Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (South Africa)

Deadline: 11-Sep-2026

The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has launched applications to support smallholder and commercializing farmers through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the Mpumalanga Bridge Fund. The programmes are designed to strengthen farming businesses, support commercialization, create employment, improve market access, and provide farmers with infrastructure, production, technical, and business development support.

About the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme

The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) supports entrant and existing smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga who have an annual turnover of less than R1,000,000. The programme focuses on farmers who demonstrate potential for: - Commercialization. - Sustainable job creation. - Positive economic impact. - Growth and development of agricultural enterprises. Preference is given to specific groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, unemployed agricultural graduates, and military veterans. CASP Areas of Support CASP support can cover a range of agricultural and business development needs.

Potential areas of assistance include:

- Agricultural infrastructure. - Mechanization. - Production inputs. - Farmer training. - Business development. - Marketing. - Agro-processing initiatives. This broad range of support is intended to help farmers strengthen their operations and move toward greater commercial sustainability. Who Can Benefit from CASP? CASP is aimed at entrant and existing smallholder farmers who meet the programme requirements. Applicants should demonstrate that their farming operation has realistic potential for commercialization and economic impact. The programme particularly encourages applications from: - Women farmers. - Youth farmers. - Persons with disabilities. - Unemployed agricultural graduates. - Military veterans.

About the Mpumalanga Bridge Fund

The Mpumalanga Bridge Fund provides commercialization and developmental support to agricultural businesses at different stages of growth.

The fund targets:

- CASP-supported farmers requiring commercialization support. - Smallholder farmers with growth potential. - Distressed commercial farmers. - Agricultural enterprises requiring blended developmental support. The programme can help eligible agricultural enterprises address financial, technical, infrastructure, production, and market-related barriers. Mpumalanga Bridge Fund Areas of Support The Bridge Fund may provide assistance in several areas, subject to qualifying criteria and approval from funding partners.

Potential support includes:

- Infrastructure development. - Production inputs. - Working capital. - Training and mentorship. - Technical support. - Business support. - Market access. - Commercialization interventions. This combination of developmental and commercialization support is intended to help eligible farmers strengthen their businesses and improve their ability to participate in agricultural markets. Support for Commercialization Commercialization is a major focus of both programmes. Farmers seeking support should demonstrate potential to develop sustainable agricultural businesses and generate economic benefits. For CASP applicants, this includes demonstrating commercialization potential, sustainable job creation, and positive economic impact. The Bridge Fund provides additional support for farmers and enterprises that require assistance in moving toward stronger commercial operations. Employment and Job Creation Applicants must demonstrate that their farming operation has the ability to create permanent or seasonal jobs. Job creation is therefore an important consideration when preparing an application. Farmers should clearly explain the employment opportunities their agricultural operation can generate and how the proposed support will contribute to maintaining or expanding those opportunities. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the stated eligibility requirements.

Candidates must:

- Be South African citizens. - Be aged 18 or older. - Already be engaged in farming. - Be classified as Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs). - Meet the relevant programme requirements. - Demonstrate the ability of the farming operation to create permanent or seasonal jobs. For CASP, applicants must also fall within the stated smallholder farmer category with annual turnover below R1,000,000. Bridge Fund applicants must fall within one of the targeted categories and meet the applicable qualifying criteria. Required Application Documents Applicants must provide documentation supporting their eligibility and the viability of their farming operation.

Required documents include:

- Certified identity document. - Comprehensive business plan. - Proof of market access. - Valid land tenure documentation. - Relevant statutory approvals. Applicants should ensure that these documents are complete and valid before submitting their applications. Business Plan Requirement A comprehensive business plan is required as part of the application. The business plan should provide a clear picture of the farming operation and demonstrate its potential for growth, commercialization, and job creation. Applicants should ensure that the plan clearly supports the funding request and explains how the proposed assistance will strengthen the agricultural enterprise. Proof of Market Access Applicants must provide proof of market access. This requirement is particularly relevant to the programmes’ focus on commercialization and sustainable agricultural businesses. Farmers should clearly demonstrate how their products can reach markets and how the proposed support can strengthen their commercial opportunities. Land Tenure Documentation Applicants must provide valid land tenure documentation. This documentation should establish the applicant’s legitimate access to the land used for the farming operation. Applicants should make sure that their land tenure documentation is current