Farming Grants in South Africa (2025)

South Africa’s agriculture sector plays a key role in food security, rural employment, and economic growth. To help emerging and small-scale farmers succeed, several government and private organisations provide farming grants, input support, and training opportunities.

At MyInfoHub, we connect you with real, verified funding programmes — so you can grow your agribusiness safely without falling for online scams or paid “agents”.

---

🌾 What Are Farming Grants?

Farming grants are non-repayable funds or subsidised support provided to farmers to help start, expand, or modernise their operations. These can cover costs like seeds, equipment, livestock, training, or irrigation systems.

Many grants are offered under the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and provincial development agencies.

---

🏛️ Top Government Farming Support Programmes (2025)

• DALRRD LandCare Programme: Offers financial and technical support for sustainable land management and resource conservation.
• CASP – Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme: Helps smallholder and subsistence farmers with infrastructure, training, and inputs like fertilizer and equipment.
• AgriBEE Fund: Supports black-owned agricultural businesses to expand operations and enter commercial markets.
• Ilima/Letsema Programme: Provides seeds, fertilizer, and mechanisation support for food security and rural farmers.
• Land Bank Financing: Offers low-interest loans and blended finance for farmers with a solid business plan. Learn more at LandBank.co.za →

---

🌍 Provincial & Local Agriculture Funding

Each province has its own agricultural development agency and funding programmes. Below are some examples:

• Gauteng: GDARD Farmer Support & Development — Provides grants for emerging and peri-urban farmers.
• Western Cape: Elsenburg Agricultural Support Services — Focused on youth and female farmers.
• KwaZulu-Natal: KZN DARD Farmer Assistance — Livestock and crop support programmes.
• Eastern Cape: Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) — Equipment, irrigation, and agro-processing support.

For municipal-level support, you can also check your Municipality & Provincial Opportunities → page for local contact details.

---

👩‍🌾 Who Qualifies for Farming Grants?

Most programmes have slightly different requirements, but in general, you must:

• Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
• Own or lease agricultural land.
• Be actively involved in farming or agribusiness.
• Have a basic business plan or production record.
• Comply with environmental and animal health regulations.

Some grants prioritise youth, women, people with disabilities, and rural or land reform beneficiaries.

---

📈 Private & NGO Agricultural Support

Alongside government funding, several private and non-profit organisations provide training, mentorship, or financial help for small-scale farmers:

• Old Mutual Agriculture Fund: Financing for sustainable and community farming projects.
• Pick n Pay Enterprise Development: Helps small-scale producers supply retail markets.
• Corteva Agriscience: Offers seed donations, training, and innovation grants for emerging farmers.

Always confirm the legitimacy of private programmes before applying and never pay upfront fees.

---

🧾 How to Apply for Farming Grants

1. Identify the right grant for your farming type and location.
2. Prepare a detailed business or production plan.
3. Ensure you are registered as a farmer (where required).
4. Submit your application through the official department or agency portal only.
5. Keep copies of all forms and correspondence.

You can also visit our Business Finance Application Guide → for detailed steps on how to prepare your documents and financial plan.

---

🚫 Avoid Fake “Farming Grant” Ads

Unfortunately, scammers often target new farmers with false promises of “guaranteed funding”. MyInfoHub never asks for payments or personal details. Always verify links and contact departments directly.

Read more on our Grant Scam Awareness → page for safety tips and how to report fake opportunities.

---

📘 Helpful Resources

• Small Business Grants (2025) →
• Women & Youth Entrepreneur Funding →
• How to Register a Business (CIPC) →
• Marketing Tips for Small Businesses →
• Business Funding & Opportunities →

---

Last updated: November 2025 | Source: DALRRD, Land Bank, AgriBEE Fund, MyInfoHub Agricultural Desk

Disclaimer: MyInfoHub provides verified funding information only. We are not a government entity and do not handle applications. Always apply through official channels like www.dalrrd.gov.za.