The upcoming National Agriculture Conference and Expo (NACE 2026) will focus on strengthening the market competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s agricultural commodities as global market volatility increasingly dictates trade flows.

Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development in partnership with the Agricultural Marketing Authority and Africa Economic Development Strategies, NACE 2026 will run from September 24 to 25 at the Diamond Conference Centre at the University of Zimbabwe.

The dedicated session on agricultural commodities and the external environment will address rising compliance standards in international trade, sustainable land-use practices, and carbon border adjustments.

Industry leaders, policymakers, financiers and farmers are expected to examine how climate variability, land degradation and changing market conditions are influencing agricultural production and commodity performance.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, says the country must move beyond a cycle of reacting to climate disasters and instead invest in solutions that strengthen resilience before they occur.

According to Professor Jiri, healthy soils are central to building a more resilient agricultural sector. Well-managed soils improve water retention, increase nutrient efficiency and help crops withstand periods of drought, enabling farmers to maintain production even under challenging weather conditions.

As climate shocks become more frequent, maintaining soil health is emerging as a critical factor in sustaining productivity and protecting the value of agricultural commodities.

Productive soils not only support better yields but also contribute to stable supplies for processors, exporters and other players across agricultural value chains.

Agroforestry, strengthened agricultural extension services and access to timely climate information are also increasingly viewed as essential tools for helping farmers adapt to changing conditions while maintaining productivity.

These issues are expected to feature prominently during discussions at NACE 2026 as stakeholders explore practical solutions for strengthening agricultural commodity production in an increasingly uncertain environment.

The Conference will also highlight the link between environmental sustainability and economic performance.

As global markets place greater emphasis on sustainable production practices, investment in resilient farming systems is becoming a business necessity rather than simply an environmental consideration.

For Zimbabwe, building resilience across agricultural landscapes could enhance commodity competitiveness, improve food security and create opportunities for long term growth within the broader agricultural economy.