IF you are a young farmer, between the ages of 18 and 35, then the SAB KickStart Urban Agri Programme is looking for you.
South African Breweries (SAB) is inviting youth-owned businesses in the agricultural sector to apply for its KickStart’s Urban Agriculture programme.
The programme is open to entrepreneurs with a minimum of one-year farming experience. The farm space should be in the region of 1500m² that is currently used to produce plant-based produce or crop on a revenue-generating basis, with potential to scale.
The programme is in its second year and is looking to invest in high potential farming businesses by integrating technology solutions that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
The programme will last for 15 months and provides technical and operational training, hydroponic infrastructure investment, mentorship and access to markets.
SAB and AB InBev Africa enterprise development manager, Phumzile Chifunyise, said the programme will provide successful participants with technical and operational training, hydroponic infrastructure investment, industry-based mentorship, as well as market access, with the goal of creating jobs.
Chifunyise said that as a 97 percent homegrown organisation, farming is key to their business.
“To strengthen the market and ultimately create jobs outside of our core business, we want to attract young people to agriculture, through technology,” she said.
Hydroponic systems are an advanced farming methodology that is of high intensity, that is water and high nutrition based in which the planting is not dependent on soil.
“By introducing young farmers to this advanced process, we are looking to grow and bring a young face to agriculture, while rapidly increasing their output, she added.
Applications close on 1 September 2019.
2019 SAB KickStart Urban Agri Programme . To Enter online Click here
General criteria
1. Crop based agriculture enterprise
2. The entrepreneur/business should have at least 1 year farming experience
3. The business owner must be a youth aged between 18-35 years old
4. The farm should have access to water & electricity
5. Proof of access to land access (i.e. full ownership/communal etc.)
6. Currently generating revenue with potential to scale
Land characteristics
1. Land must be arable and currently utilized to produce crop/produce
2. Land size must be in the region of 1500m2
3. Land must have access to water
Farm characteristics
1. Preference will be given to farms with at least 5 tunnels or 1500m2 under net
Qualifying crop (s)
1. Any plant-based crop
The programme will entail:
1. Technical and operational business training (bootcamp) in Johannesburg
2. Hydroponic infrastructure investment
3. Business Development Support
4. Market access
5. Monitoring
