AGRICULTURE NEWS - The Western Cape Government’s MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has hailed the blended finance catalyst for agriculture as a “game-changer” for emerging and smallholder farmers.
Spearheaded by the national Department of Agriculture in partnership with financial institutions including Land Bank and ABSA, the Blended Finance Scheme is designed to reduce financial risk while increasing access to capital.
It targets historically disadvantaged individuals, particularly women, youth and people with disabilities, and supports investments in infrastructure, mechanisation, and value-adding enterprises.
“This model is about unlocking opportunity. It combines the strength of government grants with the discipline of private sector finance to empower our farmers to grow, compete, and thrive,” Meyer said.
The MEC was addressing over 250 farmers and stakeholders at the national Department of Agriculture’s Blended Finance Roadshow, held in Paarl in the Drakenstein Municipality.
The event, held on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, marked a significant milestone in the Western Cape Government’s ongoing efforts to support the commercialisation of Black producers and transform the agricultural sector.
Meyer emphasised the Western Cape’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and rural development.
“We are not just investing in farms; we are investing in people, in communities, and in the future of our province.”
The roadshow brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including 122 farmers from across the province’s eight districts, commodity organisations, extension practitioners, and representatives from the private sector.
The event also featured a welcome address by Drakenstein Executive Mayor, Stephen Korabie, and showcased the province’s key agricultural commodities aligned with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), including deciduous fruit, wine grapes, citrus, grains, poultry, and red meat.
Meyer concluded by encouraging farmers to seize the opportunity presented by the scheme.
“This is your time. Let us walk this journey together – government, financiers, and farmers – to build a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector.” – SAnews.gov.za
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