GREENHOUSES I SHADE NET I HYDROPONICS I AQUAPONICS
Agricultural produce agents’ council (APAC) -
A look at fresh produce markets
F
rancois Knowles, Registrar and CEO at the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) has a long history in the Fresh Produce industry. Undercover Farming interviewed him prior to the Undercover Farming Western Cape Conference 2021, where he will also be presenting an overview on APAC and the current state of the fresh produce industry that he regulates. Francois shared figures for the 12 months (1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021) relating to the turnover and mass sales which are handled by 23 Fresh Produce Markets around the country and 16 Off-market Agents (Agencies performing under the same rules as Fresh Produce markets). In total 39 market platforms handles fresh produce in South Africa (SA).
of inflation, price increases, etc.). “We are perturbed over volume figures reported by markets. In the same year a growth was reported, there was a decrease of 11.7% in volumes sold at markets. This could largely be due to the influence of the Covid-19 epidemiology, adverse weather conditions which influenced optimal production, logistical problems at chain groups and unfortunately, the lootings in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
INCREASED TURNOVER According to Francois, the turnover figures up to 30 June 2021 indicated R20.04MM against the previous book year’s R18.2MM (Growth 9.8%; taking into account growth
APAC advises that security at fresh produce markets should be upgraded. If conditions are not safe for buyers at markets, they will resist visiting such markets. There is a shortage in proper
A recent visit to a city market revealed the shocking conditions that can only be due to poor management. The market areas and general infrastructure that is totally neglected, poor service delivery and overall, dirty conditions in which no buyer or even public would want to do business, gave Francois the idea that management lost interest in their market.
6 Undercover farming I September/October 2021 I Volume 18 No 5
maintenance, and a gaping hole at the entrance gate is enough to have regular buyers turn away and seek other resources. Hygiene plays a major role at fresh produce markets; nobody will be in a buying spirit if there is dirt, smelly produce or other objects where foodstuff is displayed which actually should attract buyers. “Proper management is a precursor to a flourishing market – if it is not in place, disorder and eventually less buyers on the floor is imminent,” Francois said. COVID-19 2020 EWA Early warning action was taken when APAC met the management team at Johannesburg Market with representatives of market agents as they have foreseen problems which could arise during the pandemic period. Covid -19 protocols were designed as a team and a minimum requirements list was drawn up together. Hygiene measures included spraying of hands, wearing masks, keeping social
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