WINDHOEK – The Agricultural Outlook Conference, hosted by the Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) every two years since 2012, will take place again, on October 10, at the Safari Hotel and Conference Centre in Windhoek.
The main purpose of the conference is to create an opportunity for the agricultural sector in Namibia to discuss joint issues as well as to provide information to agricultural producers that can be expected in terms of the agricultural economy, prices and markets in the future. This year it focusses on developing ideas fuelling growth in the agricultural sector. If the primary sector is not growing, no additional jobs can be created to benefit the rural economy. Thus, emphasis will be on identifying low pending fruit in the livestock, agriculture, wildlife and other sectors that will spur future growth. This year’s theme is therefore IGNITE GROWTH IN AGRICULTURE – The basis for job creation and value addition.
The agricultural sector’s contribution towards Namibia’s economy is important by giving employment to 27% of the labour force, by providing food and also providing 70% of the necessities of life directly or indirectly to Namibia’s population. The programme will kick off with agricultural minister Alpheus !Naruseb addressing the participants. Thereafter, Vetumbuani Mungunda who will give a policy perspective of business aspects that affect the agricultural sector.
A session will take place for commodities such as large stock, small stock, agronomy, wildlife and tourism with speakers who will briefly identify the key problems and what is needed to fire growth in these various commodities. This session is led by several local producers and experts such as Poena Potgieter, Pieter van Schalkwyk, Michael Iyambo and Dr Chris Brown.
Dr Helmke von Bach will also talk about the different drivers behind profitability and Arnold Klein closes the day with a glimpse in the future how farming will look about 15 to 20 years from now. It is an open day for any producer (small, medium or large scale) and any agricultural product as well as other role players in the agricultural sector. For any inquiries or to RSVP, Rina Hough can be contacted at the NAU office – 061-237838 or rina@agrinamibia.com.na.
The cost for the day is N$650 and includes a full day’s refreshments and lunch.