Fruit levy helps fund research and transformation

A NEW scheme designed to help fund research projects, transformation and training in the pear and apricot industries has seen the imposition of a levy on a range of fruits with effect from November 4 this year. In terms of regulations published by the Department of Agriculture, levies will be payable on pears, apricots, peaches and nectarines, apples and plums. They have been imposed at a level of 3 c/kg on pears, 8,5 c/kg on apricots, 6,5 c/kg on peaches and nectarines, and 3 c/kg on apples exported or sold domestically at municipal markets or at retail level. Apples for the manufacturing of apple juice concentrate attract a levy of 0,6c/kg while the levies on plums are 5,5c/kg for exported plums and 3c/kg for domestically sold produce. The levies will apply for a period of four years and must be paid to the Deciduous Fruit Producers’ Trust (DFPT). Some 80% of the funds will be used for the core functions of the DFPT, 10% for administrative use and 10% for transformation.