Hortgro Technical Symposium
25 – 29 May 2026
Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West, South Africa
Growing forward in a changing world
The Hortgro Technical Symposium 2026 is a Must-Attend for South African Deciduous Fruit Producers
Growing Forward in a Changing World is more than a theme – it is the reality facing South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry. From market access and biosecurity risks to shrinking crop protection tools, water constraints and climate pressures, the challenges are real.
The Hortgro Technical Symposium 2026, taking place from 25–29 May 2026 at the Lord Charles in Somerset West, is designed to help producers navigate this complexity with clarity, science and practical insight.
This five-day symposium brings together local and international thought leaders, scientists, economists, policymakers, researchers, advisors, industry stakeholders and producers to examine the issues shaping the future of pome and stone fruit and to share solutions that work in the orchard.
Big picture thinking for a volatile world
The Symposium opens with a Business Strategy Day that sets the context for the season ahead. Minister John Steenhuisen opens proceedings, followed by a motivational address from adventurer Riaan Manser and global economic insight from Hendrik du Toit (Ninety One) on productivity, investment and human capital in a shifting world order.
National heavyweights such as Prof. William Gumede and Wandile Sihlobo will tackle hard truths about socio-economics, transformation and shared futures – critical conversations for the sustainability of agriculture in South Africa. Dr Khotso Mokhele will share the Hans Merensky Foundation’s vision to leave a legacy of collaboration, partnership and upliftment in their environment.
Market access, regulation and the global playing field
With exports central to industry success, producers will gain first-hand insight into the EU Green Deal’s implications, trade barriers, and the process of gaining access to China, with contributions from Prof Christine Wieck (Germany), Wolf Braude (AgBiz), and Hortgro’s own Jacques du Preez. International fresh produce industry specialist Tom Barnes (USA) will offer a valuable perspective on cultivar strategy in an increasingly competitive global market.
Deep technical focus where it matters most
The technical programme examines the issues that directly affect orchard performance and risk management:
- Rest-breaking results and future strategies
- Biosecurity threats and plant quarantine systems
- Managing pests and diseases as active ingredients are lost
- Spray efficiency, drift reduction and regulatory compliance
- Water use, sustainability and carbon considerations
- Emerging pests, viruses and invasive species
- Rootstock performance, resilience and orchard design
- Technology and innovation that delivers ROI
Respected local experts are joined by leading international voices from Australia, Europe and the USA, ensuring South African producers remain aligned with global best practice while grounded in local realities.
Learning beyond the lecture hall
The Symposium concludes with a pome fruit field day (EGVV) and a stone fruit seminar and orchard walk (Simondium), providing practical, in-orchard learning, peer engagement, and dedicated stone fruit-specific content.
Who should attend?
If you are a producer, technical manager, advisor, researcher or industry stakeholder invested in the long-term success of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry, this Symposium is essential. It offers:
- Credible, science-based insight
- Strategic context for decision-making
- Practical tools for orchard resilience
- Direct access to leading experts and peers
Symposium Sponsorships
Sponsor our Symposium and help grow and support the deciduous fruit industry.
Contact Lindy Sigonyela today: lindy@hortgro.co.za
The Hortgro Technical Symposium 2026 is where strategy meets science; where industry moves forward, together
Registration costs:
R1 200 per Symposium Day (25–27 May) – VAT incl.
R500 Pome Fruit Field Day (28 May) – VAT incl.
R500 Stone Fruit Seminar & Orchard Walk (29 May) – VAT incl.
Discounts:
Early bird registration: 10% discount if attending all four days (valid until 31 March)
Student discount: 25% (valid student registration document for 2026 required)