Emerging grain farmers in the Eastern Cape are set to receive R80 million in government support to help them transition from subsistence farming to commercial production, with the launch of the province’s Grain Commercialisation Chapter.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The Grain Commercialisation Chapter was launched during a Harvest Day on Sonskyn Farm in the Elundini Local Municipality, where government officials, farmers and other members of the agricultural sector gathered to showcase progress in grain production and discuss opportunities to strengthen the province’s agricultural value chains.
The Grain Commercialisation Chapter forms part of the department’s Agriculture Commercialisation Programme, which helps emerging farmers increase production and access sustainable markets.
During her 2026/27 budget and policy speech in March, Nonceba Kontsiwe, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, announced the department had allocated R80 million to the grain and oilseeds value chain. The funding is earmarked to support grain and oilseed production on 24 000 hectares across the province.
Kontsiwe told attendees at the launch, government is committed to helping emerging farmers build successful commercial farming enterprises. She said the department identifies promising farmers and support them to expand their operations.
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Young farmer demonstrates commercial potential
The Harvest Day also celebrated the 21-year-old Iviwe Sondlo, whose farming journey demonstrates what young people can achieve in agriculture.
This young farmer leases Sonskyn Farm, where he and his cousin have planted 47 hectares of maize. Inspired by his father, who taught him to operate a tractor at a young age, Sondlo plans to expand into other grain crops and create more employment opportunities for young people.
Sonskyn Farm currently sells its grain to agribusinesses such as BKB in Nqanqarhu (formerly Maclear) and Bester Feed & Grain in Mthatha, showing emerging farmers can access formal markets.
Grain production supports livestock and food security
Kontsiwe said grain production is critical to livestock farming since quality livestock depend on quality feed. Expanding grain production therefore supports both crop farmers and the province’s livestock industry.
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