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 register with SAGIS. These shall also include any person e.g. a producer who acts in the capacity of the aforementioned persons. Registration of the said persons is necessary to enable SAGIS to make available continuous, timely and accurate market information in respect of grain or oilseeds to all role-players. It is essential that market information in the deregulated market be as accurate as possible in order to be able to make informed decisions. Through the combination of mandatory registration of the major role-players together with the 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. The viability of the grain and oilseeds industries will thus be promoted.

This statutory measure is administered by SAGIS. SAGIS was specifically established for the purpose of registration and information gathering, processing and dissemination in respect of the various grain and oilseed industries in South Africa.