Producers
To send your produce to a fresh produce market, you first need to decide at which market you would like to operate and then appoint a market agent at that market.
Once you have chosen your agent, you need to follow a specific process:
- Fresh produce must be packed according to legislative requirements. For more information. please visit https://www.gov.za/documents/agricultural-product-standards-act-regulations-grading-packing-and-marking-fresh-fruit where types and sizes of produce and packaging are detailed as well as inspection requirements and fees payable.
- All produce sent to the market must have a consignment note with the producer’s contact details
- Your load must be sent to your agent of choice at the market
- Your agent will confirm receipt of your load and quality thereof
- Your agent will confirm daily sales, prices and stock levels each day
- Market commission is calculated on an Ad Valorem basis, according to gross value of the product
- Payments to farmers/producers are made by your market agent
- Cold storage and ripening rooms are available at the markets for a fee payable to the markets
10 things to know before sending your produce to the market.
- Know your product ie packaging, grading, sizing and price signals.
- Choose your agent wisely and preferably visit his/her floor before sending.
- Request a Fidelity Fund Certificate from your Sales Agent.
- Do market research on prices and trends before planting.
- Engage with your agent on your plantings, marketing periods and expected quantities.
- Communicate to your agent about deliveries, expectations and quality issues at least twice a day.
- Verify your sales reports daily and reconcile with your account sales.
- Pay attention to suggestions from your agent concerning requirements, trends and buyer feedback.
- Inform your agent of loads that need extra attention.
- Remember branding, quality and continuity are the keys to success.