AFMA Forum 2026: Building resilience for an uncertain future

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

The feed industry can no longer see itself as merely a feed manufacturer. This was a key message from the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) Forum 2026. During the event, industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and international experts repeatedly described feed as a strategic component of food security, agricultural competitiveness, and future protein production. More than 900 delegates from over 30 countries gathered at Sun City as AFMA concluded its 80th anniversary celebrations under the theme “The feed factor: The chain that feeds a nation.”

Growing protein consumption with quality in feed affecting food

Opening the forum, Liesl Breytenbach, executive director of AFMA, reminded delegates that feed remains one of the most important, yet least visible, components of the food system. “Feed might not always be very visible to the consumer, but it is a fundamental part of the food on the table.” Feed efficiency, feed safety and innovation directly influence food affordability, animal health and sustainability. “The resilience of our supply chains ultimately contributes to the resilience of South Africa’s food system.”

The same message was reinforced by Willie Aucamp, minister of agriculture, who stressed in a video address that livestock production depends on access to safe and nutritious feed. “Before meat, milk or eggs reach our tables, the animals that produce them need to have access to safe, nutritious, and well-balanced feed.” The feed sector is a critical link between cropping and livestock agriculture.

One of the strongest international perspectives came from Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior global specialist of animal protein at Rabobank, who argued that the centre of future growth in animal protein demand is gradually shifting toward Africa and other emerging markets. Approximately 90% of future growth in animal protein demand will come from emerging markets, he said. Africa’s expanding middle class and growing urban population are expected to become major drivers of poultry, egg and dairy consumption. “The big driver we see is the middle class.”

He suggested that South Africa’s combination of feed-manufacturing expertise, grain production, and livestock infrastructure places the country in a favourable position to support regional growth if it can maintain competitiveness and market access.

Competitiveness under pressure

While opportunities are expanding, industry leaders warned that structural constraints continue to erode competitiveness. Industry experts took part in a panel discussion featuring commodity organisations from the grain, poultry, pork, dairy and red meat sectors. The panellists included Prof André Jooste, chairperson of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University, Dr Tobias Doyer, chief executive officer (CEO) of Grain SA, Fanie Ferreira, CEO of the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO), Dr Marlene Louw, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO), Dr Frikkie Maré, CEO of the National Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), and Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA).

During the discussion, Dr Doyer said logistics remain one of agriculture’s biggest challenges. “We have to work together because it is a total value chain and we are reminded of the saying: A chain is just as strong as the weakest link.”

He cited rail inefficiencies as a major cost driver. “Rail transport is costing us 30% more because our rail infrastructure doesn’t work.” The panel repeatedly returned to the idea that infrastructure, transport, energy, and market access are now value-chain challenges rather than individual commodity concerns.

Biosecurity and traceability

Biosecurity was a burning operational issue discussed at the forum. Industry representatives repeatedly linked animal health to export readiness, food security, and competitiveness. Dr Doyer argued that biosecurity in the agricultural industry extends far beyond only livestock disease management. “It also relates to all the fungi and bacteria that can make people, animals and plants sick.” The discussion on foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza and African swine fever consistently highlighted the need for improved traceability, veterinary capacity, and value-chain co-operation.

In his address, Minister Willie Aucamp acknowledged the frustrations associated with regulatory delays and registration backlogs. “The government should not be a stumbling block for agriculture, but an enabler.” He stressed that South Africa needs both strong regulation and competitiveness. “We do not have to choose between strong regulation on the one side and a competitive agricultural industry on the other. We can have both.”

Constance Cullman of the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) echoed this perspective, warning that innovation often moves faster than regulatory systems. “Innovation moves at the speed of science, but adoption moves at the speed of trust.”

Resilience and technology integration

Cullman argued that resilience can no longer be treated as a side issue or sustainability initiative. “Resilience is not something you can wait on. It has to be intentionally designed into the global food system now.” Her presentation identified resilience as a core business strategy that should influence supply chains, sourcing systems, partnerships, and investment decisions. The industry’s traditional focus on efficiency remains important, but future competitiveness will depend on balancing efficiency with adaptability.

Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digitalisation were prominent throughout the forum programme. However, speakers repeatedly cautioned against viewing technology as a remedy in itself. Prof Henrik von Scheel argued that the industry’s greatest challenge is not acquiring new technology but integrating existing systems and data. “You have invested enough, but you have not put the pieces together, and digitalisation and AI can do this for you.” He reminded delegates that AI is not a magic solution. “The magic power is no magic power.”

Presentations from Prof Aaron Cowieson and other technical specialists demonstrated how biomarkers, transcriptomics, machine learning, and precision nutrition are already being applied to improve animal performance and decision-making.

Beyond manufacturing

As AFMA concluded its 80th anniversary celebrations and arguably its most successful forum yet, delegates were left with a clear message: The future of the feed industry extends far beyond feed manufacturing. The forum positioned the sector as a driver of food security, competitiveness and agricultural development. It also highlighted the growing importance of resilience, innovation, collaboration, and market access in a more volatile world.

The final insight came from Anina Hunter, who summarised the industry’s position as: “The state of this industry is one of resilience, responsibility, and opportunity.” Her words, perhaps more than anything else, captured the true message of AFMA Forum 2026. – Nikilene Steenkamp, Plaas Media