By George Munene

US agriculture equipment maker John Deere and AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) are running a competition for Kenyan youth engaged in agriculture whose winner will take home a 50 Horsepower, 5050D TWD John Deere Tractor.

The competition will run until 31st March 2022.

The  #JohnDeereAGRACompetition will be open to:

• A registered youth group (semi-small and medium-sized enterprises- SMEs) based in Kenya

They must be registered as an SME according to the relevant laws of Kenya and by the relevant authorities (Ministry Of Public Service, Youth And Gender Affairs – State Department for Youth Affairs) in Kenya and have a valid registration certificate with a verifiable membership list. At-least 80% of their members must be between 18 and 35 years old.

*Registration documents will be required

• Involved in commercial agriculture activity

A minimum of 80% of their operations should be focused on an agriculture venture along the value chain.

• In operation for at least 3 years

The groups do not need to be cash-flow positive, however, they will be required to have revenues to be considered.

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Eligible applicants (youth groups/semi SMEs in Kenya) need to submit a business plan outlining their plan for running and managing a Mechanisation Service Provision business, after which the most compelling business plan shall be announced as the winner

This forms part of a partnership between AGRA and John Deer that is committed to uplifting small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). AGRA will offer support programs for business skills and financial management, while John Deere, through its Dealer Network, provides

support with operator training, technician development, and after-sales services. In addition, John Deere also provides financing of equipment through John Deere Financial.

For details on the competition’s guidelines for eligibility criteria, business plan format, evaluation criteria and terms and conditions click here: Competition Guidlines