Young South Africans are increasingly choosing agriculture as a lucrative, purpose-driven career, which allows them to work in countries around the world.
Land Bank Chief Strategy Officer Sydney Soundy said that, unlike previous generations, South Africa’s youth are not viewing this career field as a last resort.
Instead, young farmers today are actively pursuing agriculture as a career, equipping themselves with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to ensure their success.
“This shift is not only contributing to the transformation of the sector but also to the strengthening of South Africa’s economy,” Soundy said.
“Across universities and training institutions, young South Africans are enrolling in agricultural studies, attending expos and participating in knowledge-sharing forums.”
According to Soundy, their engagement signals a deliberate commitment to farming, rather than a fallback option.
“This new wave of farmers is demonstrating that they are serious about agriculture, treating it as a profession rather than a hobby,” he said.
“They are not merely seeking funding opportunities – they are investing in their own development and expertise to build sustainable businesses.”
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of youth farmers entering the agricultural sector in South Africa annually, there are indicators that the industry is seeing an increase in youth involvement.
For example, initiatives such as the Agricultural Youth Fund are supporting youth-led farming businesses.
Organisations like Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) are also working to promote youth participation and provide a platform for networking and support.
“With the average age of farmers in South Africa being around 57 years, there is a definite need for youth participation in the sector to ensure its future sustainability,” Soundy said.
Farming also provides young South Africans with the opportunity to work overseas, which can be highly lucrative. Popular destinations include the United States, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
According to the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics, the median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers was $87,980 in May 2024.
This translates to R1.56 million a year. In comparison, the median household income was R95,770 a year in 2023, according to Stats SA’s 2022/2023 Income & Expenditure Survey (IES).
According to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Economic Summary, in the first quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural sector saw a notable increase in employment.
The province’s primary agricultural jobs increased by 27% (51,282 jobs) quarter on quarter and by 13% (28,994 jobs) year on year.
This growth was primarily driven by a 34% increase in crop farming employment and a minor 1% increase in animal farming.
During Q1 2025, the agricultural sector also grew by 15.8% and contributed 0.4% to the South African economy, making it the industry with the strongest growth that quarter.
Soundy stated that agriculture remains a significant contributor to South Africa’s economy. Agricultural exports grew by 10% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, to reach $3.36 billion (R59.48 billion).
Increased exports of grapes, maize, apples and wine drove this growth. “Additionally, agriculture contributed significantly to South Africa’s 0.1% GDP growth in the first quarter, helping the country avoid a recession,” he said.
“The sector’s resilience underscores its importance in national economic stability. However, despite more young people showing an interest in farming in recent years, we have to acknowledge that entry into the sector remains difficult for aspiring young farmers.”
Lack of land ownership, high input costs and limited access to finance are some of the main factors keeping young people out of the industry.
“The lack of market access, low returns, high cost of mechanisation and limited farming knowledge and technical skills are some of the other barriers that hinder youth participation in agricultural activities,” Soundy said.
“Improved availability and access to land, financial support and the dissemination of pertinent information are amongst the key interventions that can assist youth entry in the agricultural sector.”
“South Africa’s agricultural future is bright, thanks to the determination of the country’s youth. Their proactive approach to farming, combined with effective financial support and a growing export market, is setting the stage for a thriving industry.”
“As they continue to invest in their skills and businesses, the country will reap the benefits of a robust, sustainable agricultural sector.”
Issued on Daily Investor by Kirsten Minnaar | https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/94827/young-south-africans-are-choosing-a-lucrative-new-career-to-work-overseas/
