The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) is South Africa's flagship agricultural development initiative managed by DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development). It provides grants (not loans) to emerging farmers and land reform beneficiaries for infrastructure, training, and farm development.
Who This Is For
- Land reform beneficiaries and restitution claimants
- Smallholder farmers with less than R1 million annual turnover
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Women, youth, and people with disabilities (priority groups)
- Emerging farmers transitioning to commercial farming
About CASP
CASP was established to provide post-settlement support to land reform beneficiaries and to support emerging farmers in becoming sustainable commercial producers. The programme is implemented through provincial Departments of Agriculture, meaning each province may have slightly different processes and priorities.
The Six Pillars of CASP
- Information & Knowledge Management
Access to market information, weather data, and agricultural best practices.
- Technical & Advisory Assistance
Extension officers provide on-farm technical support and advice on farming practices.
- Regulatory Services
Support with compliance requirements, permits, and agricultural regulations.
- Training & Capacity Building
Formal and informal training programmes to develop farming skills and business acumen.
- Marketing & Business Development
Support to access markets, develop business plans, and connect with value chains.
- On-farm & Off-farm Infrastructure
Physical infrastructure grants for fencing, irrigation, storage, and processing facilities.
What CASP Funds
- Infrastructure: Fencing, irrigation systems, storage facilities, pack houses
- Production inputs: Seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, animal feed
- Mechanisation: Tractors, implements, equipment (varies by province)
- Training programmes: Accredited agricultural training
- Market access: Transport to markets, packaging, grading equipment
Eligibility Requirements
- Land reform beneficiary OR smallholder farmer with valid land rights
- Registered at district office as a farmer with the provincial Department of Agriculture
- Valid land rights: Title deed, lease (minimum 3-5 years), or Permission to Occupy (PTO)
- South African citizen with valid ID
- Viable farming operation with potential for growth
How to Apply
- Register at District Agriculture Office
Visit your local district agriculture office with your ID and proof of land rights. Get registered as a farmer and obtain a farmer registration number.
- Complete CASP Application Form
Obtain the CASP application form from the district office. Complete all sections thoroughly, including details about your farm, what support you need, and your development goals.
- Submit Business/Farm Plan
Prepare a business plan or production plan showing your farming operation, expected yields, market plans, and how CASP support will help you grow.
- Site Assessment
An extension officer will visit your farm to verify information, assess viability, and evaluate your application. Be present and prepared.
- Approval Committee Review
Applications go to the provincial approval committee that meets periodically to review and allocate funding based on budget availability.
- Disbursement
Approved projects receive funding either through direct payment to suppliers or for infrastructure development on your farm.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of land rights (title deed, lease agreement, or PTO)
- Bank account confirmation letter
- Business plan or production plan
- Quotations for requested items (must be recent, usually within 3 months)
- Farmer registration certificate (from district office)
Provincial Contacts
CASP is administered at provincial level. Contact your provincial Department of Agriculture for specific application deadlines and requirements:
| Province | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 011 240 3000 | Urban and peri-urban agriculture focus |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 033 355 9100 | Large smallholder programme |
| Limpopo | 015 294 3000 | Significant emerging farmer base |
| Mpumalanga | 013 766 6500 | Strong agro-processing focus |
| Eastern Cape | 040 609 3400 | Extensive land reform projects |
| Free State | 051 506 1000 | Grain and livestock focus |
| North West | 018 389 5111 | Cattle and grain programmes |
| Western Cape | 021 808 5111 | Commodity-specific programmes |
| Northern Cape | 053 838 9100 | Irrigation and livestock focus |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete applications: Ensure all sections are completed and all documents attached
- No proof of land rights: This is non-negotiable – you must have valid documentation
- Unrealistic production plans: Plans must be achievable given your resources and experience
- Missing quotations: Always include recent quotations for everything you're requesting
- Not being registered: You must be registered at the district office before applying
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum CASP funding amount?
CASP funding amounts vary by province and project type. Infrastructure grants can range from R50,000 to several million rand depending on the scope. There is no fixed maximum as it depends on provincial budgets and project viability.
Can I apply for CASP if I lease land?
Yes, you can apply for CASP if you have a valid lease agreement. The lease must be for a minimum of 3-5 years (requirements vary by province) and you must be registered at the district agriculture office.
How long does the CASP application take?
CASP applications typically take 3-6 months from submission to approval, depending on provincial processes, site assessment scheduling, and approval committee timelines.
Can cooperatives apply for CASP?
Yes, registered agricultural cooperatives are eligible for CASP. The cooperative must be registered with CIPC and have members who are emerging farmers or land reform beneficiaries.
Next Steps
Ready to Apply?
Browse live DALRRD funding programmes in FundingOS. Check your readiness before applying to identify any gaps in your documentation.
Need Help With Agricultural Funding?
Our network of agricultural consultants and funding advisors can help you prepare your CASP application and access agricultural development support.
- Business plan development
- Financial projections
- Funding application support
- Pitch deck preparation