The Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) has officially handed over Fidelity Fund Certificates to seven newly registered Fresh Produce Agents who will operate at the Mpumalanga International FoodMarket.

This milestone follows the agents’ successful completion of APAC’s structured online training programme, which began with a three-day induction workshop held in July last year in Mbombela.

The training programme was designed to equip participants with critical knowledge and practical skills required to function effectively within commission-based fresh produce markets.

It focused on key areas such as regulatory compliance, operational procedures, ethical conduct, and financial accountabilityore pillars necessary to maintain trust and efficiency within the agricultural trading environment.

By completing the programme, the newly certified agents are now fully authorised to participate in fresh produce trading activities at the Mpumalanga International FoodMarket, a growing hub aimed at improving market access for farmers and strengthening regional food distribution networks.

APAC emphasised that the certification process is not merely administrative but forms part of a broader effort to professionalise the fresh produce sector.

The council continues to prioritise governance, transparency, and accountability to ensure that all market participants operate within a regulated and ethical framework.

The introduction of newly trained agents is expected to enhance operational standards at the market, while also contributing to fair trading practices that benefit both producers and buyers.

Their presence is seen as a positive step towards building a more efficient and trustworthy agricultural marketplace in the province.

Background:

The Agricultural Produce Agents Council is a statutory body responsible for regulating fresh produce agents in South Africa.

Its mandate includes registering agents, enforcing compliance with industry legislation, and safeguarding the interests of farmers through mechanisms such as the Fidelity Fund, which protects clients against financial loss due to agent misconduct.

The Mpumalanga International FoodMarket, based in Mbombela, forms part of broader provincial efforts to modernise agricultural infrastructure and improve food security.

By creating a centralised trading platform, the market aims to connect emerging and established farmers with buyers in a transparent and structured environment.

APAC’s ongoing training initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring that agents operating within such markets meet national standards, ultimately supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of South Africa’s fresh produce industry.