South African youth are increasingly pursuing agriculture as a preferred career choice – not out of necessity but as a potentially lucrative path to earning a decent living while also contributing to the country’s crucial food production value chain.
By Sydney Soundy, chief strategy officer at Land Bank
Unlike previous generations, who may have turned to farming as a last resort, today’s young farmers are actively pursuing agriculture as a career, equipping themselves with knowledge, skills and networks to ensure their success. This shift is not only contributing to the transformation of the sector but also to the strengthening of South Africa’s economy.
Across universities and training institutions, young South Africans are enrolling in agricultural studies, attending expos and participating in knowledge-sharing forums. Their engagement signals a deliberate commitment to farming, rather than a fall-back option.
This new wave of farmers is demonstrating that they are serious about agriculture, treating it as a profession rather than a hobby. They are not merely seeking funding opportunities – they are investing in their own development and expertise to build sustainable businesses.
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of youth farmers entering the agricultural sector in South Africa annually, there are indicators that the industry is seeing an increase in youth involvement. For example, 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 years, there is a definite need for youth participation in the sector to ensure its future sustainability.
According to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Economic Summary, 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. This growth was primarily driven by a 34% increase in crop farming employment and a smaller 1% increase in animal farming.
Agriculture continues to be a significant contributor in South Africa’s 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.
However, despite more young people showing an interest in farming in recent years, we have to acknowledge that entry into the sector remains difficult for aspiring young farmers. Prohibitive factors include a lack of land ownership, high input costs and limited access to finance. The lack of market access, low returns, high cost of mechanisation and limited farming knowledge and technical skills are some of the other barriers that hinder youth participation in agricultural activities.
Improved availability and access to land, financial support and the dissemination of pertinent information are amongst the key interventions that can assist youth entry in the agricultural sector.
This is where the Land Bank’s Blended Financial 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 development 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 development impact.
The growing pipeline of young, dedicated farmers with commercially viable agricultural projects now have the opportunity to access affordable financing through the blended finances scheme. This BFS will unlock the potential of young agripreneurs, and catalysing a new era of agriculture that is driven by knowledge, innovation and sustainability.
The new generation of farmers is not merely filling gaps – it is shaping the future of food production, export markets and rural development. The youths’ commitment ensures that agriculture remains a cornerstone of economic growth, rather than a sector of last resort.
South Africa’s agricultural future is bright, thanks to the determination of the country’s youth. Their proactive approach to farming, combined with effective financial support and a growing export market, is setting the stage for a thriving industry. As they continue to invest in their skills and businesses, the country will reap the benefits of a robust, sustainable agricultural sector.