The failings within the national fresh produce market system are serious and well-documented. They include ageing infrastructure, poor management, unhygienic practices, lack of security, and questionable finances. The question now is whether the success of the fresh produce industry as a whole is masking these problems, and how much longer the markets can stave off a collapse of the entire system.
Jaco Oosthuizen, CEO of RSA Group, is straightforward: he maintains that were it not for the strength of the industry as a whole, the country’s municipal market facilities might easily have gone the way of other struggling state-owned enterprises, which are currently paying a heavy price for a lack of upkeep.
“The country’s market network, despite its degradation, does a good job of servicing the needs of producers and buyers, which means the consumer has reliable access to fresh produce through retail and informal trade channels. South Africa’s markets also serve producers and buyers from neighbouring countries, and handle large volumes of imported produce in counter-seasons from countries like Spain, Morocco, Egypt and Israel. Our national fresh produce market system is therefore key to securing successful income for food producers.”
He adds that the markets also play a major role in national economic growth and development at both macro and micro levels, underpinning food security.
“These markets are of huge importance to all farmers, including back garden, weekend, rooftop, tunnel, one-hectare and mega farmers. They’re also the ideal mechanism to ensure that the country can distribute fresh produce to all its citizens, no matter where they live, at prices that are governed by supply and demand.”
Denne historien er fra November 05, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra November 05, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
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IPM requires a completely different mindset
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Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
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Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
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Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
