By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming

I begin this week’s letter with deep appreciation and pride. Yesterday, Johannesburg played host to a landmark moment in South African agriculture: the first-ever African Farming AgriFund Connect Summit, held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre. What we witnessed was more than an event; it was the beginning of a shift… a recognition that access to finance is not a luxury for farmers; it is a lifeline.

The summit emerged as a direct response to a loud and persistent call. Earlier this year at the African Farming Agri Development Imbizo, farmers voiced a shared frustration: Meaningful conversations about funding are too often rushed, fragmented or overshadowed by broader discussions. Their message was clear, “Give this issue the time it deserves.”

And so, we listened.

Also read: Empowering smallholders key to agricultural future – Mooketsa Ramasodi at AgriFund Connect Summit

Yesterday provided a dedicated platform where farmers, financiers, policymakers and private sector leaders could engage openly, sometimes bluntly, about what truly stands between farmers and the capital needed to grow their businesses.

Tackling the Big Three: Bankability, Compliance and Innovative Finance

The day was structured around three carefully chosen themes, each a puzzle piece in the broader challenge of agricultural finance.

Becoming Bankable

We often hear funders say, “Bring us a solid business case.” But what does that mean in practice for a farmer working the land daily?

This session unpacked what credibility looks like in the eyes of investors and lenders: clean financial records, realistic business plans, governance structures and a clear understanding of cost vs. revenue. The discussion reminded us that farming passion must translate into commercial preparedness.

Bottom line: Without bankability, funding discussions stall before they even start.

Compliance Made Easy, Or Should It Be?

Compliance remains a giant wall in front of emerging farmers – intimidating and complex. From tax to food safety standards, environmental permits to labour law… it’s a lot, especially for smallholders without compliance officers or admin teams.

But panellists helped break it down: Compliance is not just a requirement; it is a passport to formal markets and investor confidence. The conversation brought relief to many farmers who finally received clarity on a path forward rather than a list of penalties.

It is time we move from fear of compliance to empowerment through compliance.

Also read: Our first-ever AgriFund Connect Summit has kicked off!

Farmers heard real success stories that proved collaboration, not isolation, is the fastest route to scale. The message was clear: Finance is not one-size-fits-all anymore.

What became unmistakable is that this conversation is far from over. In fact, it has only just begun.

We are proud to announce that the AgriFund Connect Summit will now become an annual, nationwide platform, rotating through provinces so that we reach farmers where they live, operate and contribute to food security. It is our commitment to take knowledge beyond boardrooms and into the fields where impact truly matters.

Also read: From our editor: Bridging the funding gap for the future of farming

Gratitude to Champions of Progress

Our sincere thanks go to the sponsors who did not hesitate to stand behind this mission:

Land Bank, AFGRI, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), John Deere & John Deere Finance, FarmSol, Kgodiso Development Fund, Pannar, Murchison Holdings, Joburg Market, Jonsson Workwear, and Sonic Boom.

Their support was more than funding, it was a vote of confidence in the future of South Africa’s farmers.

We also acknowledge and thank Director-General Ntate Mooketsa Ramasodi for his presence and his continued advocacy for a more inclusive agricultural economy.

To the farmers, you are the reason. To every farmer who travelled from near and far, your questions were bold, your concerns were honest and your hunger for growth was inspiring.

Yesterday reaffirmed what we already know: Farmers are not asking for handouts; they are asking for a fair opportunity. With the right systems, the right support and the right partnerships, they will not just succeed, they will transform the sector.

This summit was a beginning, not a destination. The future of funding in agriculture is changing. And farmers will be leading that change.

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