Practical, hands-on programmes that build farmers.
CEIRD’s programmes are designed for one outcome — turning agricultural graduates and emerging farmers into self-sustaining agribusiness owners.
From a 12–24 month incubation cohort to SETA-accredited short courses and R10,000 production input packages, every part of our model is built around real, working enterprises.
Bespoke pathways for emerging Eastern Cape farmers.
We don’t run one-size-fits-all training. Every applicant is matched to a programme that fits their stage — from raw idea, to early production, to commercial expansion.
Each cohort gets a combination of practical training at Fort Cox, on-farm mentorship, starter inputs, and ongoing market linkages so that what’s taught in class is tested on the land.
Our value chains
Courses Offered by CEIRD
Training across every NQF level — from entry-level skills with no prerequisites, to advanced SETA-accredited qualifications.
NQF Level 6 & Above
- Horticulture
- Red Meat Value Chain
- Veld & Pasture Management
- Animal Nutrition & Feed Formulation
- Wool Classification & Sorting
- Use of Chemicals & Calibration
- Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Aquaponics
- Cannabis
- Irrigation
- Citrus
NQF Level 5 & 6
- Genetics
- Artificial Insemination
- Animal Handling
- Hydroponics
- Agri Economics
NQF Level 1–4 & Non-Accredited
- Agribusiness Skills
- Financial Management
- Animal Diseases
- Maize Processing & Grading
- Export Readiness
- Tractor Mechanization
- Poultry Production
- Farm Record Keeping
- Meat Processing
- Bookkeeping
- Irrigation
- Agri-Finance
- Pig Production
- Broiler Production
- Dairy Management
- Rabbit Production
- Vegetable Production
Entrepreneurship & Incubation
Grade 12 (Matric) certificate, plus a recognised qualification in Agriculture — minimum a Higher Certificate from an accredited institution.
Frequently asked questions about our programmes.
Who can apply to CEIRD?
Unemployed agricultural graduates and emerging farmers based in the Eastern Cape. Each programme has its own minimum criteria — check the individual pages, or apply and we’ll match you to the right cohort.
Do I have to be based at Fort Cox?
The incubation and skills programmes are based at Fort Cox Campus in Middledrift. Farmer Support is field-based — we work with you on your own land or shared land.
How long are the programmes?
Incubation runs 12–24 months. Skills Development short courses range from 2 weeks to 6 months. Farmer Support is ongoing through your first production cycles.
What does the R10,000 starter package include?
It varies by value chain — typically chicks, feed, equipment, seed, or seedlings depending on what you’re producing. Your programme officer will help you spec your package.
Is there a cost to join?
No. CEIRD’s programmes are fully funded for qualifying participants — no tuition, no application fees.
We build pathways that change lives.
“CEIRD didn’t just teach me poultry production — they walked with me through the first cycle, through the first crisis, and through the first sale. That changed everything.”
“After the incubation, I supply fresh, graded eggs to a local Spar branch every week. The Production Input package turned my idea into a steady business.”