The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), in collaboration with the national Department of Agriculture (DOA), recently hosted a well-attended info session at the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture campus. The event aimed to unpack the details of the Blended Finance Scheme and Agro Energy Fund.
By Maile Matsimela
The Blended Finance Scheme is a finance programme that Land Bank established in partnership with the DOA, the Industrial Development Corporation and Absa Bank. It combines grant funding with loans to improve access to affordable finance for qualifying farmers. The initiative is designed to support inclusive agricultural growth, commercial expansion and the adoption of energy-efficient farming practices.
More than 200 farmers from across the province attended the session to learn about application requirements, funding processes, and the full range of opportunities available through both financial instruments.
Empowering Emerging Farmers Through Access to Funding
Elder Mtshiza, chief director of the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme at the Department of Agriculture, presented the qualification criteria for each fund. The session also featured a Q&A segment, allowing attendees to clarify their understanding of the available support mechanisms.
Mtshiza noted that the initiative forms part of the national strategy to support the commercialisation of emerging farmers and promote the sustainable use of energy in agriculture through innovative financing models.
The session also highlighted funding opportunities aligned with the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP). The plan was initiated by government to address the structural constraints to inclusive growth in the sector. Its vision is to build an agriculture and agro-processing sector that is inclusive, sustainable, job-creating and growing.
The session reflected government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive agricultural sector. By strengthening partnerships and expanding access to critical financial tools, government is equipping emerging farmers with the resources they need to establish viable, competitive agri-businesses.
