Nedbank backs SA’s next generation of farmers with R7.1 million

Nedbank has committed R7.1 million to support South Africa’s next generation of farmers. Through these programmes, young and established farmers receive training, mentorship, and market access to build sustainable, thriving agricultural businesses.

Here’s a fun fact: Nedbank has backed South Africa’s next generation of farmers with R7.1 million through two game-changing agricultural programmes. The African Greeneurs programme, launched in 2023, has already helped young agripreneurs get access to land, mentorship, and guaranteed market opportunities. And for those who are already established, the 2025 Subtrop Farmers initiative is helping them grow bigger and reach global markets.

Dr Nirmala Reddy, acting executive head of group transformation at Nedbank, told Farmer’s Inside Track, South Africa’s most downloaded farmers’ podcast, that these initiatives are part of the bank’s broader strategy to drive transformation in the agricultural sector.

Cultivating young agripreneurs

The African Greeneurs programme targets motivated young men and women in their twenties from diverse professional backgrounds, including IT and education, who are eager to return to their communities to build sustainable farming enterprises.

Running over a full year, the programme begins with three months of intensive classroom training, followed by nine months of hands-on practical experience. Participants receive mentorship, technical guidance, and specialist expertise, along with support to access land and secure market opportunities.

Because the programme launched in 2023 and concluded in 2024, the farmers who successfully completed it were able to access guaranteed market opportunities immediately upon graduation, including offtake agreements with major retailers like Pick n Pay.

The programme bridges key gaps young farmers face — from resources and mentorship to market access — helping them move from job seekers to job creators within their communities.

Scaling for global markets

The Subtrop Farmers initiative, launched in 2025, focuses on established farmers seeking accreditation and support to enter global markets. With guidance from Subtrop and industry partners, these farmers can retain control over pricing, expand their operations, and build lasting legacies.

The programme equips participants with tools to navigate international standards, market requirements, and value-chain complexities that would otherwise limit their growth.

Reddy noted that true transformation goes beyond the farm itself.

“It’s about empowering farmers with the right systems, support networks, and market access. A collaborative approach across the value chain ensures everyone benefits.”

By considering every aspect of the agricultural ecosystem – from production and mentorship to market access – these programmes create conditions for sustainable, scalable success. Candidate selection is rigorous, ensuring participants have both the aptitude and resilience needed to thrive. Programmes are co-created with industry partners, aligning with the unique needs of participants.

Farmers receive end-to-end support, including theoretical and technical training and access to organisations such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. This collective network allows farmers to overcome obstacles quickly and adapt their operations effectively.

Early successes and impact

The African Greeneurs programme has already yielded impressive results. Twenty participants, split between Nkomazi in Mpumalanga and Hateng in Limpopo, secured land and offtake agreements with major retailers, including Pick n Pay. These agreements equate to guaranteed market opportunities worth R15 million in their first year.

In addition, these emerging farmers have created 26 new jobs, signalling both economic and social impact. Crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and vegetables are already being harvested successfully, demonstrating the effectiveness of the programme’s practical and holistic approach.

Reddy highlighted the programme’s long-term vision, emphasising the importance of innovation, resilience, and strategic thinking. Participants are encouraged to pursue specialisation within agriculture, experiment with new ideas, and expand their operations.

She added that entrepreneurship is about much more than technical knowledge. True success comes from resilience – the ability to face obstacles and failures, pick yourself up, and keep moving forward.

“It’s about keeping your courage and strength, and persevering through challenges,” Reddy said. “Entrepreneurship is a journey, and we are here to support them every step of the way.”

Through initiatives like these, Nedbank is not only fostering individual success stories but also driving systemic change in South African agriculture. By providing resources, mentorship, and market access, the bank is helping young and established farmers alike create sustainable businesses that benefit local communities and the broader food system.