Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Tickets: R550 (incl. VAT)
Venue: Batter Boys, Pretoria
NO FARMERS. NO FUTURE.
From the golden canola fields of the Western Cape to the vital maize lands of the Free State, from the bustling heart of Gauteng to the lush hills of KwaZulu-Natal, the climate crisis is reshaping our agricultural landscape. Join Food For Mzansi at the second annual Summit on Climate Change and Agriculture as we come together to act, adapt, and secure the future of farming – before it’s too late.
After the resounding success of last year’s gathering, the Summit on Climate Change and Agriculture returns – bigger, bolder, and more determined than ever. Hosted by Food For Mzansi, this second annual summit is more than just a conference; it’s a movement.
As climate change tightens its grip, devastating crops, threatening livestock, and upending the lives of farmers across South Africa, the need for decisive action has never been more critical. This year, at a new venue and with an even stronger programme, we stand united – farmers, policy-makers, scientists, and innovators – ready to turn ideas into impact.
Agriculture is the heart of our nation, but it faces an existential threat. Relentless droughts, surging pests, and chaotic weather patterns demand urgent, collective action. The Summit is our platform to strategise, to collaborate, and to lead the charge towards a resilient, climate-smart agricultural future.
10 Programme Highlights:
Ministerial panel: Confronting the crisis
High-level government representatives will dive into the urgent policy shifts and bold collaborative efforts needed to shield our farmers and agribusinesses from the encroaching climate threats.
Keynote address: Science meets survival
Experience a hard-hitting keynote from a leading climate scientist, offering an unfiltered look at the harsh realities of climate change and its devastating effects on South African agriculture.
Building climate-resilient agriculture: Innovate or perish
Experts in agronomy, climate science, and sustainable farming will share game-changing strategies like drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation, and integrated pest management.
Success stories: Real people, real solutions
Be inspired by real-world case studies from agribusinesses and farmers who have faced down climate change and emerged victorious. These stories offer blueprints for success, providing practical insights and lessons for scaling up across the sector.
Financing the future: Investing in resilience
Explore the financial lifelines available to support climate-smart agriculture. Leaders from financial institutions, government agencies, and international organisations will reveal investment opportunities and funding models critical to our survival.
Tech for tomorrow: Harnessing innovation
Delve into cutting-edge technologies and digital tools that are at the forefront of climate adaptation. From precision agriculture to remote sensing and data analytics, discover how these innovations empower farmers to make smarter decisions and better manage resources.
Empowering small-scale farmers: Ground zero of change
Focus on the unique challenges and immense potential of small-scale farmers, who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Learn about pioneering approaches like agroecology, community-based adaptation, and access to climate-smart technologies.
Policies for change
Engage with top officials on the policies that will drive sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. This session is a deep dive into the frameworks and legislative changes needed to protect our agricultural future.
Collaborative solutions: Bridging gaps
Join forces with environmental and agricultural NGOs to collaborate on initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture. This is where ideas turn into action plans, and collaborations are born.
Agritech innovations: The future is now
Connect with agritech founders and teams showcasing the latest innovations in climate tech. This session highlights the tools and technologies that will drive agricultural adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change.
Who’s welcome?
- Farmers and agribusiness owners: Equip yourself with the tools and strategies to fight back against climate change.
- Agricultural researchers and academics: Engage with the forefront of research and practice in climate-smart agriculture.
- Government officials and policymakers: Shape and drive policies that build a resilient agricultural future.
- Environmental and agricultural NGOs: Unite in initiatives and projects that mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture.
- Financial institutions and investors: Discover and invest in the future of climate-smart agricultural innovations.
- Agritech founders and teams: Collaborate and innovate to create solutions for a resilient agricultural sector.
This isn’t just another summit – this is our moment to rise. Join us at the Summit on Climate Change and Agriculture and be part of the movement that will redefine the future of South African agriculture. Together, we can fight back and forge a path towards a resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape.
CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS:
- Climate change threatens half of SA’s food production
- UFS team nominated for groundbreaking crop research
- Cattle and cover crops power vineyard regenerative study
- Biotechnology offers hope for Africa, but politics hold it back
- Breeding for drought: Adapting livestock to the climate crisis
- Goat and sheep farmers breed smarter to beat climate stress