South Africa · Government Agricultural Support
Comprehensive Agricultural
Support Programme
Support Programme
CASP — Transforming Agriculture Since 2004
The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) is an initiative launched by the South African government in 2004. It is a one time non-repayable grant. This grant is delivered to black farmers through provincial departments of Agriculture. Due to the closure of the former “Agricultural Credit Board”, farmers were facing a shortage of funds. However, CASP fills the gap. CASP mainly targets small farmers who farm for their own food, those involved in agri-processing and those allocated new land through reform. The aim is to provide them with basic inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, infrastructure and training so that they can stand on their own feet. This programme prioritizes women, youth, PWDs and emerging agro-industries. Remember, this is a one-time, non-repayable grant and will not be given again.
2004
Year Launched
9
Provinces Covered
6
Support Pillars
Non-Repayable
Grant Type
One-Time Grant | DALRRD Provincial Departments
CASP Budget Allocation (2025/26)
For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the South African government has budgeted 1.69 billion Rand for CASP. In this 1.69 billion, 677 million Rand will be used to help small scale farmers to ensure their food security through the Ilima/Letsema project. 440 million is reserved to strengthen agricultural advisory support under the ‘Extension Recovery Plan’.
677 Million Rand
Ilima/Letsema Project
To help small scale farmers to ensure their food security.
440 Million Rand
Extension Recovery Plan
To strengthen agricultural advisory support.
CASP vs Ilima/Letsema: Key Differences
| Feature | CASP | Ilima/Letsema |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme | Ilima/Letsema |
| Meaning | Government agricultural support scheme | Ilima = Zulu, Letsema = Sotho. Means “working together” |
| Programme Type | Government agricultural support scheme | A sub-programme under CASP |
| Support | Complete support: funds, training, market | Only food security and household farming |
| Target Beneficiaries | Complete support: funds, training, market | For emerging farmers, women, youth, PWDs |
| 2025-26 Budget | 1.69 billion Rand | 677 million Rand |
| Focus | Complete support: funds, training, market | For Households, community gardens |
Note: Ilima/Letsema is a sub-programme under CASP, focused only on food security. It focuses on areas that produce grains, livestock, fruits and vegetables, and fish. Its main aim is to fight poverty by boosting food production.
Understanding CASP’S six core component
Component 1
Infrastructure and Equipment
Fencing, irrigation systems, storage facilities, tractors, seeds, and fertilizer are made available. This receives the largest proportion of CASP budget allocation.
Component 2
Information and Knowledge
Market prices, weather reports, and information about new farm technologies are made available to the farmers.
Component 3
Advisory and Service Support
Agricultural extensionists, veterinary services, soil testing, and pest control advice are provided.
Component 4
Training and Skill Development
The farmers receive training to develop their skills. The agricultural institutions are also upgraded.
Component 5
Marketing and Business Services
Assistance is provided to help sell farm produce and prepare marketing plans.
Component 6
Financing and Credit Assistance
Small scale agricultural credit is provided through MAFISA(Micro-Agricultural Financing Institution) for seeds, fertilizers, and farm equipment.
Who can take its Benefit
CASP is open to four key groups:-
Subsistence Farmers
Land Reform Beneficiaries
Smallholder Producers
Agri-Processing Enterprises
Priority applicants:- women, youth, person with disability and emerging agro-industries.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Subsistence Farmers | Produce food mainly for household use and food security. |
| Land Reform Beneficiaries | Farmers who acquired land through land reform programmes. |
| Smallholder Producers | Small scale commercial farmers with little money. |
| Agri-Processing Enterprises | Value addition to agricultural products by enterprises and cooperatives. |
Application process
CASP applications are processed on a provincial basis. There is no national on-line portal.
1
✓ Go To Your District Office
Go To Your District Office
Contact the nearest provincial agricultural district office. Take a CASP request form in person.
2
✓ Write Your Business Plan
Write Your Business Plan
Prepare a detailed business plan outlining your farming activities, financial needs and expected outcomes.
3
✓ Fill out the Application
Fill out the Application
Fill in the CASP form in full. All documents as per checklist are to be attached.
4
✓ Submit in person
Submit in person
Submit your application at the district office. The body will not accept any emails, faxes or late entries.
5
✓ Evaluation and Approval
Evaluation and Approval
Projects approved in the current year are funded in the following financial year.
CASP Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
✓
You’re a South African citizen farming or engaged in agricultural activity.✓
You are a Black farmer – CASP intends to empower historically disadvantaged communities.✓
You have some form of land tenure – either full ownership, lease or communal land tenure.✓
For those on lease, your lease tenure spans at least 5 years (for food security projects) or 9 years and 11 months (commercial agriculture).✓
Your project will contribute to the cause of land reform or enhance food security in the community.✓
You have an account with the district agricultural office within your province.✓
You have an adequate institutional and technical capacity for your project.★
Preference is accorded to women, youth, persons with disabilities and new agro industries.Documents You’ll Need
1
A completed CASP request form, obtainable from your district office.2
Certified copy of your South African ID.3
Proof of land access — this could be a title deed, signed lease, or Permission to Occupy (PTO) certificate.4
A solid business plan that includes financial projections.5
Evidence of your current farming activity or agricultural enterprise.6
Proof of registration on your province’s Farmer Database.7
Quotations covering any infrastructure, equipment, or inputs your project needs.8
A POPIA-compliant consent form authorizing the handling of your personal information.Must Remember Points
✓
Applications for CASP have to be lodged physically at the district offices of your province in accordance with the given time frames. Late, fax, email, and unsigned applications are not accepted.✓
Non-compliance with any of the required documents automatically renders your application invalid. Upon lodging, a reference number is given to you.✓
Extension Officers are your primary source of information for guidance, visits, technical assistance, and applications related to CASP. In case you do not know what to do, visit your nearest agricultural office and talk to an extension officer.Related Post
- SEDFA Support Programmes (SEDA)
- Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI)
- NYDA Grant Programme
- Funza Lushaka Bursary
- Global Agriculture and Food Security Program
- REIPPPP Renewable Energy IPP
- Section 12B / 12BA Tax Allowances
- EEDSM Programme
- Blended Finance Scheme
- Agro Energy Fund (AEF)
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
- Ilima/Letsema Programme
- National Research Foundation (NRF)
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, because it is not a loan but rather a one-time grant, considering the fact that the government does not provide recurrent financing through this program. The objective of CASP is to help make sure that the farm business can stand on its own feet one day.
Unfortunately, there’s no national portal, but applications should be made in person at your local provincial district agricultural office, although you may get a download of the application form online.
The program has four main groups that are allowed to apply for it, which includes women, youth, persons with disabilities, and emerging agricultural industries as the most prioritized groups. As a general rule, you should be a Black farmer from South Africa with land tenure in one way or another.
CASP offers grants R50,000-R5,000,000 per project, not cash. Funds go to suppliers for infrastructure, equipment, and training. Amount varies based on business plan, farm size and provincial budget. There is no fixed maximum for a farmer.
There is no specified time for CASP to process your application. It depends upon the provincial Dept of Agriculture, completeness of application, and budget. It may take 3-12 months. The money disburses in installments directly to suppliers.
Important Links and Resources
DALRRD Official Website
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development
›
CASP Programme Overview
National department programme page
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Western Cape CASP Applications
2026/27 call currently open
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North West Agriculture Dept
CASP and Ilima/Letsema applications
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Food For Mzansi
SA agriculture news and funding updates
›
African Farming
Black commercial farming resources
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Disclaimer: This info is for help only. CASP rules can change. Please check with your local agriculture office before you apply.