The Livestock Value Chain Transformation Conference was convened by organized by the National Department of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Marketing Council and the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture from 21 to 22 July 2026 at the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) Conference Centre in the Eastern Cape Province. The conference was hosted in a hybrid format, enabling participation through both physical attendance and virtual engagement, thereby broadening access to stakeholders from across the livestock value chain. The event brought together government representatives, industry associations, development agencies, financial institutions, producer organisations, emerging and commercial farmers, as well as other sector stakeholders to discuss strategies for accelerating transformation, inclusivity, competitiveness, and sustainable growth within South Africa’s livestock industry.

The two-day programme focused on key themes including policy alignment and compliance, livestock industry transformation initiatives, funding and finance mechanisms, market access opportunities, skills development, and strategic interventions aimed at advancing the implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP). Through expert presentations, panel discussions, and stakeholder engagements, the conference provided a platform for sharing knowledge, identifying challenges and opportunities, fostering collaboration, and developing actionable recommendations to support inclusive participation and economic growth across the livestock value chain.