The first Gamtoos Agri-Festival was staged in November 2004.  The valley's moderate climate and the diverse agricultural activities in the area made it an ideal venue for dealers to introduce and market new wares to the farming community.  

As there is no opportunity for dealers to exhibit, demonstrate or promote their products in the Eastern Cape, the organisers decided to create an opportunity for farmers and buyers to view a large variety of products at the same venue.  Producers will also be able to see the newest technology, implements and innovations in the farming industry (citrus, fruit, vegetables, grazing, irrigation, ect.).

In 2006 the Ferreira day was incorporated and the Agri-Expo became the Agri-Festival. This change is part of the growth of the event and incorporate more of the local people and will also ensure more visitors and a wider appeal for the whole family.

Why the Gamtoos Valley? 

The Gamtoos Valley has the necessary infrastructure and a moderate climate to stage a successful expo.  Agricultural activities are intensive and varied and the latest technology is already used - it is not known as the "vegetable basket" of the Eastern Cape for nothing.  

The valley is situated between other intensive agriculture areas - the Langkloof, Tsitsikamma and Sundays River Valley - and nowhere else in the Eastern Cape is there an opportunity for exhibitors to successfully display and promote their products.

Nowhere in the Eastern Cape is an opportunity where farmers and buyers can view such a vast array of products simultaneously.

The Logo

The computer centre at Gamtoos Valley Primary School was asked to develop a logo for the expo.  Mrs Annatjie Malan who is in charge of the school's computers, explained to the seniors what she expected of them and set them to the challenge of designing a logo that reflected the valley.  The winning design was done by Hendri Wait, a grade 6 pupil at the school, and after some small changes by the organisers, was adopted as the official logo of the Gamtoos Agri-Festival.  The colours used reflect the activities in and characteristics of the valley.