FUNCTIONS

The main functions of the DFPT are:

To protect and expand market share based on effective communication;
The building of long term relationships;
Lobbying with relevant authorities;
Positioning deciduous fruit amongst relevant target audiences;
The lowering of input costs and the enhancement of efficiencies in the export value chain;
To enhance the long term economic viability and sustainability of the industry thereby increasing the bargaining position of the producers

STRUCTURE

The deciduous fruit industry encompasses a world of new opportunities and options with a range of new stakeholders participating in the production and marketing of deciduous fruit.

These stakeholders are:

DFPT Research, including technical transfer;
Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum
SAPO Trust (plant improvement), DPA (plant certification);
Deciduous Fruit Producers' Trust (housing all ex-statutory assets and reserves) focussing on training and development;
Government Departments and Institutions

A number of actions were initiated by the industry to facilitate a close relationship and co-operation with all affected parties, so ensuring that suitable export disciplines and essential services are being maintained. These actions will assist in safeguarding the long-term economic sustainability of the industry at large.

DFPT Structure chart (Powerpoint presentation)

OUR OBJECTIVES

The Deciduous Fruit Producers' Trust (DFPT), established by the three primary producer associations on the fresh side of the deciduous fruit industry, is the cohesive umbrella producer organisation striving to promote, co-ordinate, facilitate, fund and manage industry services and functions, and exercises independent and effective strategic control over the policy and activities of the industry by inter alia engaging in:

Research and laboratory services

Plant improvement, cultivar development and plant certification

Marketing and information services/statistics

Training and development

Minimum quality standards/regulations

Industry communication

Due diligence

In addition the Trust:

Acts as objective liaison between the industry and other parties including government.

Acts as mouthpiece for and representative of producers by cultivating and promoting a spirit of co-operation and unity between producers and other interest groups in the industry.

Communicates the collective views of producers to government and works with government in regard to any matters affecting the welfare of the industry and all its stakeholders, resolving such matters as they may arise and assisting and advising where possible and appropriate in the formulation and promulgation of such enabling legislation as may become necessary from time to time.

OUR PROMISE

To liaise with all stakeholders in the fresh deciduous fruit industry.

To ensure appropriate representation and meaningful participation in all matters pertaining to all such stakeholders.

To serve all interest groups effectively to the advantage of all the people of South Africa.

FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES

The DFPT, on the direction of its producer members, have initially opted for a non-statutory funding mechanism. This proved very successful up to season 2000 when financial difficulties in most production areas resulted in lower levels of collection. The table grapes and stone fruit industries then opted for the implementation of statutory levies in terms of the Marketing Act, whilst pome fruit decided to maintain voluntary funding.

Utilisation of funds is mainly for:

Research and Development

Training and Technology transfer

Market Access

Plant improvement and certification

Transformation and

Statistics

SERVICE STRUCTURES

The DFPT and its subsidiaries manage, co-ordinate and fund all the functional aspects pertaining to research, plant improvement and development, production, and packing. These aspects are funded via the contribution from participating producers who will identify needs and priorities and direct expenditure in terms of approved budgets via their producer associations.

The Industry Trust, Industry Forum (section 21) and Exporters' Forum (section 21) houses all directly affected groups, including government. The main focus of these entities is to ensure that all DAG's participate in industry affairs and decision making in a formalised and appropriate manner. The DFPT provides administrative and secretarial services in line with the requirements of the various entities.

Should statutory intervention be required in one form or another, this will be motivated and directed via the Industry Forum. The Exporters' Forum adopted a Code of Conduct to ensure the maintenance of and participation in disciplines such as minimum grading regulations and phyto clearance, as well as non-disruptive trade protocols and accreditation of responsible exporters to guide producers.