Fruit industry plan launched
2007-04-12
FRUIT SA recently released its strategic framework for the South African fruit industry, based on the framework of the Sector Plan for Agriculture.
The Plan was presented to Lulama Xingwana, Minister of Agriculture, and the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Thabethe.
The Fruit Industry Plan (FIP) is the result of a comprehensive and inclusive process which started in 2004 to develop a framework for the fruit sector based on the Strategic Plan for Agriculture.
The framework contained in the Sector Plan is based on equal access, competitiveness and profitability, and sustainability in an industry based on export, with the resultant international pressures and requirements.
The study was conducted by a multi-disciplinary task team via interactive workshops held throughout the country for all stakeholders.
Proceedings were guided by a FSA Steering Committee comprising of representatives from Government, Business (commercial & emerging sectors) and Labour.
The process was mainly funded by the four primary members within Fruit SA (the Citrus Growers Association, the Deciduous Fruit Producers’ Trust, the Sub-tropical Growers Associations and the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum) whilst a number of organisations within the sector as well as the Departments of Trade and Industry and Agriculture also contributed substantially to the successful conclusion of the process.
The fruit industry has faced a number of challenges over the last two decades, such as the the impact of increasing globalisation, deregulation, black economic empowerment, the impact of a sluggish institutional and regulatory environment, anti-competitive practice in support industries and generally unprofitable grower returns.
At the same time, there are many opportunities for the industry and the enterprises in it, such as high quality produce, ample land, labour and capital, and unexploited markets.
The overall strategic objectives were defined as creating a united, non-racial and prosperous fruit industry through enhancing equitable access and participation; improving global competitiveness and profitability; and ensuring sustainable resource management.
Fruit SA is to transform itself to become fully representative of the stakeholders in and around the industry and to establish the required capacity to ensure that joint issues can effectively be dealt with.
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