Mr Price Foundation invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the HandPicked Professional Farming Programme 2026. This exciting twelve-month skills development opportunity is designed to equip young people with practical agricultural knowledge, workplace experience, and modern farming techniques needed to succeed in the horticulture industry.
The programme takes place in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal and Kenilworth, Cape Town. Selected candidates will receive hands-on training in advanced farming systems, online coursework, mentorship, and industry exposure. The initiative focuses on preparing participants for future-focused agriculture and sustainable food production.
• Position: HandPicked Professional Farming Programme 2026
• Duration: 12 Months
• Stipend: R4000 per month
• Location: Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal and Kenilworth, Cape Town
• Closing Date: 25 May 2026
This opportunity is suitable for passionate young South Africans who are eager to build careers in farming, agri-tech, environmental agriculture, and food production.
About the HandPicked Professional Farming Programme
The HandPicked Professional Farming Programme is a structured agricultural development programme aimed at empowering unemployed graduates with valuable farming and horticulture skills. Participants will gain practical exposure to hybrid-hydroponics incubators and controlled environmental agriculture systems.
The programme combines theoretical learning with practical experience to ensure participants develop both technical and workplace skills. Training modules are aligned with modern agricultural trends and future farming methods.
Participants will also receive online coursework with NQF Level 5 credits, helping improve employability and career growth opportunities within the agriculture sector.
The programme duration is twelve months.
Programme Benefits
Successful applicants will receive several benefits throughout the programme, including:
- Practical training in hybrid-hydroponics incubators
- Online coursework with NQF Level 5 credits
- Certificate of completion from the University of Venda (UniVen)
- Monthly stipend of R4000
- Exposure to modern agri-tech systems
- Networking and career development opportunities
- Workplace readiness training
- Hands-on agricultural experience
The programme is designed to help participants gain relevant experience that can open doors in the agricultural industry.
Training Modules
The training programme includes the following modules:
- Introduction to horticulture of the future
- Introduction to future-facing soil-less vegetable farming
- Future farming versus climate change
- Growing for the future
- Planting for the future
- Feeding plants for the future
- Plant care for the future
- Controlled Environmental Agriculture for the future
These modules aim to prepare participants for modern agricultural environments where technology and sustainability play an important role.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying:
- Must be between 18 and 33 years old
- Must currently be unemployed
- Must have a valid South African ID
- Must possess a tertiary qualification in agriculture
- Must be based in Hammarsdale and surrounding areas or Cape Town
- Must be able to travel to the designated job placement location
Candidates who do not meet the above requirements may not be considered for the programme.
Preferred Candidate Attributes
The programme is looking for candidates who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Passion for agriculture and farming
- Strong willingness to learn
- Ability to work well in teams
- Community-minded attitude
- Self-motivation and resilience
- Leadership potential
- Interest in sustainable agriculture and agri-tech
Applicants with a genuine interest in agricultural innovation and food sustainability are encouraged to apply.
Why This Programme Matters
Agriculture remains one of the most important industries in South Africa, contributing to food security, employment, and economic growth. Programmes such as the HandPicked Professional Farming Programme help address youth unemployment while developing critical agricultural skills.
Modern farming increasingly relies on technology-driven systems such as hydroponics, environmental agriculture, and sustainable farming techniques. This programme provides young graduates with the opportunity to gain exposure to these future-focused agricultural methods.
The initiative also supports skills development and workplace readiness among young South Africans, especially those seeking opportunities within the agricultural and horticulture sectors.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Participants who successfully complete the programme may explore careers in:
- Horticulture
- Hydroponic farming
- Greenhouse management
- Agricultural production
- Environmental agriculture
- Farm supervision
- Agri-tech operations
- Sustainable food production
- Agricultural entrepreneurship
The experience gained during the programme may also improve future employment prospects in the agriculture industry.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 25 May 2026.
Late applications may not be considered. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the official Mr Price Foundation platforms. Applicants should prepare all required supporting documents before applying.
Required documents may include:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Updated CV
- Proof of qualification
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of residence if required
Applicants should ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.
Important Notes
- Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection
- Candidates must be willing to participate fully in the twelve-month programme
- Travel arrangements to placement sites remain the responsibility of participants unless otherwise stated
The HandPicked Professional Farming Programme presents an excellent opportunity for unemployed agricultural graduates seeking practical experience, career exposure, and professional growth within South Africa’s modern farming sector.
Mr Price Foundation invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the HandPicked Professional Farming Programme 2026. This twelve-month skills development programme is based in Hammarsdale (KZN) and Kenilworth (Cape Town), offering practical agricultural training, online coursework with NQF Level 5 credits, exposure to modern agri-tech systems, and a monthly stipend of R4000. Successful participants will also receive a certificate of completion from the University of Venda (UniVen).
Passionate, driven young people who are ready to plant the seeds for their future are encouraged to apply before 25 May 2026. Applicants must be between 18 and 33 years old, currently unemployed, in possession of a valid South African ID, and have a tertiary qualification in agriculture.