Standard Bank mobilises R3.45bn for climate-smart agriculture
CLIMATE FINANCE
Louis Van Ravesteyn, Standard Bank Group head of agriculture, said farmers are already adapting to the realities of climate change, but wider adoption of climate-smart solutions requires access to appropriate funding.
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Standard Bank Group has mobilised R3.45 billion in financing for climate-smart agriculture over the past year, strengthening support for sustainable food production, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth across South Africa's agricultural sector.
The investment comes at a time when farmers are facing growing challenges from climate change, including increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, water scarcity and rising input costs.
These pressures are driving the need for innovative farming practices and financing solutions that can improve long-term sustainability and profitability.
Louis Van Ravesteyn, Standard Bank Group head of agriculture, said farmers are already adapting to the realities of climate change, but wider adoption of climate-smart solutions requires access to appropriate funding.
“Farmers are already responding to the realities of climate change, but scaling these solutions requires access to the right kind of finance. What we are seeing is a shift towards more resilient, efficient farming models that combine sustainability with productivity,” he said.
Standard Bank's climate-smart agriculture financing supports initiatives such as water-efficient irrigation systems, renewable energy projects and regenerative farming practices.
The bank said these interventions are helping producers improve operational efficiency, manage costs and strengthen long-term profitability.
The adoption of technologies such as precision agriculture, solar-powered systems and data-driven crop management is also enabling farmers to optimise resources while increasing production and reducing vulnerability to climate-related shocks.
The financing forms part of Standard Bank's broader sustainable finance strategy, which focuses on investments that deliver measurable environmental and social benefits alongside financial returns.
Climate-smart agriculture has become a key area of focus due to its contribution to food security, rural economic development and job creation.
The bank said it is also working to improve access to funding for emerging and mid-sized farmers who often face challenges in securing traditional financing. By tailoring solutions to agricultural production cycles and climate-related risks, the bank aims to expand participation in sustainable farming systems.
Boitumelo Sethlatswe, Standard Bank head of sustainability, said directing capital towards climate-smart agriculture supports a transition that benefits both people and the environment.
“Sustainable finance is ultimately about enabling real economy outcomes,” she said.
“By directing capital towards climate‑smart agriculture, we are supporting a transition that benefits producers, communities and ecosystems alike, while helping to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, strengthening resilience across the entire value chain.”
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