The four pillars of the fresh produce market
Market management and agents. Infrastructure. Farmers. Buyers. These are the four pillars of the fresh produce market.
Using IPM for diamondbacks
My interest in integrated pest management (IPM) was sparked many years ago when carrying out brassica trials.
Farmers need constructive feedback from market agents
Ask any market agent what the toughest aspect is about dealing with farmers, and the reply will probably be: “Criticising their products.”
The benefits of holistic pest control
Integrated pest management (IPM) combines various methods to control pests.
The relationship between producer and market agent
The trust relationship between producer and market agent is the oil that lubricates the fresh produce engine.
Fine-tuning your lettuce
I often see a large amount of lettuce left behind on the land after harvesting.
An open letter to black market agents
Dear black market agents, over the years I’ve met most of you and have noticed two consistent themes.
Successful, small-scale organic farming in the city
Organic farmer Geoffrey Green of Sparrow Village Farm has created a farming operation on just 0,4ha of land in Maraisburg, Gauteng.
How to deal with big-vein virus and tipburn in lettuce
Lettuce big-vein disease is transmitted by the soil-borne fungus (Olpidium brassicae).
Integrated pest management system
The international farming community must contend with numerous pest and disease threats to their crops, as the pressure of an increasing global population mounts. According to Schalk van der Merwe,...
Problems with immature fruit
According to a FreshPlaza.com report by Anton Bothma, Kenya has set about improving avocado quality standards in order to compete better in Europe.
Bacterial diseases of lettuce
There are two fairly common bacterial diseases of lettuce that most lettuce growers will come across from time to time:
Producer complicity?
In the previous issue, I wrote about justice being done when a market agent, Vian Coleske, was sent to prison for fraud affecting producers and others.
Market agent fraud
When a market agent is caught defrauding a farmer, a long and complex legal process is put in motion. Yet often it seems as if nothing is being achieved.
When lettuce goes viral
We focus on spotted wilt and lettuce mosaic virus. Both can be controlled, and even avoided, with the correct agronomic practices.
Visit the market!
I hammer on about the importance of farmers visiting the market whenever there is an opportunity.
Dealing with thrips and the pea leaf miner
The pea leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) probably originated in South America.
The Produce Marketing Association welcomes new representative
The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) recently announced the resignation of Marianne van der Laarse as its Southern Africa representative.
Planting vegetables: 3 things to consider
What should you ask yourself when deciding which vegetables to plant? Vegetable expert Bill Kerr explains.
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