The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) has announced an extension to the deadline for farmer support applications for the 2026/2027 financial year, providing additional time for agricultural producers across the province to submit their proposals.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
The department has extended the application deadline to Friday, 31 October 2025 at 16:30, offering farmers more time to prepare and submit their applications for various support programmes.
The comprehensive support programme targets subsistence, smallholder, commercial and mega producers who require assistance with production inputs, mechanisation support services, agro-processing infrastructure and on- and off-farm infrastructure development.
Wide Range of Support Available
The LDARD support programme covers multiple agricultural sectors and commodities across various farming operations. For poultry farmers, support includes day-old chicks, point-of-lay pullets, feeds and medication to help establish and maintain productive flocks.
Producers focusing on vegetables, cotton and grain crops can access seeds and seedlings, fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides essential for successful crop production. Similarly, fruit producers will receive support through fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides specifically tailored to orchard and fruit farming needs.
Livestock farmers operating intensive production systems with camp control can benefit from feeds, medication and breeding stock support to enhance their operations. The programme recognises the importance of mechanisation in modern agriculture by providing soil preparation equipment, planting machinery, fertiliser application systems, plant spraying tractors and equipment, along with mechanisation subsidies to make farming more efficient and productive.
Infrastructure development forms a significant component of the support programme, covering both on- and off-farm infrastructure including irrigation systems, packhouses, piggery facilities, processing facilities, poultry houses, tunnels, storage facilities and livestock infrastructure. The programme also extends to agro-processing and value-adding infrastructure, supporting farmers in adding value to their agricultural products and moving up the value chain.
Employment programmes are integrated into the support system through Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) incentives and labour support initiatives, creating opportunities for job creation while supporting agricultural development.
Also read: Applications now open: Limpopo farmers can apply for government support
Application Process and Requirements
Interested farmers can access application forms through the department’s website at www.ldard.gov.za. All completed application forms must be accompanied by certified supporting documents that meet the approved selection requirements.
The original submission deadline was set for 17 October at 16:30 but has now been extended to 31 October at 16:30. Applications must be submitted to LDARD District Offices and Local Agriculture Offices within the applicant’s area of operation.
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Important Considerations
The department has emphasised several important factors that potential applicants should consider. Qualification criteria depend heavily on the type of commodity, land size and scale of production, which are key determining factors for qualifying for specific financial allocations. Because of budget constraints, not all qualifying farmers will receive funding, making it crucial for applicants to submit comprehensive and well-prepared proposals that clearly demonstrate their needs and potential impact.
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Supporting Agricultural Development
This farmer support initiative shows the Limpopo provincial government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and supporting producers at all levels. The programme aims to enhance food security, create employment opportunities and boost the provincial economy through improved agricultural productivity.
The extension of the application deadline shows the department’s understanding of the challenges farmers face in preparing comprehensive applications and its commitment to ensuring maximum participation in the support programme. Farmers are encouraged to take advantage of this extended deadline to ensure their applications are complete and meet all requirements before the final submission date of 31 October 2025.For more information and to download application forms, visit www.ldard.gov.za or contact your nearest LDARD District Office or Local Agriculture Office.
