Intervention Categories: Finance policy and financial aid; Stimulus packages and financial support
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Overview: The Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has set aside R1.2 billion to assist financially distressed small-scale farmers.
Of the R1.2 billion, R400 million has been allocated for farmers within the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) programme. The remainder will be channelled to all other farmers, mainly within the poultry, other livestock and vegetables sectors. Other commodity sectors will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
The measure is intended to provide immediate support to small-scale farmers affected by COVID-19, and to ensure food supply.
To qualify for support, farmers must be South African citizens who have been actively farming for 12 months and have an annual turnover between R50 000 and R1 million, or be a communal farmer, among other criteria. Priority will be given to women, youth and people with disabilities.
Funding will not go toward mechanisation, infrastructure and overhead cost, or the payment of debts. Farmers who are currently receiving support through other government programmes are also ineligible.
Applications for funding will be open from 8 April to 22 April 2020.
Full details here: https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-thoko-didiza-announces-interventions-assist-agricultural-sector-during-coronavirus