Grain forums request amendments to statutory measures

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The proposal entails that the South African Grain Information Service (SAGIS) will be responsible for the registration, as well as the collection, dissemination and distribution of the information associated with the statutory measures that are requested.

The two forums agreed to propose that all manufacturers, importers and exporters of animal feed, maize products and wheaten products shall register with SAGIS, and keep complete records for each calendar month in respect of animal feed, maize products and wheaten products manufactured, imported or exported for commercial purposes. Furthermore, that the same role players mentioned, should within ten working days from the end of each calendar month, submit to SAGIS an accurate prescribed return in respect of animal feed, maize products and wheaten products manufactured, imported or exported.

Raw materials

Every seller and exporter of animal feed should also within ten working days from the end of each calendar month submit to SAGIS an additional accurate prescribed return in respect of animal feed raw materials added to or used in the production or manufacturing of animal feed. The same apply to any person who acts in the capacity of the role players mentioned above. (The registration of sellers and the rendering of information on animal feed, maize products and wheaten products sold are excluded from the amended application).

There is currently no statutory measure regarding the registration of manufacturers, importers and exporters of animal feed, animal feed raw materials, maize products and wheaten products, nor any statutory measure to compel the keeping of records and submission of returns in respect of such products. The information to be obtained in terms of the statutory measures is deemed to be essential for the market to operate effectively.

Effective operation of markets

Information on the manufacturing, import and export of maize products, wheaten products and animal feed is crucial for the effective operation of the maize and wheat markets and for market participants to be able to plan properly. The supply of generic market information to all role players, on a continuous basis, is therefore essential. The maintenance of macro industry information is regarded as critical for strategic planning by the maize and wheat industries, as well as for individual directly affected groups.

The statutory measures, if approved by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, will come into operation on the date of promulgation for a period of four years.

Directly affected groups in the grain industry are kindly requested to submit any comments regarding the proposed statutory measures to az.oc.cman@mettezil before or on 6 June 2014.