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

The aim and objectives of this statutory measure are to compel manufacturers, importers and exporters of oilseeds products to keep records and submit returns to SAGIS. These shall include any person who acts in the capacity of the above-mentioned persons. The statutory measure is deemed necessary in order to ensure that market information in respect of oilseeds products is made available accurately to the public and to all role players in the oilseeds industries. Information gathered by SAGIS by means of records and returns is disseminated freely in the marketplace. Through the mandatory submission of monthly returns, market information for the whole country can be disseminated in the marketplace.

This statutory measure will not only facilitate market access for all participants, but it will assist in promoting the effective marketing of oilseeds products. Furthermore, the market information obtained in this manner will promote the viability and international competitiveness of the oilseeds industries and the agricultural sector at large, while at the same time enhancing food security and the formulation of such policy.

The statutory measure is to be administered by SAGIS. SAGIS was specifically established for the purpose of gathering, processing and disseminating information on behalf of the various cereal and oilseed industries in South Africa.

SAGIS will treat all individual information as strictly confidential.

SAGIS already publishes macro generic market information on a monthly basis for the various cereal and oilseed industries and for other interested parties. This  information is obtained  and furnished from the returns that are submitted to SAGIS. The information is published in a manner that is suitable to address the requirements of the majority of role players in the respective industries.