DAFF encourages use of Marketing Information Systems

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has encouraged individuals to use its web-based information tool, Marketing Information Systems (MIS).

DAFF encourages use of Marketing Information Systems
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Launched in 2007, Marketing Information Systems (MIS) disseminates relevant marketing information to role-players in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.

This was according to Billy Morokolo, chief director of agro-processing and marketing at DAFF, who recently addressed delegates at an MIS media event held at DAFFs’ offices in Pretoria.

Senior Agricultural Economist at DAFF, Douglas Mosese, said that MIS integrates and consolidates marketing information, otherwise scattered across different sources, into a central information hub.

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“There are currently 54 commodity profiles to be found, [and] the fresh produce prices are updated daily [along] with other commodities,” said Moroloko.

MIS system can be accessed through the following channels:

  • Online at daff.gov.za.
  • The mobile information system, normally referred to as USSD, on any cell phone by dialling *120*4040#.

MIS currently hosts and disseminates the following information:

  • Daily prices for horticultural products in the national fresh produce markets;
  • JSE prices;
  • Commodity analysis reports, including the Value Chain Roundtables and Early Warning Market Reports;
  • Price trends for fresh produce, livestock, field crops and industrial products;
  • Who the role players in the grain industry are;
  • Information on market access programmes such as SA GAP, preferential market access, marketing infrastructure, Project Rebirth and agro-logistics;
  • The contact details of various markets.

“Role players in the sector are invited to contribute to the marketing information to enable further enhancement of the system and assist the department,” Moroloko said.

During the coming financial year, DAFF will continue to rollout MIS-user education sessions, which are already being implemented within government amongst economists and extension officers at provincial level. This is to raise awareness about MIS and to educate users on how the system works.