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

The purpose and aim of this statutory measure is to compel importers, packers, producers, exporters and processors of dried vine fruit to keep records and submit returns to Raisins South Africa (Raisins SA). 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 dried vine fruit is made available accurately to all role-players in the dried vine fruit industry. Information gathered by Raisins SA by means of records and returns is disseminated freely in the marketplace. Through the mandatory submission of monthly (weekly during intake) returns on an individual basis, market information for the whole country can be processed and disseminated in the marketplace.

This statutory measure will not only facilitate access for all participants, but it should also assist in promoting the effective marketing of dried vine fruit. Furthermore, the market information obtained in this manner, will promote the viability of the dried vine fruit industry and the agricultural sector at large.