By Maile Matsimela
The Northern Cape Province has announced an exciting opportunity for local farmers to secure vital funding through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) for the 2026/27 financial year.
Mase Manopole, the MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, has issued an appeal to qualifying farmers across the province to take advantage of this significant grant funding opportunity. The invitation extends to various agricultural practitioners, including subsistence, smallholder and black commercial farmers.
“The CASP grant remains one of our department’s most impactful interventions,” Manopole stated. “It’s strategically designed to unlock agricultural potential and ensure sustainable productivity across our province.”
What makes the CASP initiative particularly valuable is its holistic approach to agricultural development. The programme offers wide-ranging support services structured around several core pillars:
The programme helps with development of on- and off-farm infrastructure, alongside crucial information and knowledge management services. Farmers can access technical and advisory support, including regulatory services, as well as market access and business development guidance.
Additionally, the grant covers farmer training, skills development and capacity building initiatives. It also includes provision of production inputs, mechanisation support and assistance with irrigation schemes and infrastructure.
Who can apply?
The programme primarily targets beneficiaries of Land Reform (Restitution and Redistribution), as well as black producers who have acquired land through private means and are actively engaged in value-adding enterprises or export markets.
Interested farmers must submit comprehensive applications that include several essential documents:
- A formal request letter.
- A completed CASP application form, which is available from District offices.
- A certified copy of their identity document (valid for at least three months).
- The title deed for privately owned land.
- For leased properties, the land owner’s title deed must be attached alongside a lease agreement with a minimum duration of five years.
- Communal Property Associations (CPAs) need to attach copies of their title deeds.
- Tribal Authorities should apply in cases involving communal areas.
- Those farming on municipal commonage land must provide a lease agreement.
- A valid water use entitlement or a three-month water account from a Water Users Association.
- A certified livestock identification mark certificate valid for three months.
- Any previous funding history must also be disclosed.
How to apply
The Department encourages farmers to submit their applications in person at any of its five District Offices. Extension practitioners are available at these locations to provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
Importantly, farmers whose applications were unsuccessful in the previous financial year are strongly encouraged to reapply. The Department has emphasised that no late, faxed, emailed or unsigned applications will be accepted.
Applications opened on Friday 13 June 2025 and will close on Friday 11 July 2025, giving farmers approximately four weeks to prepare and submit their documentation.
For additional information or clarification regarding the application process, farmers can contact Lilian Senosi at 082 559 6648.
As Manopole noted in her statement, “Let us work together to cultivate growth, drive empowerment and ensure food security in the Northern Cape.”
Read more:
How to access Land Bank’s farmer support programmes
MEC calls on traditional leaders to support land access for farmers
