South Africa stands at a critical juncture in its agricultural journey, with an unprecedented opportunity to lead global agricultural reform as it assumes the presidency of the G20 in 2025.
The country is poised to promote sustainable farming practices that balance food security, rural development, and the preservation of natural resources – all critical pillars of a thriving agricultural ecosystem. This transpired during a discussion at the 2025 Nampo Harvest Day, currently underway in Bothaville in the Free State.
Collaboration for progress
Gert Breet, sustainable agriculture lead at FNB Commercial, highlights that the sustainability of South African farms is integral not only to environmental protection but to long-term agricultural yields and, by extension, the country’s food security.
“Sustainability has long been a cornerstone of agricultural development in South Africa. However, more progress is needed, which is why a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach – featuring government, farmers, and financial institutions – is vital to pushing the sector forward,” he states.
South Africa faces the urgent need to align farming practices with environmental priorities, such as reducing emissions, minimising pollution, and ensuring the long-term viability of ecosystems.
Embracing conservation agriculture practices, including minimum tillage, crop rotation, and regenerative farming, will help reduce environmental impact without compromising productivity.
FNB, one of the key enablers of sustainable agricultural practices in South Africa, provides a wide array of financing solutions tailored to help farmers embark on their sustainability journeys.
Innovative financial solutions
These include asset-based finance through Wesbank, long-term financing for capital investments, and working capital for input purchasing. With these financial tools, farmers can access precision equipment like advanced sprayers, planters, and harvesters that support sustainable farming methods.
“The sustainability of our farming environment faces mounting pressure, but the impacts of today’s actions will resonate for generations. We are committed to promoting sustainable practices that deliver both financial benefits to farmers and enhance the overall health of the environment,” Breet adds.
“By partnering with farmers and providing tailored financial solutions, we create a win-win scenario that strengthens the agricultural ecosystem and supports broader community development.”
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The effort to transform South Africa’s agricultural practices is further bolstered by organisations like Grain SA, which offer advocacy, guidance, and vital support in the shift toward more environmentally responsible practices.
Dr Dirk Strydom, managing director of Grain SA, underscores the importance of adapting to new production systems.
“South African agriculture is diverse, and it’s essential to implement practices that enhance environmental sustainability while ensuring economic viability. Adapting to these new systems requires long-term investment, which is why financial products that facilitate these transitions are becoming increasingly important,” Strydom says.
FNB’s launch of its Sustainable Agriculture Loan at last year’s Nampo Harvest Day event was widely considered as a pivotal moment for the industry. Since its introduction, the loan has seen strong uptake, reflecting the growing demand for financial solutions that support sustainable farming.
“The FNB Sustainable Agriculture Loan represents a groundbreaking initiative in agricultural financing. It embodies FNB’s commitment to supporting agricultural transformation and contributing to a low-carbon economy,” Breet notes.
The loan is designed to help farmers make critical investments in sustainability, including renewable energy solutions like solar finance, water-efficient irrigation systems, protective netting, and other eco-friendly capital expenditures.
It aligns closely with FNB’s broader statement of intent on agriculture, which focuses on fostering climate resilience through regenerative and conservation agriculture, even in the face of limited capital and technical knowledge.
“We intentionally structured the loan to be accessible to farmers of all sizes, including small-scale grain farmers, to ensure that the benefits of sustainability reach a wide spectrum of the agricultural community,” Breet explains. “Our streamlined application process allows farmers to quickly access the funding they need to invest in meaningful changes.”
Beyond financial assistance, FNB also offers strategic partnerships and advisory services to help farmers implement sustainable agricultural practices. With a nationwide network of agricultural finance experts and relationship managers, FNB is positioning itself as a partner in the journey towards climate-smart farming.
“We’re not just offering financial products,” concludes Breet. “We’re investing in the future of farming. By making sustainability accessible, we aim to empower farmers to adopt best practices that enhance productivity, protect the environment, and ultimately contribute to a resilient, thriving South African economy.”
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