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1 Crops and markets First quarter 00 Volume 87 No 7 Issued by the Directorate Agricultural Statistics DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE agriculture Department: Agriculture REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

2 CONTENTS SEION A Economic indicators and trends. Crop forecasts. Economic indicators of the South African agricultural sector. Economic Overview. Indices of producer prices of agricultural products. Consumer price index for food. Price indices of farming requisites 7. Rooibos tea 8. Agricultural imports and exports Page No. -, 7 8,0, - SEION B Fresh produce markets overview Interesting fruit: Persimmon Fresh market statistics and graphical presentations Mass, value and average price of vegetables sold on the twenty major fresh produce markets Mass, value and average price of fruit sold on the twenty major fresh produce markets. Apples. Pears. Oranges. Lemons. Avocados. Bananas 7. Papayas 8. Pineapples. Potatoes 0. Sweet potatoes. Onions. Tomatoes. Carrots. Cabbages. Cauliflower. Lettuce 7. Green beans 8. Pumpkins. Gem squashes 0. Hubbard squashes. Butternut squashes. Peppers. English cucumbers

3 SEION A ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND TRENDS. CROP FORECASTS Area planted and fourth production forecast for summer crops for the 00/0 production season Maize production in South Africa is set to decline considerably this season owing to a marked reduction in area planted, coupled with a delayed start of the 00/0 season across many parts of the country, including the maize triangle. Despite the poor start, however, good rainfall has been received countrywide since the second half of December and crop growing conditions have been favourable, although excessive rains occurred in parts of the country, which led to water logging and nutrient leaching (yellowness and drowning of crops). Available soil moisture is adequate up to harvest time. The Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) released the estimate of the areas planted and the fourth production forecast for summer crops on May 00. The estimated area that South African commercial maize producers planted to maize during the current (00/0) season is, million ha. This is % down from the,80 million ha planted the previous season. The expected commercial maize crop is,00 million tons, which is 7, % less than the,0 million tons of the 00/0 season. The ratio of white to yellow maize plantings is :7, as against 0:0 the previous season. The estimated white maize plantings are ha, down, % from the previous season s plantings of,7 million ha, while the yellow maize plantings are estimated to be ha, down 7,7 % from,0 million ha for 00/0. The majority of South Africa's maize is planted in the Free State, Mpumalanga and North West provinces. Plantings in Mpumalanga are an estimated 000 ha a decrease of, % compared to ha planted in 00/0. The plantings of maize in the Free State decreased by an estimated 8, %, from,0 million ha to ha, and in North West by,0 %, from ha to 000 ha. The production forecast for white maize is, million tons, which is,7 % less than the, million tons of last season. The expected yield for white maize is,7 t/ha, as against,8 t/ha the previous season. In the case of yellow maize, the production forecast is,87 million tons, which is, % less than the,0 million tons last season. The yield for yellow maize is, t/ha, as against, t/ha the previous season. A sunflower seed crop of 70 tons is expected, which is 0, % less than the tons of the previous season. The area planted to sunflower seed is estimated at 7 80 ha, which is,7 % more than the ha planted last season. The expected yield is,8 t/ha, as against, t/ha the previous season. The production forecast for sorghum is 7 8 tons, % lower than the tons the previous season. The area planted to sorghum is estimated to be 0 ha, which is, % or 80 ha less than the 8 00 ha planted last season. The expected yield is,8 t/ha, as against,0 t/ha the previous season. The expected groundnut crop is 7 0 tons, which is 8,8 % higher than the 000 tons of last season. The area planted to groundnuts is an estimated 8 0 ha, which is, % or 8 0 ha more than the ha planted last season. The expected yield is,7 t/ha, as against,0 t/ha last season. The production forecast for soya-beans is 0 tons, which is, % more than the 7 00 tons the previous season. The estimated area planted to soya-beans is 70 ha, which is,7 % or 8 70 ha more than the ha planted last season. The expected yield is, t/ha, as against,8 t/ha last season. The production of dry beans is expected to be tons 0,7 % less than the 80 tons the previous season. The estimated area planted is 880 ha, or, % more than the 00 ha planted last season. The expected yield is, t/ha, as against, t/ha for 00/0.

4 Area estimate and fourth production forecast of summer crops: 00/0 production season Crop Area planted 00/0 Fourth forecast 00/0 Area planted 00/0 Final crop 00/0 Change - 00/0 vs 00/0 Ha Ha % White maize Yellow maize maize ,7 -, -7, Sorghum Groundnuts Sunflower seed Soya-beans Dry beans , +8,8-0, +, -0,7 Forecasts and estimates exclude subsistence agriculture. The following map indicates the distribution of the production of maize (00/0) in South Africa:, % Limpopo, % North West, % Gauteng Mpumalanga,8 % Northern Cape, % Free State, % KwaZulu-Natal,8 % Eastern Cape 0,8 % Western Cape 0, % Revised intention to plant winter crops for the 00 production season The CEC released the revised intention to plant winter crops for the 00 production season on May 00. The producers indicated that they intended to plant 7 00 ha of wheat. This is 00 ha (, %) less than in 00. The main producing areas are within the Free State with ha (7, %), % down on the previous season, followed by the Western Cape with 00 ha (7, %), % down compared to the previous season.

5 The producers indicated that the decrease in the expected planting of wheat could mainly be ascribed to the current lower wheat prices. Various factors can, however, still influence these intentions up to planting time. The expected area to be planted to malting barley shows an increase of 700 ha (,0 %), from to 700 ha compared to the previous season. The intention to plant canola is expected to decrease by,0 % to 00 ha, and the area planted to sweet lupines is expected to increase by, % to 00 ha. Revised intention to plant winter crops for the 00 production season Crop Area planted 00 First intentions 00 as at the end of February 00 Revised intentions 00 as at the end of April 00 Change 00 vs 00 Ha Ha Ha % Wheat Malting barley Canola Sweet lupines , +,0 -,0 +, The percentage distribution of the area planted to wheat according to the intentions to plant - 00 production season in South Africa N Cape % Free State 8 % W. Cape 7 % North West % Rest % Compiled by Marda Scheepers

6 . ECONOMIC INDICATORS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN AGRICULTURAL SEOR Indicator (at current prices) April 0 to March 0 April 0 to March 0 % Change gross farm income (R million) , Intermediate expenditure (R million) 7 8, farm cost (R million) 87 87,0 Net farm income (R million) 7-8, Domestic terms of trade (000 = ) 0, 0, -,0 Gross income from major products at current prices Field crops (R million) April 0 to March 0 April 0 to March 0 % Change Maize ,0 Wheat 8 0, Sugar cane 0 7 Sunflower seed 0-0, Tobacco 0 -, All field crops 7 -,0 Horticulture (R million) April 0 to March 0 April 0 to March 0 % Change Vegetables (including potatoes) 7 0 8,8 Deciduous and other fruit ,7 Citrus fruit 7 7 -,0 Viticulture -8,0 Subtropical fruit 7,8 All horticultural products 78-0,7 Animal products (R million) April 0 to March 0 April 0 to March 0 % Change Poultry meat 0 0, Cattle and calves slaughtered 7 8 0, Milk 70-8, Eggs 0,7 Sheep slaughtered , All animal products 70,

7 . ECONOMIC OVIEW This article gives an overview of the major macroeconomic trends in the agricultural sector for the period April 00 to March 00. Aggregates are compared with the period April 00 to March 00. Gross farming income Gross farming income refers to both that part of agricultural production that is marketed and production for own consumption, valued at basic prices. Gross income from all agricultural products amounted to R8 million for the year ended March 00, which is, % lower than the previous year. This decrease can mainly be attributed to a decrease of 0,7 % in the gross income from horticulture. The gross income from field crops decreased by R8 million and amounted to R million. The income from maize decreased by,0 % and that from tobacco decreased by, %. Income from sugar cane increased by 7 %. The income from horticultural products decreased by 0,7 % to R as the result of a decrease of 7,7% in the income from deciduous fruit and a % decrease from citrus. The decrease in income from deciduous fruit is attributed to a decrease in production and the decrease in the income from citrus is the result of a % decrease in prices received. Income from animal products showed an increase of, %, from R 70 million to R million. This increase is mainly the result of an increase in the income from animals slaughtered. R'million Gross farming income (GFI) 00/0-00/0 (April to March) 00/0 00/0 Year Field crops Horticulture Animal products Expenditure on intermediate production inputs Expenditure on intermediate production inputs refers to the value of the goods and services that were purchased to be consumed as inputs during the production process. Expenditure on intermediate goods and services increased by, % to R million for the year ended March 00. Expenditure on farm feeds remained the biggest expenditure item, accounting for 8, % of total expenditure, followed by,0 % for fuel,, % for farm services and 0, % for maintenance of machinery and implements. Large increases occurred in expenditure on fuel, which increased by 7, %, farm services by, and farm feeds by 0, %. These increases are mainly the result of price increases of, % for fuel and 8, % for fertilisers. Prices received and prices paid by farmers as well as terms of trade On average, prices received by farmers for their products decreased by, %. The weighted average price of field crops decreased by, %, mainly because of decreases in the prices of cotton (0,8 %), summer grains (8,0 %), winter grains (, %) and oil seeds (, %). Prices of horticultural products increased by, %. Prices of vegetables increased by,8 %, while prices of fruit showed a slight increase of,0 %. The average price of pastoral products increased by 7, %, while prices received for animals slaughtered for red meat increased by 8, % and prices for poultry increased by,8 %. However, the price of milk decreased by, %. The prices paid for farming requisites, including machinery and implements, material for fixed improvements as well as intermediate goods and services, increased by, %, compared to, % for the previous period. Prices for fuel showed an increase of, % while prices paid by farmers for fertilisers increased by 8, %. The decreases in prices received compared to the increase in prices paid by farmers resulted in the weakening of the domestic terms of trade by,0 %.

8 Prices paid and received by farmers 00/0-00/0 (April to March) 000 = 00 00/0 00/0 00/0 Prices paid for production inputs Prices received for horticultural products Prices received for field crops Prices received for animal products Net farm income and cash flow A decrease of, % in gross farm income against an increase of, % in expenditure on intermediate production inputs resulted in a decrease in farming profit by 8, % to R million. Interest payments decreased slightly because of favourable interest rates. Labour and rent payments increased by approximately and 7 %, respectively, despite the shedding of jobs within the sector. Conclusion The gross income of farmers for the period April 00-March 00 to April 00-March 00 decreased by, %, as a result of lower income from both field crops and horticultural products, while income from animal products showed a moderate increase of, %. The lower income can mainly be attributed to the continuing downward trend in prices that farmers received for their products, especially field crops. In addition to this, farming expenses showed a bigger increase than during the previous period. This is because the prices of some of the important inputs, such as fuel, fertilisers and farm feeds, showed increases. The drop in the net income of farmers will have an adverse impact on the cash flow of farmers. Compiled by Tshepo Nkoana

9 . INDICES OF PRODUCER PRICES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUS February March Product Weight = 00 Field crops Horticulture Animal husbandry Combined 00 0,,,7 0,, 0,,8 7, 0,,7,,0, 0,0, 8,8 Field crops Summer grains Winter cereals Oilseeds Sugar cane Hay Dry beans Cotton Tobacco Combined 00 0,0,,,,, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,,,,0, 7,,, 0,0,,,,, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,,,,0, 7,,, Horticulture Viticulture Vegetables Fruit Combined 00 7,,,, 7,,, 0, 7,,8 7,,7 7,, 7, 0,0 Animal husbandry Pastoral products Stock slaughtered Dairy Poultry Combined , 7,7,,8,7 0, 80,,,,8 0, 8,7 8,0 7,, 70, 88,8,,, 00 Producer price index for vegetables, fruit and stock slaughtered = Mar. '0 May '0 Jul. '0 Sep. '0 Nov. '0 Jan.'0 Mar.'0 Vegetables Fruit Stock slaughtered 7

10 . CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR FOOD Item Weight January 00 February 00 March = 00 All items All items, excluding food Food Grain products Meat Fish and other seafood Milk, cheese and eggs Fats and oils Fruit and nuts Vegetables Sugar Coffee, tea and cocoa Other 00,00 7,0 0,,8, 0,, 0,7,0,00 0,0,07, 0, 7,,,,,,7,8, 7,,,, 0, 7,,7,,,,7, 8,, 8,,,, 8,0,,7,,8,,8, 0,0,,, Source: Statistics South Africa 8

11 . PRICE INDICES OF FARMING REQUISITES (BASE YEAR: 000 = 00) Machinery and implements Material for fixed improvements Period Tractors Lorries Implements Irrigation equipment Combined index Building materials Fencing materials Combined index January April 00/0 July October 00 January April 00/0 July October 00 January 00,0,7, 08,0 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,8,,,,,,8,, 00,0, 7,,,,, 0,,,,,,,,,, 00,0 0, 0,, 0, 0,0 0,0 0, 0, 0,,7,7,8 0,0,,,7 00,0 07,,,,7,,,,0,8,, 7,0,0,,8, 00,0 7, 0,8,0, 0, 0,8 0,8,,8,0, 7, 7, 7,,7, 00,0 0,7,7,,, 7,,,7, 0, 7,0,0,,,, 00,0,,0 8,8,0,8,, 7,7 77,,8 8,,8 8,, 0, 8, 00,0 0,,0,,, 8,,, 7, 8,,, 0, 70,8 7,, Intermediate goods and services Period Fertilisers Fuel Stock feed Dips and sprays Packing materials Maintenance and repairs Combined index All farming requisites combined January April 00/0 July October 00 January April 00/0 July October 00 January 00,0,7,,,,8 8,,, 8,0 8,, 8,,0,,, 00,0,,,,,8, 8,0,,,0 8, 8,7,,,7, 00,0,,0 0,,8,,,,, 0, 0,,, 0,,7, 00,0 0,8,,7,0,,,,,7,,,,,,7 7,0 00,0,7,0, 0,0 8,8 0,7 8, 0,7 0,0 0,, 0, 0,, 0,, 00,0 07,,, 0,0,7 8, 8,0,0 0,,,,0,0,0 0,,8 00,0,,0, 8,0, 7,0,,8,,,8, 0,,,8, 00,0,,,0,,8 8,,,,,,,0,,,,

12 80 Price indices of farming requisites = Jan. '0 Apr. '0 Jul. '0 Oct. '0 Jan. '0 Apr. '0 Jul. '0 Oct. '0 Jan. '0 Quarter Machinery and implements Intermediate goods Material for fixed improvements 0

13 7. ROOIBOS TEA Introduction South Africa s Western Cape is home to a vast number of plant species, which thrive only in micro climate, of which the beautiful Cedarberg mountain area is one. It is only here that rooibos grows in its natural state, in an area of Mediterranean rainfall and coarse sandy soil. Before it became a commercial enterprise, the development, production and consumption of rooibos tea was carried out by the local inhabitants of the Western Cape. They began harvesting the wild plants by cutting these during the summer months. The plants were then chopped with axes, bruised with wooden hammers, fermented in heaps and finally dried. The same basic method is still used today, although it is now mechanised and refined. Production and production areas Rooibos is grown only in a small area 0 km north of Cape Town in the Cedarberg area and no alternative source of supply of this unique product is available anywhere in the world. The rooibos plant has adapted well to the harsh conditions of the Cedarberg region, where temperatures drop to zero degrees Centigrade during the winter months and rise to a blistering 8 degrees Centigrade at the height of summer. The winter rains vary between as little as 80 mm and 00 mm for the year. No irrigation is used and the rooibos plant is often subjected to severe drought conditions. The survival mechanism of this hardy bush is its tap root that digs down metres or more into the well-drained, cool, sandy soil that has a high acidity level. A farmer can expect his first crop after two years and the bush will be in full production in its third year. Approximately tea bushes can be established per hectare. There are more than 00 commercial rooibos producers, the majority of which are shareholders and contract suppliers of Rooibos Limited, located in and around the Clanwilliam area in the Western Cape. There are also fewer than 00 smallscale rooibos farmers farming in Wupperthal in the Cedarberg mountain area in the Western Cape and the Suid Bokkeveld area south of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. Both communities are involved in the primary production of rooibos tea as their farming activity, supplemented by limited sheep, goat and vegetable farming. Together, they produce less than % of the total rooibos industry production. Production statistics On average, rooibos tea production increased by, % per annum from 00/0 to 00/0. Production for 00/0 is estimated at million kilogrammes. The total gross value of rooibos tea has been increasing moderately over the past four years, with an average increase of, % per annum from 00/0 to 00/0. The following graph shows the total production and the gross value of rooibos tea over the past five years: Production and gross value of rooibos tea 00/000/ '000 kg Gross value R' /0 00/0 00/0 00/0 00/0 Year Production Gross value 0 000

14 Producer prices The producer prices of rooibos tea from 00/0 to 00/0 compare as follows: Year 00/0 00/0 00/0 c/kg 00/0 00/0* Producer price * Preliminary Unique properties of rooibos tea Rooibos tea is a popular drink owing to its health properties. It is rich in essential minerals and contains a low percentage of tannin and no caffeine. It can serve as an ingredient in cosmetics to help prevent the ravages of skin associated with age, as an ingredient in slimming products, as a cure for colic in babies, for insomnia and for allergies. Because of these properties, the tea is sold in many countries as a health beverage. Rooibos tea is popular with sophisticated and health-conscious markets as a stand-alone tea, as well as blended with other herbal teas and fruit juices. The European market, mainly Germany and The Netherlands, accounts for the highest export volumes, followed by Japan, the UK and Malaysia. Compiled by: Mokatane Abel Ramokoma Source: Rooibos Limited Contact: +7 8

15 8. AGRICULTURAL IMPORTS AND EXPORTS South Africa has a dual agricultural economy, with both well-developed commercial farming and predominantly subsistence-based production in the deep rural areas. Primary commercial agriculture contributes about % to the Gross Domestic Product and for the past five years has contributed on average 8 % of South African total exports. Export and import values of agricultural products (f.o.b.) Year Exports * R million : South Africa : agricultural Agriculture as % of total exports 8, 8, 8, 7, 7,8 Imports s.a agricultural Agriculture as % of total imports,,,,,7 * Summary of monthly data from January to December 00 to obtain an annual preliminary figure for 00. Exchange of goods and services exists between regions because different regions have a comparable advantage in the production of some tradable commodity or because the size of different regions allows for the benefit of mass production of a particular commodity. The biodiversity of the South African weather conditions, from Mediterranean to subtropical to semidesert, favours the cultivation of a highly diverse range of agricultural products, ranging from deciduous, citrus and subtropical fruit to grain, wool, cut flowers, bush tea, livestock and game. The deregulation and liberalisation of the South African agricultural sector has brought with it many challenges, some of which include competitiveness and assessment of the global market. The most important factor limiting agricultural production is the availability of water; rainfall is distributed unevenly across the country. 0-year overview: to 00* Agricultural exports showed on average an annual growth rate of % from to 00, which is an impressive performance given the challenges and obstacles that the export market is facing. These challenges include subsidisation of farmers by rich countries and, locally, unfavourable weather conditions and a relatively small area of arable land. Only about % of South Africa s surface area can be used for crop production. South Africa is self-sufficient in most primary foods, with the exception of wheat, rice and oilseeds. However, imports show an average growth rate of % per annum.

16 0 000 Imports and exports of agricultural products to 00* 000 R'million * Year Imports Exports * Summarised monthly data from January to December 00 to obtain an annual preliminary figure for 00. South African exports have acceded imports for the past ten years, and exports to almost all countries have increased significantly with the exception of Brazilian exports, which decreased annually on average by 8 %, while imports showed an annual increase of % from to 00. Exports to the European Region show an average annual growth of %. The United Kingdom was South Africa s main export destination with exports to the value of R, billion in. In 00 it was still the main destination, with an export value of R, billion. Japan was second in with an export value of R,0 billion, and ranked number four in 00, with an export value of R, billion. The Netherlands ranked second in 00, with an export value of,8 billion. Wine exports showed an annual increase of %. In, wine ranked third, with exports to the value of R78 million. Wine was the main export product in 00, with exports reaching R,8 million, which contributes % to total agricultural exports. Wine exports to the European Region amounted to R, million. Rice and wheat imports show an average annual increase of 0 and 8 %, respectively and ranked first and second in and 00. The highest imports of wheat were in 00, when South Africa imported wheat to the value of R, billion. South African exports to regions in 00* East Asia and Pacific % SADC 7 % NAFTA 7 % Middle East 7 % West Africa % European Countries % Rest of the world 0 % * Summarised monthly data from January 00 to December 00 to obtain an annual preliminary figure for 00. SADC - Southern African Development Community NAFTA - North American Free Trade Agreement In, agricultural imports totalled R7,8 billion and the major suppliers were the United States, with imports to the value of R, billion, Argentina with R8 million, United Kingdom with R0 million, Australia R million and Zimbabwe with R million.

17 South Africa s 00* total agricultural imports amounted to R, billion. The leading suppliers were Brazil (R,0 billion), Argentina (R billion), the United States (R, billion), Thailand (R,0 billion) and United Kingdom with R,0 billion. Rice and wheat are still the most imported products in 00* these amounted to R, billion. Trade of major agricultural products for the calendar year 00 Trade of agricultural products between South Africa and the rest of the world in 00* South Africa s major imports South Africa s major exports January to December 00 January to December 00 Products R million Products R million Rice R Wine of fresh grapes R 808 Wheat and meslin R Citrus fruit R 78 Undenatured ethyl alcohol R Grapes, fresh or dried R 00 Poultry meat R Sugar cane/ beet R 770 Oilcake R7 Maize (corn) R Soya-bean oil R70 Apples, pears and quinces R Palm oil R Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants R Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included R Fruit juices R8 Unmanufactured tobacco R Cereal groats, meal and pellets R80 Cotton R Undenatured ethyl alcohol R7 imports R 70 exports R 8 * Summarised monthly data from January 00 to December 00 to obtain an annual preliminary figure for 00. South African agriculture and agribusiness have a number of competitive advantages, such as holding their ground on the world market, especially through exports of products such as wine, fruit (including citrus fruit) and sugar, therefore making the country an important trading partner. Compiled By: Pheladi Mashao Sources: SARS: Customs and Excise

18 SEION B FRESH PRODUCE MARKETS OVIEW INTERESTING FR: RSIMMON The word persimmon comes from an Algonquin language of the eastern United States, meaning a dry fruit. Origin: The oriental persimmon is native to China, where it has been cultivated for centuries and more than two thousand different cultivars exist. It spread to Korea and Japan many years ago, where additional cultivars were developed. The plant was introduced to California in the mid-800s. Description: The persimmon is a multitrunked or single-stemmed deciduous tree, up to 7, metres tall and at least as wide. It is an attractive ornamental with drooping leaves and branches that give it a languid, rather tropical appearance. The branches are moderately brittle and can be damaged in high winds. Climate: Persimmons do best in areas that have mild winters and relatively mild summers. It can tolerate temperatures of -8 o C when fully dormant. However, because of its low chilling requirements (less than 00 hours), it may break dormancy during early warm spells only to be damaged by the following spring frosts. The leaves die off at - o C when growing. Trees do not produce well in the high summer heat of desert regions, which may also result in sunburn damage to the bark. Fruit: Persimmons can be classified into two general categories: those that bear astringent fruit until they are soft/ripe and those that bear nonastringent fruit. A nonastringent persimmon can be eaten like an apple when it is crisp. These cultivars require hot summers, and the fruit may retain some astringency when grown in cooler regions. Pollinationconstent nonastingent persimmons are always edible when still firm; pollination variant nonastringent fruit is edible when firm only if they have been pollinated. The shape of the fruit varies according to cultivar, from spherical to acron to flattened or squarish, and vary from to 8 cm in diameter according to species. The colour of the fruit varies from light yellow-orange to dark orange-red. The mass can be up to approximately 00 grammes. The entire fruit is edible, except for the seed calyx. Alternate bearing is frequent. This can be partially overcome by thinning the fruit or moderately pruning after a light-crop year. Unharvested fruit remaining on the tree after leaf fall creates a very decorative effect. Many immature fruit drop from May to September.. Food uses: The persimmon fruit is eaten fresh, dried, cooked and canned. The persimmon is high in glucose and protein, and also has various medicinal and chemical uses. In Korean culture, a punch called sujeonggwa is made from dried persimmons. In some Chinese cultures, dried persimmon leaves are used for tea. At the annual Persimmon Festival during September a persimmon pudding contest is held. It is a baked pudding that has the consistency of pumpkin pie but resembles a brownie and is almost always served with a topping of whipped cream. Persimmons are used to cook jam and chutney. Soft-ripe persimmons are peeled and cut into sections, pressed through a sieve to make a purée, packed into containers, sealed and frozen. Sources:

19 FRESH MARKET STATISTICS AND GRAPHIC PRESENTATION OF SEASONAL FLUUATIONS IN QUANTITIES AND PRICES OF FR AND VEGETABLES SOLD ON THE MAJOR FRESH PRODUCE MARKETS The purpose of this overview is to show the shortterm price and volume trends (seasonal fluctuations) of various types of fruit and vegetables sold on the major fresh produce markets and to enable the making of comparisons between markets. Market prices are determined by the interaction between supply and demand, both of which are influenced by various factors. Supply factors include climate, seasonal production, perishability of products and the reaction of producers to prices realised in preceding periods, etc. Demand factors include consumer preferences, substitution between products and per capita income. Therefore the seasonal pattern of quantities sold and prices realised may differ appreciably on different markets. The graphs in this overview depict the trends for fruit and vegetables sold on the Bloemfontein Fresh Produce Market and give an indication of the variations in monthly volumes sold and prices received, based on the average for the year period 00 to 00. Detailed information regarding the specific varieties of fruit and vegetables sold on the markets are available on request from Ms L Lezar, Directorate Agricultural Statistics, tel. (0) 80, fax (0) 80, or LindieL@nda.agric.za Mass, value and average price of vegetables sold on the twenty major fresh produce markets: January to March 00 Code Market Rands Rands/ton Johannesburg , Tshwane (Pretoria) , Cape Town ,8 Durban 8 0 8, Springs 7 8,7 Port Elizabeth , Pietermaritzburg , Klerksdorp 8,0 East London 00,7 Bloemfontein 8,8 Vereeniging , Welkom , Mpumalanga , Kimberley ,7 Uitenhage ,8 Polokwane (Pietersburg) 7 7, Witbank , George 0 0 8,8 Kei (Umtata) , Nelspruit ,7 7

20 Mass, value and average price of fruit sold on the twenty major fresh produce markets: January to March 00 Code Market Rands Rands/ton Johannesburg , Tshwane (Pretoria) , Cape Town 8 8 7,7 Durban ,0 Pietermaritzburg , Springs , BFM Bloemfontein ,8 East London 0 7,0 Klerksdorp ,8 Port Elizabeth 7 788, Welkom ,8 Vereeniging 0,0 Kimberley , Kei (Umtata) 7, Witbank 7 7 0, Mpumalanga , Uitenhage 8,7 Polokwane (Pietersburg) 8 7 7,8 George 0 0 7,8 Nelspruit 0 8 8,8 8

21 . Apples 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar R/Ton Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of apples and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

22 . Pears 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of pears and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price 0

23 . Oranges 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of oranges and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

24 . Lemons 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of lemons and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

25 . Avocados 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of avocados and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

26 . Bananas 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of bananas and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

27 7. Papayas 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the 00 0 Sales of papayas and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

28 8. Pineapples 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of pineapples and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

29 . Potatoes 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of potatoes and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price 7

30 0. Sweet potatoes 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of sweet potatoes and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price 8

31 . Onions 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of onions and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

32 . Tomatoes 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of tomatoes and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price 0

33 . Carrots 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of carrots and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

34 . Cabbages 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of cabbages and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

35 . Cauliflower 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of cauliflower and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

36 . Lettuce 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of lettuce and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

37 7. Green beans 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of green beans and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

38 8. Pumpkins 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of pumpkins and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

39 . Gem squashes 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the 00 0 Sales of gem squashes and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price 00 7

40 0. Hubbard squashes 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of hubbard squashes and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price 8

41 . Butternut squashes 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. 00 SW Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of butternut squashes and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price 00

42 . Peppers 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of peppers and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price 0

43 . English cucumbers 00 Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Note: A dash () indicates that the volume sold was less than a ton or that there were no sales. An asterisk (*) indicates that the information on the Sales of English cucumbers and prices received on the Bloemfontein Market: Five year average (00-00) Quantity Price

44 00 Published in the Republic of South Africa by the Department of Agriculture Obtainable from the website of the Department of Agriculture: