OnTap Magazine

8 | Winter 2025 | ontapmag.co.za When you crack open a cold beer, you’re not just tasting refreshment — you’re tasting the results of an entire agricultural ecosystem working in harmony. From the barley and hops to the water and maize, every brew begins its journey on a farm. That’s why the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) is putting agriculture at the heart of its agenda — and this year, that journey took us to NAMPO Harvest Day , one of the most important events on the agricultural calendar. BASA was proud to be part of the ABSA Agricultural Outlook event at NAMPO, with our CEO Charlene Louw representing the beer industry alongside some of South Africa’s leading voices in food production, agri-finance, and sustainability. This wasn’t just a seat at the table — it was an opportunity to strengthen ties between beer and the broader agricultural value chain, from farmer to fermenter. WHY NAMPO MATTERS TO BEER For those not in the know, NAMPO is the event for anyone who cares about South African agriculture. Think massive farm machinery, future-focused panels, innovative tech, and the kind of real, boots-on-the-ground conversations that shape the future of food and farming in this country. And beer? Beer is agriculture. Plain and simple. Grain is the lifeblood of beer, and many of the key ingredients in your favourite brew — like barley, maize, and sorghum — are grown right here on South African soil. That’s why BASA’s presence at NAMPO wasn’t just symbolic. It was strategic. PARTNERING WITH ABSA: COLLABORATION WITH PURPOSE BASA’s partnership with ABSA for the Agricultural Outlook event is more than just a co-branded moment. It signals a shared vision: supporting South Africa’s farmers, building sustainable supply chains, and driving inclusive economic growth . As Charlene Louw noted at the event, “If we want to keep telling a proudly South African story through our beer, we have to invest in the full journey — from grain to glass. That means standing with the people who grow the ingredients that fuel our industry and nourish our communities.” Whether it's creating opportunities for emerging farmers, improving local sourcing practices, or helping brewers weather the storm of global supply chain disruptions, this partnership is all about resilience, innovation, and shared growth. WHAT'S NEXT? BASA isn’t stopping at NAMPO. The association is committed to ongoing engagement with agri-stakeholders, policymakers, and private sector partners to ensure a future where local agriculture and local brewing grow together. And for consumers, this work matters too. Every time you choose a locally brewed beer, you’re supporting a chain of people, places, and practices that start in South Africa’s soil and end in your glass. That’s something worth toasting to. So next time you sip, remember — that beer is more than a beverage. It’s a collaboration. A crop. A commitment. Here’s to farming. Here’s to brewing. Here’s to building together. #FromGrainToGlass | #BeerCulture | #BrewedInSA FROM GRAIN TO GLASS: BASA CHAMPIONS AGRICULTURE AT NAMPO WITH ABSA