1 November 2023
By: Joanie Bergh
Small-scale farmers struggle to meet the strict standards that would enable them to export their products
In the Competition Commission’s investigation to see if there are elements or factors in the fresh produce value chain that impede, restrict or distort competition, Oupa Msimanga, Gauteng regional manager of the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), testified that most small-scale farmers lack the knowledge or training to prepare their products for export.
Problems they face include poor infrastructure, lack of proper warehouses, a shortage of water and irrigation equipment, the application of all necessary hygienic processes and the constant production of large quantities of fresh produce.
“Every farmer wanting to export must have the right documents and registration numbers from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. If a consumer were to get sick, we must be able to trace that product back to the producer,” said Gabriël Guess, external legal advisor of the PPECB.
“Most small-scale farmers cannot meet the export standards. Therefore, they do not obtain the necessary documents and are consequently excluded from all markets because they do not meet the required food safety standards.
“One of the main reasons South Africa has a successful export market is because we follow the correct procedures and there is always a paper trail that allows you to trace the product back to the producer.”
Guess said the PPECB assists small-scale farmers in meeting the standards for export markets. However, issues in the cold chain frequently arise, such as producers lacking facilities to keep their products at the required temperatures during transportation.
Standards too high
Ruan Maré of the commission’s investigative team said it received many complaints from small-scale farmers who believe it is impossible to meet the high standards required to supply products to the export market.
Guess said the PPECB adheres strictly to the technical specifications for perishable product exports, taking into account the product’s quality, chemicals used in production, diseases and pests. Other organisations also consider environmental protection and social development when inspecting products.
“Whatever the standards, a producer must at least meet the minimum requirements outlined by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and the Department of Health for export,” he said.
“We do not reject [products for] local markets, but local markets are indeed larger and the value chain is shorter. We focus solely on products that want to be exported.”
The PPECB believes that if small-scale farmers adhere to the agricultural practices outlined by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the industry will see more participation in export markets.
