What about our markets?

Last week I Briefly described how the Mechelse Veilingen market in Belgium operates. Let’s consider some of the dynamics of South African fresh produce markets to appreciate the differences.
The most obvious is size. South Africa measures over 1,2 million square kilometres and we talk of distances in hundreds and even thousands of kilometres. Fruit and vegetables are drawn from a wide range of climatic regions, differing in climate, soil, water and infrastructure. This makes producing and marketing crops a challenge.
Farmers differ too. Some produce top-quality products while others nearby don’t achieve the same standards. Reasons vary, but the main point is that both buyers and market agents know these differences.
The buyer is the world’s best inspector and knows Farmer A’s produce is better than Farmer B’s of the same grade, even if they are neighbours.
We have 25 markets scattered around the country, and distances from the production areas are critical considerations for farmers and market agents. As we also have a good road system, but a hot climate, maintaining quality standards while delivering fresh produce is a major challenge.
The Mechelse Veilingen is owned by local farmers – all 2 500 of them! That means the market works for them. They set the standards; they buy-in to the expected requirements, and they ensure their facility works for them as well as their buyers. They don’t market their products individually, so everything is pooled according to specified standards. They’re disciplined, not only in their farming, but in their commitment to their market.
Our farmers range from world-class operations to little guys growing a crop on a scratchy piece of land with limited resources. They are spread all over our 1,2 million kilometres. Quality and quantities vary. Some support the markets to the hilt, others not at all. Some divide their marketing over different options. There’s no set formula. They operate in an open economy.
Municipalities own 15 of our markets, (nine are privately owned and one is corporatised). Municipal employees, with a few notable exceptions, are there to wait for their pensions and do as little as possible in the meantime. To add to this burden, the markets are beholden to Municipal Councillors, mostly small-time politicians more concerned with their own agendas than with supporting a valuable facility like a market.
The result? Our markets, with one or two exceptions, are rundown, antiquated, dirty, overcrowded and overdue for upgrading. The problem? The politicians won’t allocate money to transform them into world-class facilities. I’d love to see it, but sadly it’s only a dream! – Mike Cordes (e-mail [email protected]).     |fw