About Us – AGDA

About AGDA

Our History

In 2018, a group of passionate agricultural leaders came together with a shared vision: to transform South Africa’s agricultural landscape into one of inclusive growth and sustainable development. From commercial farmers to farming organizations and value chain experts, these founding members recognized that the sector’s future lay in collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity. Thus, AGDA was born – not just as an organization, but as a movement toward agricultural transformation.

Growing With Purpose

As a non-profit organization, AGDA’s roots run deep in our commitment to inclusive growth. We understand that true agricultural development must lift all participants across the value chain. Our approach goes beyond traditional support models – we create ecosystems where established and new farmers can thrive together, where innovation meets tradition, and where sustainable practices drive commercial success.

Bridging the Fields of Opportunity

What sets AGDA apart is our unique role as an integrator across the agricultural value chain. We create new pathways for collaboration. From the smallest subsistence farmer to the largest commercial farmers, from input suppliers to market outlets, from financiers to technology providers, we bring together all the elements needed for agricultural success. Our extensive network spans:

Commercial farmers sharing knowledge and resources
Financial institutions providing innovative funding solutions
Market players offering secure off-take agreements
Technology partners driving innovation
Support organizations delivering crucial services

The AGDA Way

Our work is guided by four core principles:

Partnership-Driven Development

We believe that sustainable growth comes through collaboration

Inclusive
Innovation

We harness cutting-edge solutions while ensuring accessibility for all

Practical
Support

We focus on tangible results and real-world impact

Sustainable
Growth

We build models that create lasting positive change

Looking to Tomorrow

As we continue to grow, our commitment remains unchanged: to be the catalyst that develops South African agriculture into a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous sector through our integrated approach, innovative partnerships, and unwavering focus on practical solutions.

Vision

An inclusive, sustainable, and growing Agricultural Sector contributing to social justice and food security

Key Focus Areas

Collaborations and Partnership
Unlocking Barriers to Funding
Value Chain Development
Skills Development
Food Security

Mission

Catalyzing inclusive agricultural development through innovation and collaboration

Meet Our Board Of direcors

The AGDA board of directors represent partners across the agricultural value chain. Each of them has years of experience in the agricultural and agribusiness sector. They bring to AGDA their diverse skills and network of partners.

Dr Mathews Phosa Chairperson

David Mthombeni Deputy Chairperson

Leona Archary CEO

Dewald Olivier Commodity Organisation

Roelf Meyer Public Private Partnerships

Gilly Dlamini Banking Association of South Africa

Kallie Schoeman Commercial Farmer

Theo Boshoff Agri-Business Sector

Nono Sekhoto African Leader and Network Lead

Meet With Expert Team

Seitze Snijder Fund Mobilisation and Transaction Advisory

Mauritz De Kock Transaction Advisory

Nonnie Kunene Stakeholder Engagement

Samantha Mutoredzanwa Proposal Development and Project Support

Tshegofatso Makwela Agri Specialist and Project Support

Boitumelo Mahlangu Communications

Jenna Naidoo Admin Support and Coordinator

Banalise Mhlangu Project Co-ordinator

Aisha Dhaler Project Co-ordinator

AGDA's Ecosystem

Group Structure

A Sustainable Social Enterprise Structure

Our Core Objectives

At the heart of AGDA’s mission lies four interconnected objectives that drive our impact in South African agriculture. We combine targeted farmer development with innovative financing solutions, leveraging our extensive partnership networks to create sustainable opportunities for growth. From supporting farmers in priority value chains to developing financial models, from building strategic industry collaborations to maintaining governance standards – each objective reinforces our commitment to inclusive agricultural development. This holistic approach has established AGDA as a trusted facilitator of inclusive growth, creating measurable impact across the agricultural landscape while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

Supporting Farmer Development

Focus on prioritized agricultural value chains.
Enhance market access opportunities.
Provide comprehensive support systems.

Innovative Finance Models

Develop tailored financial solutions.
Create sustainable funding mechanisms.
Enable access to capital.

Partnership Networks

Build strategic collaborations.
Foster industry connections.
Enable knowledge sharing.

Governance and Accountability

Ensure transparent operations.
Maintain high ethical standards.
Monitor and evaluate impact.

Operational Model

AGDA’s operational model represents a comprehensive approach to agricultural development, combining integrated area-based development with strategic partnerships and innovative funding solutions. At our core, we function as a catalyst, bringing together diverse stakeholders across the agricultural value chain through an orchestrated and programmatic approach.

Through our value proposition, we deliver impact across five key dimensions: from enabling partnerships and synergies, to facilitating commercially viable projects, improving market access, orchestrating innovative financing, and enhancing food security and livelihoods. This integrated approach allows us to create sustainable ecosystems that support both commercial success and social development. With farmers in our network and partnerships across the entire agricultural value chain, our model is effective in bridging gaps, unlocking opportunities, and fostering inclusive growth.