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 maize products and wheaten products to register with SAGIS.

Registration of the said persons is necessary to enable SAGIS to make available continuous, timely and accurate market information in respect of maize products and wheaten products to the public. It is essential for market information in the deregulated market to be as accurate as possible in order for market participants to make informed decisions. Through the combination of mandatory registration of manufacturers, importers and exporters, together with the submission of monthly returns on an individual basis, market information for the whole country can be disseminated in the marketplace.

This statutory measure will not only assist in improving market access for all market participants, but it will also assist in promoting the effective marketing of maize products and wheaten products. The viability of the maize and wheat industries will thus be promoted, while at the same time food security will be enhanced. The information could also be used to determine food security policies.

The statutory measure is to be administered by SAGIS. SAGIS was specifically established for purposes of the registration of market players and for information gathering, sorting and dissemination in respect of the various cereal and oilseed industries in South Africa. SAGIS will treat all individual information as strictly confidential and can be contacted by telephone on (012) 523-1400.