SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION SOLUTION ON PRODUCE REJECTION NEEDED

MATSAPHA – With the inconsistency in supply and poor quality of produce among local farmers, the government wants a permanent solution.

About 40 per cent of produce from local farmers is constantly rejected, either due to poor quality or spoilage. This has contributed to imports exceeding E1.2 billion and exports contracting despite a global shortage of commodities. Farmers mentioned that their biggest challenge in producing quality was the unavailability of or limited access to farming inputs. They said they were either expenses or not available in the country.

Minister of Agriculture Jabulani Mabuza yesterday challenged farmers to come up with lasting solutions that will transform the agriculture sector. This was during the third horticulture innovation platform at Esibayeni Lodge. He said farmers struggle with the escalating farming input costs; the Russia/Ukraine war has also affected the distribution of food items, which include grains and edible oils, with the prices taking an upward trend.

"The price of fuel is also on an upward trajectory, which further exacerbates the situation since fuel is one of the main drivers of inflation. At the end of it all, this is a warning sign to all of us to start producing our own food and reduce dependence on imports, which are also a drain on our country’s economy." He further urged farmers to adopt the food safety standards and attain Global GAP certification for their farms.

He said there must also be an increase in exported vegetables as more farmers will now be able to adhere to internationally accepted production standards. Vegetables produced under Global GAP certification, which demonstrates safety, should attract premium prices even in local markets. NAMBoard CEO Bhekizwe Maziya added that local markets also have quality expectations on produce and they do not settle for less. He said It was for that reason that they had to reject produce that did not meet the quality standards.

"Farmers are greatly discouraged when their produce gets rejected. NAMBoard is Global GAP certified. We have also recently acquired the ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System for the Encabeni baby vegetable packing facility. This prestigious recognition is reflective of the high level of quality assurance maintained by our staff at the packhouse," he said.

ESWADE CEO Sam Sithole added that the markets further indicated that they are willing to source produce from local farmers, but there are some underlying challenges at present, which include inconsistent supply, poor quality, and high buying prices of produce from current producers.

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