Value vs price
To many farmers and market agents, price is all that matters. Of course price is important, but these days there’s a lot more to the equation.
Understanding plant breeders rights
I’ve met a few senior people in the fresh-produce sector who don’t know what plant breeders’ rights (PBRs) are.
Enabling good value between farmer and agent
At a recent conference, Tommie van Zyl, CEO of the ZZ2 group, talked about the agency system being a good ‘enabler’, and his remarks got me thinking.
Choose the right onion variety
Choosing the right type of onion can be difficult, as the variety has to suit both the area and the planting seasons.
Fresh produce markets and politics
Regular readers of this column will know that I am strongly opposed to political interference in markets.
Planting dates for onions
One of the challenges of growing onions is getting the planting date right. Farmers unfamiliar with this crop would expect to plant it earlier in cool areas and later in...
Continuity of supply to the markets
One of the basic tenets of good marketing is to always ensure you have your product available and in front of the buyer’s eyes. Admittedly, that’s easier said than done,...
Durban market introduces first ‘cash deposit device’
Congratulations to Durban market for introducing the ‘cash deposit device’. The first of its kind in a South African market, this enables buyers to deposit cash directly into their accounts...
Learning about onion production
Records show that people have been harvesting onions for about 7 000 years. The Egyptians were cultivating them around 3500BC, and used onions to treat many medical conditions.
Dealing with a market agent
Warren Buffet, one of the world’s richest men, is reputed to have said: “Look for three things in a person – intelligence, energy and integrity. If they don’t have the...
Beware those aphids in your cabbage crop
The recent announcement that aphids and not leaf hoppers are the vector for the spread of the brassica stunting disorder virus (BSD) makes sense.
Quality always wins
As noted last issue, the old control boards called the shots when it came to determining prices, because they also determined supply.
