The Organik is a process that promotes unity and harmony among stakeholders. It consists of several entities, including commodity boards and the Participatory Guarantee System. It also promotes the use of organic products. This article will discuss the organik and organic products available in South Africa.
Organic products available in South Africa
There are many different types of organic products available in South Africa. Organic produce is available throughout the country, with many different farms producing them. The Western Cape, for instance, is home to many large farms that produce organic fruit and vegetables for export. Meanwhile, many small farmers are developing organic farming and are collaborating with non-governmental organisations to bring organic produce to South African consumers.
Although there are few regulations for organic produce in South Africa, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is working to establish organic food standards. It wants to improve the auditing system that farmers use to ensure that their products are truly organic. Until then, organic food production in South Africa will be regulated by a private system.
Organic products in South Africa are often priced higher than conventional products, but the premium is only a small percentage of the total price. This results in lower income for the farmers. This, in turn, lowers the amount of production. Furthermore, the cost of labour is higher for organic crops, which means that farmers are likely to experience financial difficulty when converting their farms to organic. In addition, transporting organic products is riskier.
The supply chains for organic products vary depending on the type of product. Some are very short, with direct sales to retailers, while others are more complex. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often distributed and packaged directly. Processed vegetables and fruit are sold through speciality stores. Wine also has similar supply chains, but it is sold directly to people who visit wine estates.
Developing the skills of organic producers is essential for expanding the market for organic products. This can be done through education, extension, and capacity building. While the process of organic production in South Africa is relatively new, it is important to develop the skills of local organic farmers in order to produce large quantities. The development of organic products in South Africa must also focus on improving the logistics of the supply chain.
Despite a limited number of organic producers in South Africa, there is a growing demand for organic food. In recent years, the number of people purchasing organic food has increased dramatically. This has increased production, but it is not keeping pace with the demand for organic products. Hence, retailers are having difficulty in keeping up with demand and keeping their shelves stocked. To counter this problem, one of the largest retailers has purchased a production company to guarantee the delivery of organic products in South Africa.
Commodity boards
In South Africa, there are currently five statutory commodity boards that regulate the production, development and export of organic goods. These commodity boards represent the interests of producers in the organic sector and are either voluntary or non-voluntary. Although these commodity boards are voluntary, they never exclusively focus on organic producers. The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa, for instance, represents the interests of citrus producers in South Africa and requires members to pay a statutory levy. The Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum is a non-profit industry organisation that is open to all companies.
The organisation’s role is to serve as a broker, representative and vehicle for knowledge transfer. It should be able to coordinate the development of the organic sector in South Africa and help South African producers connect with European buyers. The platform organization may also be organized regionally or by crop type, and it can also support organic farmers and organic food processors in enhancing their access to the market.
Another way to strengthen organic trade is to improve the skills of producers. This can be done through education, extension and capacity building. Volume is a key issue in organic trade, and cooperation is necessary to achieve large volumes. However, the opportunities to grow the organic sector in RSA are limited and some of the options that are currently available are not being used.
Participatory Guarantee System
The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is an emerging quality assurance model based on active participation, social networks, and knowledge exchange. Its concept has become increasingly popular throughout the world, but it is particularly applicable to smallholder organic farmers who want to sell their products locally. The video below provides an overview of PGS and provides practical examples from different countries.
The South African organics sector is rapidly expanding, and the Participatory Guarantee System is a great alternative to third-party certification. Unlike third-party certification, PGS enables smallholder farmers to access a growing market for their produce. This local assurance system consists of assessments by peers and other stakeholders on farmers’ practices and quality, and typically involves an annual farm visit.
The PGS is a peer-review system, based on the active participation of various stakeholders, including producers, consumers, and market operators. These groups develop assessment documents and visit producers who are on rotation. These members are peers, and they are responsible for overseeing and monitoring the quality of the produce produced.
Participatory guarantee systems are an excellent complement to third-party certification systems because they are locally focused and participatory. These systems build on trust, social networks, and knowledge-based principles, making them a viable organic verification system. As an alternative to third-party certification, PGSs can be tailored to fit the needs of smallholder farmers.