By Sydney Soundy, chief strategy officer at Land Bank
South African youth are increasingly choosing agriculture as a career – not out of necessity but as a promising path to earning a decent living while contributing to the country’s vital food production value chain.
Unlike previous generations who may have turned to farming as a last resort, today’s young farmers are actively pursuing agriculture as a career of choice. They are equipping themselves with knowledge, skills and networks to ensure their success. This shift is helping to transform the sector and strengthen South Africa’s broader economy.
At universities and training institutions across the country, young South Africans are enrolling in agricultural programmes, attending expos and participating in knowledge-sharing forums. Their engagement signals a deliberate commitment to farming as a professional pursuit, not a fall-back option.
This new generation of farmers is taking agriculture seriously, treating it as a profession rather than a hobby. They’re not just looking for funding – they are investing in their own development to build sustainable businesses.
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of young farmers entering the agricultural sector in South Africa each year, but there are clear indicators that the industry is seeing an increase in youth involvement. Initiatives such as the Agricultural Youth Fund are supporting youth-led farming businesses, and organisations like Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) are working to promote youth participation and provide a platform for networking and support. With the average age of farmers in South Africa being around 57, there is a definite need for youth participation in the sector to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Agricultural Sector Remains Key Driver of the Economy
In the first quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural sector saw a notable increase in employment, with a rise of 27% (51 282 jobs) quarter-on-quarter and 13% (28 994 jobs) year-on-year, according to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Economic Summary: 1st Quarter 2025. This growth was primarily driven by a 34% increase in crop-farming jobs.
Agriculture continues to be a significant contributor to the South African economy, with agricultural exports growing by 10% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 to reach $3,36 billion. This growth was driven by increased exports of grapes, maize, apples and wine. Additionally, agriculture contributed significantly to South Africa’s 0,1% GDP growth in the first quarter, helping the country avoid a recession. The sector’s resilience underscores its importance in national economic stability.
Blended Finance Scheme Offers a Lifeline to Young Farmers
We have to acknowledge that aspiring young farmers still face significant barriers to entry. These include lack of land ownership, high input costs, limited access to finance, challenges around market access, the high cost of mechanisation, and limited technical knowledge and farming experience.
Improved availability and access to land, financial support and the dissemination of pertinent information are among the key interventions that can assist youth entry in the agricultural sector. This is where the Land Bank’s Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) and its pre- and post-finance support services can make a meaningful difference. The BFS has been created in partnership with the Department of Agriculture. This initiative aims to commercialise developmental farmers and to ensure the meaningful participation of black producers and majority black-owned enterprises in owning and controlling agricultural value chains in South Africa.
The BFS combines grants and loans into relatively affordable finance to support producers engaged in the agricultural value chain and aggregation activities. It aims to assist farming projects achieve sustainability and growth, with priority given to projects with high developmental impact.
The Stage is Set for a Thriving Agricultural Industry
The growing pipeline of young, dedicated farmers with commercially viable agricultural projects now have the opportunity to access affordable finance through the BFS. This support has the potential to usher in a new era of agriculture, one that is driven by knowledge, innovation and sustainability. These young farmers are not just filling gaps in an ageing workforce, but also redefining the future of food production, export growth and rural development.
The future of agriculture in South Africa is looking bright thanks to the determination of its youth. Their proactive approach to farming, supported by effective financial support and a growing export market, is setting the stage for a thriving industry. As they continue to invest in their own development, the country will reap the long-term benefits of a robust, sustainable agricultural sector.
 | Sydney Soundy, chief strategy officer at Land Bank, says the shift by young South Africans to agriculture as a career is good for the economy. Photo: Supplied. |
