The Academy aims to provide a learning pathway for new-generation farmers and learners who have completed grade 12 and want to follow a career in agriculture . In addition , KAL Group aims to equip newgeneration farmers with skills and knowledge to become commercial producers .
Courses are presented following a blended learning approach , with a combination of online lessons , video-based lessons and mandatory practical learning sessions . All training costs are covered by KAL Group , including tuition fees , transport , and accommodation . The fully sponsored training empowers new-generation farmers who have access to land , live in the Western or Northern Cape , and cannot afford tertiary education .
The Academy provides a learning pathway from NQF2 for mixed farming structures to NQF 4 animal production , as well as NQF 4 plant production . The expected outcome of the Academy ’ s training is that learners should be able to adapt better to their circumstances and manage increased production in their specific field upon completion of a course . All the new-generation farmer courses have been developed in response to the needs of the industry . Producers were asked to participate in a survey to test the need for training . Many expressed concern that new-generation farmers do not have the financial means for training in various farming categories which would support the transformation of South
Africa ’ s agricultural industry . The Academy clearly has a vital role to play in this industry .
Programmes start on an NQF2 level as a foundation , and from there , learners can graduate to specialise in the other courses presented . All the courses are accredited with each module having its own number of credits .
The Academy aims to provide a learning pathway for newgeneration farmers and learners who have completed grade 12 and want to follow a career in agriculture .
Barend Sulvester , Senior Manager : Sustainability , explains : “ We already have a few entry-level commercial farmers trained by the Academy . Annually , around 60 applicants are selected for this programme , which is entirely funded by KAL Group . So far , almost 400 students have completed the programme ; three of the Academy ’ s students have won the AgriSETA ’ s Learner of the Year Award , while several others were finalists . We aim to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to become commercial farmers by establishing networks and by teaching them how to use these . Hopefully , we will add the NQF 5 diploma programme in either animal or plant production to our curriculum soon .”
“ Several of the Academy ’ s students are now employed in key posi-