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

The purpose of this statutory measure is to compel milk producers of the Republic of South Africa to register with the Milk Producers' Organisation. The registration of milk producers will assist the industry to liaise with them regarding matters of concern such as legislation,training courses and technology transfer. The registration of milk producers will facilitate the maintenance of a national database which is a prerequisite for the publication of reliable industry statistics. This statutory measure will also aid role players to identify new entrants and small scale and subsistence farmers.

In terms of international requirements, exporting countries must comply with certain specifications. The dairy industry therefore needs to identify steps in dairy farming which is critical to ensure food safety and that adequate safety procedures are identified, implemented, maintained and reviewed. The only way to ensure that every milk producer is informed of the required practices and to monitor those is by means of compulsory registration.