Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996 (Act No. 47 of 1996)

The purpose and aims of this statutory measure are to compel end-consumers, importers, storers, exporters and processors of grain or oilseeds to keep records and furnish returns to SAGIS. These shall also include any person e.g. a producer who acts in the capacity of the aforementioned persons. The statutory measure is deemed necessary in order to ensure that market information in respect of grain and oilseeds is made available for all role-players in the relevant industry. Information gathered by SAGIS by means of records and returns is disseminated freely in the market place. Through the mandatory submission of monthly returns on an individual basis, market information for the whole of the country can be processed and disseminated in the marketplace.

This statutory measure will not only assist in improving market access for all market participants, but it should also assist in promoting the efficiency of the marketing of grain and oilseeds. Furthermore, the market information obtained in this manner, will promote the viability of the grain and oilseeds industries and the agricultural sector at large.

The statutory measure is administered by SAGIS. SAGlS was specifically established for the purpose of handling information gathering, processing and dissemination on behalf of the various grain and oilseeds industries in South Africa.

SAGlS publishes macro generic market information on a monthly basis for the grain and oilseeds industries and other interested parties. This information is obtained and furnished from the returns submitted to SAGIS. The information is published in a manner that is suitable to reach the majority of the role-players in the grain and oilseeds industries.