2026 SAIAE Biennial Symposium
The South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) is delighted to invite interested parties to its highly anticipated 2026 Biennial Symposium. Following the remarkably successful SAIAE and PASAE International Symposium held in Grabouw, Western Cape, in 2024, the 2026 edition returns as a standalone SAIAE event — a pivotal national gathering for the agricultural engineering community.
The aim of the biennial event is to bring the agricultural engineering community together to share knowledge and practices across the many fields that define agricultural and biosystems engineering.
Symposium Theme
"Driving Agricultural Growth through Engineering Excellence"
This theme underpins all discussions, presentations, and activities — focusing on innovation and practical solutions for the sector.
Topics & Technical Fields
The SAIAE National Council invites engineers, technicians, and other interested parties to contribute. Topics include, but are not limited to:
- 4th Industrial Revolution
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Aquaculture & Hydroponics
- Circular Economy
- Climate Change
- Energy Management
- Farm Road Design
- Food Engineering & Post-Harvest Management
- Food & Fibre Production Processing
- General Conditions of Contract
- Hydrology & Dams
- Irrigation
- Livestock Water
- Packaging & Packing Facilities
- Precision Agriculture
- Primary Production
- Renewable Energy
- Soil Conservation
- Structural Engineering
- Subsurface Drainage Systems
- Water Supply & Resource Management
Event Format
The Symposium takes place over 3 days with 2 nights' accommodation, from 21 to 23 October 2026:
- Day 1 (Wed 21 Oct): Registration from 07h00, proceedings commence 09h00 — presentations & technical sessions
- Day 2 (Thu 22 Oct): Technical presentations & discussions
- Day 3 (Fri 23 Oct): Technical tours, concluding at 15h00
Delegates are warmly invited to bring along their spouses or partners to enjoy the experience with the agricultural engineering community.
Virtual Attendance
A virtual (online) option allows delegates to join from anywhere in the world to enjoy presentations and participate in discussions. Online participation covers the main Symposium venue throughout Day 1 and Day 2.
Technical Tours (Friday 23 October)
Exciting tours true to the nature and character of the Northern Cape — to be confirmed in coming announcements:
- ⚡ Renewable Energy Plant (Solar CSP)
- 🍇 Raisins Sorting Facility
- 🍇 Export Table Grapes Packhouse