The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea) says small-scale and commercial producers are encouraged to register on a database of fresh produce farmers in their respective municipalities.
Some farmers and stakeholders recently gathered for workshops at the Nooitgedacht Research Farm in Ermelo and the Middelburg Library Auditorium.
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According to Dardlea, they will be part of the suppliers to the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) in Mbombela.
Dardlea’s spokesperson, Zanele Shabangu, said during these gatherings, they discussed how they would work towards supplying their produce to the MIFPM. “The farmers have been urged to comply with food safety regulations to ensure they supply quality fresh produce. They were also encouraged to draw up production plans, which will enable them to supply the market continuously.”
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In answer to an enquiry on the MIFPM, the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport’s spokesperson, Bongani Dhlamini, said progress on-site is currently estimated to be at 97%, and the majority of the physical work has been completed. “The contractor is currently finalising minor electrical installations as well as air conditioning in some buildings. A few activities relating to paintwork, the final coats, as well as external works, such as road signs, marking and boom gates, are also being finalised.”
