Agro Processing Support Scheme

Agro-Processing Support Scheme(APSS)

APSS Interpretation Note 01/2020

Application Window Period

Agro-Processing Support Scheme next designated application window for the receipt of applications will be extended from 1 April 2019 until further notice. You are requested to kindly submit accurate and completed applications with all relevant supporting documentation by email to apssapplications@thedti.gov.za

Objectives

The Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS) aims to stimulate investment by the South African agro-processing / beneficiation (agri-business) enterprises. The investment should demonstrate that it will achieve some of the following:
Increased capacity, employment creation, modernised machinery and equipment, competitiveness and productivity improvement and broadening participation.

Benefits

The scheme offers a 20% to a 30% cost-sharing grant to a maximum of R20 million over a two-year investment period, with a last claim to be submitted within six months after the final approved milestone.
the dti may consider an additional 10% grant for projects that meet all economic benefit criteria such as employment, transformation, geographic spread and local procurement.
The maximum approved grant may be utilised on a combination of investment costs provided the applicant illustrates a sound business case for the proposed investment activities.

Eligibility criteria

An applicant must submit a completed application form and business plan with detailed agro-processing/beneficiation activities, budget plans and projected income statement and balance sheet, for a period of at least three years for the project. The project/business must exhibit economic merit in terms of sustainability.
The application must be submitted within the designated application window period, prior to start of processing/beneficiation or undertaking activities being applied for. Any assets bought and taken into commercial use or competitiveness improvements costs incurred before applying for the incentive will be considered as non-qualifying.
For existing entities, submit latest financial statements, reviewed by an independent external auditor or accredited person, not older than 18 months.
The approved entity may not reduce its employment levels from the average employment levels for a 12-month period prior to the date of application, and these employment levels should be maintained for the duration of the incentive period/ agreement.
Minimum qualifying investment size, including competitiveness improvement cost, will be at least R1 million.

Contact:

Contact details to be used for Incentive Applications and Claims from 27 March 2020

Applications	APSSapplications@thedti.gov.za
Claims	apssclaims@thedti.gov.za
Enquiries	APSScontact@thedti.gov.za

Ms Suzan Chiloane	schiloane@thedti.gov.za	012 394 1208
Ms Semakaleng Mangwedi	smangwedi@thedti.gov.za	012 394 1073
Ms Rinny Mmakau	rmmakau@thedti.gov.za	012 394 1618