ABOUT THE TPO
The Tomato Producers’ Organisation (TPO) is a body that supports the producers of fresh tomatoes in South Africa.
SUPPORTING THE TOMATO INDUSTRY
The Tomato Producers’ Organization (TPO) provides members with local market trends, cultivation and crop management guides, and access to advice from industry experts.
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The TPO collects and processes the industry’s tomato figures and then distributes the results in a weekly sales report so that the information is easily accessible, and members can understand the fluctuations in the industry such as quantity of tomatoes that were sold per region, average tomato prices, the total weight sold, etc.
The TPO keeps a close eye on the functioning of the national fresh produce markets and will take the necessary action to protect the interests of its members. A recent example is the interaction the TPO had with the Tshwane Market concerning the deterioration of the market.
THE TPO and RESEARCH PROJECTS
The TPO acts on behalf of its members when reviewing or changing the regulations relating to tomatoes.
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The TPO will assist in the formulation of the Agricultural Product Standards Act: Regulations: Grading, packing and marking of tomatoes for sale in South Africa.
The TPO not only represents members on various panels such as AgriSA (a federation of agricultural organisations), Imasa (Institute of Market Agents of South Africa), etc. but also invests in markets such as the Cape Town market, Freshlinq and in other market organizations. The TPO is a shareholder in Freshlinq whose main objective is to manage private fresh produce marks markets that function on world-class standards as well as expand this footprint of private fresh produce markets in order to service all producers in South Africa.
The TPO acts in the members’ interest in dealings with government and is actively involved in legal matters where we feel our producers’ best interests are maintained such as the Prokon inspection levy, the minimum wage (2003), and any other matter where it would be extremely difficult or very expensive for an individual producer to negotiate directly with government.
THE TPO MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE
FY2021 (to be updated after next AGM)
- BJ van Zyl (Charman)
- John-Ivy Smuts (Vice-Chairman)
- Theo Botha (Management Representative )
- Clive Garrett (Co-Opted Member)
- Chris Marais (Management
Committee Member) - Kobus de Wet (Management
Committee Member)
TO CONTINUALLY SUPPORT THE TOMATO INDUSTRY THE TPO HAS FURTHERMORE SET OUT THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES THAT WE STRIVE TO MAINTAIN AS THE ORGANIZATION GROWS.
01
To maintain a national representative body in respect of all tomato interests in which all tomato producers and stakeholders can participate.
02
To deliver coordinated views to the Government and authorities on matters relating to the members and the tomato industry and to co-operate in all matters relating to the welfare of the tomato industry, solving problems and the establishment of the necessary laws and regulations.
03
To affiliate and cooperate with other agricultural organizations.
04
To establish and maintain, through collective action, appropriate facilities, and services for the members of the Organization and, for this purpose, to organize the tomato industry and to create the necessary service programs.
05
Not to trade in competition with its members or to participate in any business, professional – or any professional activities of any of its members – or to support any of its members financially or otherwise in their carrying on a business, trade, or profession.
06
To cultivate and promote unity and a spirit of cooperation among tomato producers.
07
We strive to serve the interests of members in all areas of tomato production.
08
To act on behalf of the members in consultations regarding decisions which affect their interests.
09
To strive for the most efficient production and marketing of tomatoes.
10
To develop the tomato industry systematically, including preservation of resources (land and water), the maintenance and improvement of soil fertility, production, and marketing methods.
11
Not to be influenced by political considerations in achieving the said goals or business of the Organization.
12
To operate the TPO’s business without profit making as an objective and to invest any surplus funds in the promotion of the Organization’s objectives.
13
To recruit active members for the TPO amongst bona fide tomato producers, irrespective of them being established producers or new producers.
14
To establish and maintain, through collective action, appropriate facilities, and services for the members of the Organization and, for this purpose, to organize the tomato industry and to create the necessary service programs.
15
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