The MOST POWERFUL Agricultural Event of 2026 — An URGENT Call to Commercial, Small-Scale, and Urban Farmers ensuring Farmers stay Profitable

South African agriculture is undergoing a critical transformation. Climate volatility, escalating input costs, water scarcity, pest resistance, shrinking margins, urban expansion, and market pressure are reshaping how farmers must operate to remain profitable, resilient, and competitive.

The farmers who adapt, innovate, and modernise will thrive.
Those who resist change risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving agricultural economy.

That is why the 20th Gauteng Undercover Farming Conference & Expo, hosted on 25–26 March 2026 at the CSIR International Conference Centre in Pretoria, is not just another farming event — it is a STRATEGIC, GAME-CHANGING, FUTURE-SECURING opportunity for farmers across every agricultural sector.

This milestone event marks 20 consecutive years of delivering practical, profit-driven agricultural knowledge, cutting-edge technology, high-impact networking, and real-world farming solutions.

This Conference Is NOT Only for Greenhouse Farmers — It Is for the ENTIRE Farming Spectrum

Although undercover and protected farming are core themes, this conference is designed to benefit the full agricultural value chain, including:

• Commercial field crop farmers
• Livestock and poultry producers
• Horticulture, orchard, and vegetable growers
• Small-scale and emerging farmers
• Urban and township producers
• High-tech greenhouse operators
• Agribusiness leaders and processors
• Input suppliers, exporters, and investors

Whether you farm open fields, tunnels, shade-nets, greenhouses, urban plots, rooftops, or peri-urban spaces, this event delivers actionable insights that increase profitability and reduce risk.

2026 Core Focus: The MOST Impactful Farming Innovations of the Next Decade

The 2026 Gauteng Undercover Farming Conference & Expo will spotlight five transformational focus areas shaping the future of profitable agriculture:

1. Regenerative Farming

Regenerative agriculture is emerging as a REVOLUTIONARY farming approach that restores soil health, enhances biodiversity, reduces chemical dependency, and improves long-term profitability.

Farmers will gain PRACTICAL, FIELD-TESTED insights into:

• Soil regeneration and organic matter restoration
• Cover cropping and crop rotation systems
• Carbon-smart farming practices
• Biological soil amendments and microbial inputs
• Reducing synthetic fertiliser dependency
• Building long-term soil fertility and yield resilience

The bottom line: Healthier soil means lower input costs, higher yields, and more resilient production.

2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

With pesticide resistance rising and chemical costs escalating, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is becoming ESSENTIAL for profitable crop protection.

The conference will provide PRACTICAL IPM STRATEGIES including:

• Biological pest control solutions
• Predator insect deployment
• Reduced-spray and threshold-based control
• Monitoring and early-warning systems
• Disease prevention through climate and crop management
• Safer, residue-compliant production for premium markets

IPM allows farmers to CUT COSTS, PROTECT YIELDS, and ACCESS HIGH-VALUE MARKETS.

3. Seed Development & Next-Generation Genetics

Seed quality determines yield potential, disease resistance, climate tolerance, and market success.

Delegates will learn about ADVANCED SEED TECHNOLOGIES, including:

• High-yield hybrid varieties
• Climate-tolerant and heat-resilient genetics
• Disease-resistant seed lines
• Specialty crop and premium seed innovations
• Faster-maturing, higher-return cultivars
• Seed selection strategies to maximise profitability

Choosing the right seed can mean the difference between average returns and EXCEPTIONAL profits.

4. New-Generation Greenhouse Technology & Intelligent Control Systems ensures you stay Profitable

The modern greenhouse is evolving into a HIGH-TECH PRODUCTION POWERHOUSE driven by automation, sensors, and artificial intelligence.

At the Expo, farmers will explore:

• Smart greenhouse climate control systems
• Automated ventilation, heating, cooling, and shading
• CO₂ enrichment and humidity optimisation
• Remote monitoring via mobile and cloud platforms
• AI-driven yield forecasting and production analytics
• Energy-efficient greenhouse designs and structures

These technologies allow farmers to PRODUCE MORE, WASTE LESS, and MAXIMISE RETURNS.

5. Advanced Irrigation & Water-Saving Solutions 

Water scarcity is one of the BIGGEST THREATS to South African agriculture.

Farmers will discover CUTTING-EDGE irrigation solutions, including:

• Precision drip irrigation systems
• Fertigation and nutrient-delivery technologies
• Moisture sensors and soil-based scheduling
• Rainwater harvesting and water recycling
• Automation to reduce pumping and energy costs
• Ultra-low-volume irrigation systems for arid regions

Better water management equals LOWER COSTS and HIGHER YIELDS.

6. Urban Farming Under Shade-Nets & Small-Scale Greenhouses

Urban and small-scale farming is EXPANDING RAPIDLY due to rising food demand and shrinking land availability.

The conference delivers PRACTICAL TRAINING to ensure you stay Profitable on:

• High-yield crop production under shade-nets
• Affordable greenhouse systems for township farmers
• Maximising output in limited spaces
• Vertical growing systems for urban environments
• Rapid-cycle crop production for cash-flow stability
• Business models for small-scale profitability

Urban farmers will learn how to TURN SMALL SPACES INTO HIGH-PROFIT FOOD PRODUCTION HUBS.

Why Farmers Across ALL Sectors Cannot Afford to Miss This Conference

1. Climate-Resilient Farming Is No Longer Optional — It Is ESSENTIAL if you want to stay Profitable

South African farmers face rising heat stress, unpredictable rainfall, water shortages, and increasing weather extremes.

Attendees will learn ACTIONABLE climate-adaptation strategies to:

• Stabilise yields
• Reduce weather-related losses
• Improve resilience in harsh conditions
• Protect long-term profitability

2. Higher Yields & Lower Input Costs ensures you stay Profitable

This event is DESIGNED FOR RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI).

Farmers will gain PROVEN METHODS to:

• Increase crop yields
• Reduce fertiliser and chemical spend
• Lower energy and water costs
• Optimise labour efficiency
• Improve post-harvest quality and shelf-life

3. Learn REAL-WORLD Solutions from Industry Leaders & Successful Profitable Farmers

The conference focuses on PRACTICAL, FIELD-READY KNOWLEDGE, presented by:

• Leading commercial farmers
• Agricultural scientists
• Technology innovators
• Market analysts
• Export and value-chain experts

4. Discover Market-Driven Opportunities & High-Value Crops

Farmers will explore EMERGING MARKET OPPORTUNITIES such as:

• Export-oriented fresh produce
• Premium herbs and berries
• Specialty vegetables and leafy greens
• Organic and residue-free produce
• High-margin niche crops

5. Gain Direct Access to Suppliers, Technology & Exclusive Expo Deals to ensure you stay Profitable

The Expo provides DIRECT ACCESS to TOP-TIER suppliers offering:

• Greenhouse structures
• Irrigation and fertigation systems
• Seeds, fertilisers, and crop protection
• Automation and digital farming tools
• Renewable energy and solar solutions

Farmers benefit from:

• Exclusive Expo discounts
• Live demonstrations
• Hands-on product comparisons
• Investment-ready insights

6. Empower Small-Scale & Emerging Farmers to Scale Faster

The conference plays a CRITICAL ROLE in TRANSFORMING emerging farmers by providing:

• Practical startup guidance
• Affordable production models
• Funding and partnership insights
• Market access strategies
• Step-by-step scaling pathways

7. Strengthen Networking, Partnerships & Business Growth Opportunities

This is more than an event — it is a HIGH-VALUE AGRIBUSINESS NETWORKING PLATFORM.

Connect with:

• Buyers and retailers
• Exporters and packhouses
• Investors and funding institutions
• Input suppliers and service providers
• Fellow progressive farmers

What Makes the Undercover Farming Conference & Expo UNMATCHED?

A 20-Year Legacy of Agricultural Excellence & Impact

Founded by Undercover Farming Magazine, this event has built a TRUSTED, PROVEN REPUTATION for:

• Delivering high-impact knowledge
• Hosting industry-leading speakers
• Driving measurable farm improvements
• Connecting farmers with real business opportunities

A Conference Built for RESULTS — Not Just Inspiration

Farmers attend to:

• Increase profitability
• Reduce operational risk
• Modernise farm systems
• Diversify income streams
• Future-proof their businesses

This Is an URGENT Call to EVERY Farmer in South Africa

If you are serious about:

• Staying profitable in a volatile economy
• Adapting to climate and market shifts
• Improving yield performance
• Reducing costs and increasing margins
• Modernising production systems
• Scaling into high-value markets
• Securing long-term farm sustainability

Then ATTENDING THE FULL 20th GAUTENG UNDERCOVER FARMING CONFERENCE & EXPO IS A STRATEGIC MUST!!!!

Event Details:

📍 Venue: CSIR International Conference Centre, Pretoria, Gauteng
📅 Dates: 25–26 March 2026
🎯 Focus: Regenerative Farming, IPM, Seed Innovation, Greenhouse Technology, Smart Irrigation & Urban Production
🎉 Milestone: 20th Consecutive Annual Conference & Expo

Final Thought — Testimonial of Delegates and Exhibitors:

In my opinion, this conference has become one of the most influential agricultural innovation platforms in Southern Africa. Farmers who attend the full conference gain a significant competitive advantage — not only in knowledge, but in technology adoption, supplier access, and market positioning ensuring they stay profitable.

(M.O)