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Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme Growing South Africa's Emerging Farmers

The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) is a conditional grant provided through provincial departments of agriculture to support black farmers across South Africa. Introduced in 2004 by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), CASP fills the gap left by the closure of the Agricultural Credit Board and ensures that African farmers at every level have access to essential agricultural support services.

CASP is a one-off grant -- it does not commit government to recurrent funding. The programme targets land reform beneficiaries, smallholder producers, subsistence farmers, and those involved in agri-processing. Women, youth, people with disabilities, and new agro-industries receive priority consideration.

R1.69 Billion
2025/26 CASP allocation
R677M
Ilima/Letsema complement
R440M
Extension recovery plan
Since 2004
Supporting emerging farmers

The Six Pillars of CASP

CASP delivers support through six interconnected priority areas designed to build self-sufficient farming enterprises.

01
On-Farm & Off-Farm Infrastructure
Fencing, irrigation systems, pack houses, storage facilities, boreholes, equipment, and production inputs. The largest component of CASP spending.
02
Information & Knowledge Management
Access to agricultural information, market intelligence, best practices, weather data, and research findings to support informed decision-making.
03
Technical & Advisory Services
Extension officers, veterinary services, regulatory compliance support, soil analysis, pest management, and production planning advice.
04
Training & Capacity Building
Farmer training programmes, agricultural skills development, financial literacy, farm management, and revitalisation of agricultural colleges as centres of excellence.
05
Marketing & Business Development
Access to buyers, distribution networks, export markets, value chain integration, business plan development, and agri-processing support.
06
Financial Services (MAFISA)
Access to micro-agricultural finance through the Micro-Agricultural Financial Institution of South Africa (MAFISA) for production credit and input financing.

Who Can Apply

CASP targets four categories of farmers. Priority goes to women, youth, people with disabilities, and new agro-industries.

🌱
Subsistence Farmers
Growing food primarily for household consumption and food security
🚜
Smallholder Producers
Small-scale commercial farming with limited resources
🏡
Land Reform Beneficiaries
Recipients of redistributed or restituted agricultural land
🏭
Agri-Processing Enterprises
Value-adding agricultural businesses and cooperatives

Ilima/Letsema Programme

Complementing CASP, the Ilima/Letsema conditional grant (R677 million for 2025/26) assists vulnerable farming communities to increase agricultural production and invest in infrastructure. It targets grain, livestock, horticulture, and aquaculture production areas. The main goal is reducing poverty through increased food production in communal rural areas, targeting vulnerable households, small-scale producers, and subsistence farmers with inputs and support.

How to Apply

CASP applications are managed at provincial level. There is no national online portal.

01
Visit Your District Office
Contact your nearest provincial agricultural district office. Obtain a CASP request form in person.
02
Prepare Your Business Plan
Write a detailed business plan outlining your farming activities, financial needs, and expected outcomes.
03
Complete the Application
Fill in the CASP form completely. Attach all required documents as per the checklist.
04
Submit In Person
Hand in your application at the district office. No email, fax, or late submissions accepted.
05
Assessment & Approval
Approved projects in the current year receive funding support in the next financial year.

Applications Are Province-Specific

Each province manages its own CASP allocation and application process. Deadlines, forms, and requirements vary by province. The 2026/27 call is currently open in several provinces including the Western Cape and North West (extended to 29 August 2025). Contact your nearest local agricultural office or check your provincial department of agriculture's website for current application windows. Ensure your business entity is registered at the district office before applying.

Eligibility & Documents

Eligibility Requirements

  • South African citizen engaged in agricultural activity
  • Black farmer (CASP targets previously disadvantaged individuals)
  • Access to agricultural land (owned, leased, or communal rights)
  • Minimum lease of 5 years (food security) or 9 years 11 months (commercial)
  • Land reform initiative or contribution to food security
  • Registered at your provincial district agricultural office
  • Project has the required level of institutional and technical support
  • Priority: women, youth, people with disabilities, new agro-industries

Application Checklist

  • Completed CASP request form (from district office)
  • Certified copy of ID document
  • Proof of land access (title deed, lease agreement, PTO)
  • Detailed business plan with financial projections
  • Proof of farming activity or agricultural enterprise
  • Registration on Provincial Farmer Database
  • Quotations for infrastructure or inputs needed
  • POPIA-compliant personal information consent

No Late, Faxed, or Emailed Applications

CASP applications must be submitted in person at your nearest provincial district office within the stipulated timeframes. No late, faxed, emailed, or unsigned applications are accepted. Failure to comply with the requirements on the checklist will automatically disqualify your application. Upon successful submission, you will receive a reference number.

Extension Recovery Plan

R440 million within the CASP budget is earmarked for the Extension Recovery Plan to strengthen extension and advisory services in all provinces. Extension officers are your first point of contact for CASP guidance, farm visits, technical advice, and application support. If you are unsure about the process, visit your nearest local agricultural office and speak to an extension officer.

Common Questions

CASP is a once-off grant, not a loan. You do not need to repay the funding. However, government does not commit to ongoing or recurrent funding. The grant is intended to provide the initial support needed for your farming enterprise to become self-sustaining.
No. CASP applications must be submitted in person at your nearest provincial district agricultural office. There is no national online application portal. Some provinces make the application form available for download on their websites, but the completed form must still be submitted physically.
CASP focuses on post-settlement support and farmer development across six pillars (infrastructure, training, marketing, advisory, information, finance). Ilima/Letsema focuses specifically on increasing food production in communal and rural areas by providing inputs and infrastructure for grain, livestock, horticulture, and aquaculture. Both are conditional grants administered through provincial departments.
Application windows vary by province. Generally, calls open between March and August for the following financial year's funding. For 2026/27, several provinces including the Western Cape and North West have already opened or extended their application periods. CASP is typically advertised in local newspapers, social media, and via extension officers. Check your provincial department of agriculture regularly.
You need access to agricultural land, but you do not necessarily need to own it. A lease agreement (minimum 5 years for food security projects, or 9 years and 11 months for commercial projects at the date of application), Permission to Occupy (PTO), communal land rights, or a land reform allocation can all qualify. Your proof of land access is a critical application document.
CASP funding covers a wide range of agricultural support across the six pillars. Common uses include fencing, irrigation, boreholes, pack houses, storage facilities, equipment, livestock handling facilities, shade netting, training costs, and production inputs. The funding is project-specific and must be used as outlined in your approved business plan. It does not cover personal expenses, vehicles, or non-agricultural activities.

Important Links & Resources

Provincial department contacts, application forms, and agricultural resources.

DALRRD Official Website

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development

CASP Programme Overview

National department programme page

Western Cape CASP Applications

2026/27 call currently open

North West Agriculture Dept

CASP and Ilima/Letsema applications

Food For Mzansi

SA agriculture news and funding updates

African Farming

Black commercial farming resources

grantZA is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with DALRRD or any provincial department of agriculture. For official enquiries, visit your nearest local agricultural office or contact your provincial department of agriculture directly.