SA agricultural trusts reach R2.76 billion in growth

South Africa’s Agricultural Industry Trusts have grown to R2.76 billion, adding R154 million in asset value over the 2024/25 period.

The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) has released its latest Status of Agricultural Industry Trusts Report: 2025 Survey, which shows the combined asset value of the trusts increased from R2.60 billion in 2023/24 to R2.76 billion in 2024/25, representing growth of approximately R154 million (5.91%).

Agricultural Industry Trusts were established under Section 26 of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996, to preserve agricultural industry assets on an evergreen basis and utilise investment returns to fund strategic industry initiatives such as research and development, transformation, market access, farmer development, skills development, and industry competitiveness.

Positive trust growth aligns with AAMP

According to the NAMC, despite ongoing economic pressures and market uncertainties, most Agricultural Industry Trusts recorded positive growth during the reporting period.

The Maize Trust achieved the largest increase in asset value, growing by approximately R120 million (11.11%), followed by the Mohair Trust, which increased by R29 million (9.15%), and the Meat Industry Trust, which grew by R5 million (7.46%).

The National Lucerne Trust recorded the highest percentage growth at 21.48%. Speaking on the findings, Dr Simphiwe Ngqangweni, chief executive officer of the NAMC, noted that the positive asset performance strengthens the trusts’ capacity to continue funding impactful programmes that advance transformation, research, innovation, market development, and skills
development across the agricultural value chain.

“These initiatives remain critical in supporting inclusive growth and improving the competitiveness of South African agriculture in alignment with the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP). Agricultural Industry Trusts continue to play an important role in supporting a wide range of industry programmes.

“These include funding agricultural research, farmer support, development initiatives, bursary schemes, transformation projects, technology transfer, market expansion programmes, and skills development across the horticulture, livestock, and field crops sectors,” Ngqangweni said.

Driving long-term development across industries

The report further confirms that Agricultural Industry Trusts remain an important mechanism for driving long-term industry development through sound governance, strategic investment management, and collaborative partnerships between industry, government, and sector stakeholders.

“The continued growth of Agricultural Industry Trust assets demonstrates the sector’s resilience and commitment to investing in the future of South African agriculture.

“Through targeted support for research, transformation, innovation and farmer development, these trusts remain instrumental in promoting a competitive and inclusive agricultural sector,” Ngqangweni said.