Seed input cost did not escalate as expected and several new export opportunities evolved for horticultural fresh produce. This stimulated interest in the industry with the subsequent growth in export vegetable seed sales. Especially beans, leeks, spring onions and sweet corn reacted well. On the local scene tomato and pepper markets displayed good growth with the introduction of new types and varieties.

The Horticulture Division had three meetings, one just after the annual general meeting to elect the committee chairman and two subsequent meetings in August 2002 and February 2003 respectively.

During these meetings several issues were addressed and some problems resolved. The meetings also contributed to better communication between the role players in the horticulture seed industry. These being the public sector, organized seed fraternity, seed companies, seedling growers and service providers. Some contact was also achieved with the consumers of vegetables and vegetable growers but this might be a section that could be given more attention to.

The seedling growers being probably the biggest client base of the vegetable and flower seed industry got special attention from the Division during the period under review. Significant progress was made in communication on the so-called vigour testing procedures with this group.

As usual contact with the Department of Agriculture was maintained regarding issues like meetings of the Union for the Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV) in Europe, sampling of seed, registration of varieties, mixing of pre-packed seed, phytosanitary constraints, the relevant Department regulating trade metrology and re-export of seed especially to African countries.

The contact with the fresh produce sector was established through the Five-a-day project but unfortunately did not seem to provide sufficient communication opportunities for seed companies with the consumers of fresh vegetables. This forum could be explored on an individual company basis in future, or another forum needed to be established like the consumer councils or house wives markets.

The attendance of meetings of the Horticulture Division Committee was especially encouraging and all the committee members contributed significantly to meetings resulting in facilitated and rapid decisions.

The Chairman expressed his sincere appreciation in this regard. The following projects were planned for the forthcoming year, i.e. culmination of vigour test modes, organic seed definition, as well as the introduction of a new development initiative in the place of the Peace Gardens project.

As chairman of the Horticulture Division, sincere appreciation is expressed to the government departments, standing committees, members of the Horticultural Division and the SANSOR Secretariat for their participation and contributions during the period under review.

Table 2 reflects the updated market statistics for the year 2002 of the most important horticultural crops under the auspices of the SANSOR Horticulture Division.

SOUTH AFRICAN SEED MARKET FOR HORTICULTURAL CROPS - 2002