, he was adamant that the first
ac�vi�es, as with all other industries, but it created thing they need is to get a mentor and surround
new opportuni�es. themselves with people with knowledge and experience.
He also believes in the magic of networks, and more
The Agri-Expo Qualité Awards Func�on of the networks, and then some more networking!
South African Dairy Championships was scheduled
Johan also advises young people in the industry to take
th
for the 26 of March 2020, and within 7 days, Agri-
well-calculated risks and make the most of all the
Expo created their first ever online event and s�ll
resources available.
kept to the original date,” says Johan Ehlers, CEO of
Agri-Expo. A�er the success of the Qualité Awards, the And his last bit of advice is: “Start small, but dream big
South African Cheese Fes�val also went virtual. and put yourself out there.”
Johan Ehlers, CEO Agri-Expo

September | GROWSA MONTHLY NEWS 7