About SA Agri Academy: Cultivating Sustainable Agricultural Growth
Established in 2001 (Reg. nr 2001/020837/08), SA Agri Academy (SAAA) is a Non-Profit Organisation that has proudly operated for nearly a quarter of a century – a rare milestone for social entrepreneurial organisations. Dedicated to addressing social challenges within rural agriculture, we provide innovative commercial solutions through accredited skills programs and on-site business coaching. Our mission is to empower smallholder farmers and agripreneurs to achieve sustainable success. As a Level one BBEEE contributor and a registered supplier on the National Central Supplier Database (NCSD vendor number: MAAA0074056), we are committed to equitable and impactful development. We operate with transparency and accountability, holding accreditations from the South African Agriculture and Training Authority (AgriSETA) (Agri/0022/06) and 18A status with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Our Dedicated Team
SA Agri Academy is governed by a committed board of three directors, ensuring strategic oversight and effective resource allocation. Our head office boasts a well-structured administration, guaranteeing that funding reaches its intended beneficiaries. Our trainers are contracted based on their specialised expertise, including successful smallholder farmers who are also accredited assessors. This blend of practical experience and professional training is a cornerstone of our success.
Lina Keyter
Managing Director and founding member of the SA Agri Academy
For the past twenty three years the Agri Academy, under Lina’s leadership has successfully developed small holder farmers. Lina is besides strategic planning and constan tcreative programme development also responsible for seeking sustainable partnerships in capacity building and funding. Some of the recent partnerships in projects include UNIDO (cluster methodology), GIZ financial literacy capacity building project for small holder farmers as well as local financial institutions and private sector funders supporting the agripreneurs Agri Academy developed as successful enterprises. She also developed and trademark a small holder farmer tourism route called Voedpad®.Foodpath® (a combination of the primary and hospitality value chain as a skills programme). as well as a placement programme Agri Appi®for youth agripreneurs.
Lina obtained her B.Comm. Ed degree from the Nelson Mandela University and her B.Comm (Hon) and M.Comm (International Marketing) degree from the University of Stellenbosch. She attended various professional development courses locally and internationally to further strengthen her skills and expertise in sustainable skills development, strategic planning for social entrepreneurship and monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure sustainability in development of enterprises Agri Academy serves.
Why Culture Matters
SA Agri Academy celebrates diversity through the presentation of its programmes, both internally as well as externally. Through its trainers and coaches based country wide, the Academy can address classroom training and on farm coaching in the language of its target sector. In focusing on production of certain products, indigenous practises and produce are also addressed.
Our State-of-the-Art Training Facilities
Located just outside Stellenbosch, our nearly one-hectare facility provides a conducive learning environment. We offer an air-conditioned training venue capable of hosting 24 trainees, equipped with laptops, presentation equipment, and reliable Wi-Fi. Our boardroom accommodates eight people for meetings and planning. The expanded house on our premises can host 10 people, including accessible facilities for disabled persons. Our borehole and generator ensure uninterrupted operations, independent of water and electricity disruptions. Our three tunnels and open field serve as a demonstrative site for circular economy practices. We also have a state of the art kitchen for our FoodPath program.
Our Guiding Principles.
Accountability/ Responsibility:
We are committed to transparency and responsible resource management.
Community Development:
We prioritise the sustainable growth of rural communities.
Equality:
We promote equal opportunities for all, regardless of background.
Commitment:
We are dedicated to the success of our beneficiaries.
Empowerment:
We equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to thrive.
Diversity:
We celebrate and embrace cultural and individual differences.
Moral Integrity:
We uphold the highest ethical standards.
Quality:
We deliver exceptional training and support services.
Our National and International Impact
While our primary base is in Stellenbosch, our network of accredited trainers and coaches enables us to operate nationwide. We have also extended our reach internationally, completing Train The Trainer (TTT) projects in Lesotho for their Departments of Small Holder Farmer Development and Trade and Industry. Additionally, we actively participate in SADC conferences and network meetings, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across neighboring countries.
