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

The levy is needed by Raisins SA to provide financial support for the following functions that the dried vine fruit industry has identified as essential and in the interest of the industry as a whole: The levy is needed by Raisins SA to fund 1) market access and development; 2) information and communication; 3) research and development programmes and technology transfer; 4) transformation and training and 5) administration for dried vine fruit.

These measures are necessary to ensure that continuous, accurate and timeous macro-economic and industry specific information relating to the dried vine fruit industry, is available to all role players in order for them to make informed decisions in the spheres as indicated. This will advance transparent market information to all parties.

The advancement of dried vine fruit production can deliver a material on food security and job creation in South Africa.

Research is important to ensure a completive dried vine fruit industry is advanced, especially in context to a global competitive industry. Research is important for both the commercial and emerging sector. The maintenance of effective cultivar development programmes and the study of cultivar characteristics, such as yield potential, adaptability, weather resistance against pest and diseases, enable dried vine fruit growers to make informed cultivar decisions for specific conditions.

As per the guidelines, funds will also be used to support previous advantage individuals (PDI’s) and empower the emerging sector accordingly.

The levies will advance market access for all, but furthermore contribute to furthering the viability of the industry at large. The establishment of these measures is aligned to the objective set out in the Act, as per article 2.

The measure will not be detrimental to the number of employment opportunities or fair labour practice and will support the statutory measures relating to registration and the rendering of returns applicable to dried vine fruit products. This statutory measure shall be administered by Raisins South Africa (Raisins SA).