scholarly journals Organic Food Certification in South Africa: A Private Sector Mechanism in Need of State Regulation?

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Odile Juliette Lim Tung
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
South African ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Agricultural Product ◽  
Animal Protection ◽  
Certification System ◽  
Organic Products

Organic production targets the development of a sustainable cultivation system and a variety of high-quality products with emphasis on environmental protection, biodiversity and high standards of animal protection. In South Africa, the organic sector pioneered private practices and systems in small informal groups to guide the public and private sectors on environmental and sustainability issues. A private certification system for organic products is applicable in the country consisting of network certification and third-party certification in collaboration with foreign and locally-based certification organisations. Local producers also use self-declaratory vendor claims associated with organic labels. A State auditor mechanism is nonetheless applicable with respect to the use of the term “free range” on labels for meat products. South African National Standards (SANS 1369) on Organic Agricultural Production and Processing (OAPP) have been drafted by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) but the final version has not yet been made public. There is presently no specific legislation on organic products in the country but draft regulations (under the Agricultural Product Standards Act) on the control and sale of organic products which have not yet been promulgated. With mainly a private organic food certification system, to what extent do South African organic food products respect rules of organic production? This paper looks into the organic food regulation in South Africa and examines how far this private sector mechanism for organic food certification is in need of State regulation.

scholarly journals Organic products: the Current Legal Forms of Production and Turnover Support

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 140-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Зинаида Белякова ◽  
Zinaida Belyakova
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Law

Organic food products are a complex object of technical regulation. It combines, on the one hand, the requirements to finished food products and the production processes, and, on the other hand, the principles of organic agriculture. In terms of organic products and features of its production, the Russian Federation is at the initial stage of legal framework formation, while the USA and EU countries have been involved in these issues for more than 20 years. However, the development of organic agriculture and the production of appropriate products have good prospects in Russia. The experience of countries with high growth rates of organic production showed that the key points for the successful formation of the organic food sector is the establishment of the legal framework and the development of state regulation and control. According to the law established in 2018, organic products are environmentally friendly agricultural products, raw materials, and food that meet the requirements of the Federal law of August 3, 2018, No. 280-FL: “On organic products and amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation”. The law will be the basis for legal self-determination of organic products and processes of their production. It might also serve as a stimulus for the formation and development of the organic sector of food products in Russia. The present review features a retrospective analysis of the formation of international regulatory norms in the sphere of organic products, the corresponding international laws, and the experience of advanced countries, as well as the current state of the legislation in some former Soviet republics and the Russian Federation.

Untangling discrimination in the private sector workplace in South Africa: Paving the way for Black African women progression to managerial positions

2021 ◽  
pp. 135822912199056
Author(s):  
Motlhatlego Dennis Matotoka ◽  
Kolawole Olusola Odeku
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Black Women ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
South African ◽  
African Women ◽  
The South ◽  
Quota System ◽  
Black African ◽  
Managerial Positions ◽  
Action Measures

Black African women in South Africa are poorly represented at managerial levels in the South African private sector since the advent of democracy. Their exclusion at these occupational levels persists despite the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (EEA) requiring that the private sector must ensure that all occupational levels are equitably represented and reflects the demographics of South Africa. The South African private sector demonstrates its lack of commitment to proliferating black African women into managerial positions by deliberately engaging in race-based recruitment and failing to develop and promote suitably qualified women into managerial positions. As such, the private sector is failing to create upward mobility for black African women to break the glass ceiling. The EEA requires the private sector to apply affirmative action measures in order to achieve equity in the workplace. It is submitted that since 1998, the private sector has been provided with an opportunity to set it own targets in order to achieve equity. However, 22 years later, black African women are still excluded in key managerial positions. However, the EEA does not specifically impose penalties if the private sector fails to achieve the set targets.This approach has failed to increase the representation of black women in managerial positions. However, the EEA does not specifically impose penalties if the private sector fails to achieve the set targets. Whilst this approach seeks to afford the private sector importunity to set its own target, this approach has failed to increase the representation of black women in managerial positions. Employing black African women in managerial levels enhances their skills and increases their prospects to promotions and assuming further leadership roles in the private sector. This paper seeks to show that the progression of black African women requires South Africa to adopt a quota system without flexibility that will result in the private sector being compelled to appoint suitably qualified black African women in managerial levels.

Generation Y students' purchase behaviour towards organic foods in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-212
Author(s):  
Kirsty-Lee Sharp ◽  
Costa Synodinos
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Generation Y ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Full Time ◽  
The South ◽  
Organic Foods

Objective - The primary objective of this study is to identify and explain the antecedents of organic food purchase behaviour of Generation Y students in the South African context. This study aimed to shed some light on Generation Ystudents' health consciousness, perceived behaviour control, convenience, attitudes, purchase intentions, and actual buying behaviourtoward organic food products. The study also attempted to determine the underlying strengths and relationships between the constructs used in the measurement scale. Lastly, gender relationships were investigated to determine if any differences existed between males and females in terms of their organic food product purchases. Methodology/Technique - This research study employed a descriptive, non-probability, convenience sampling design. The intended target population was full-time registered undergraduate Generation Y students aged between 18 and 24 years. The sample size was 200 students based across the four faculties within the chosen higher education institution, namely the Faculty of Management Sciences, the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Human Sciences. The 200 self-administered questionnaires were distributed during recess times as to not to disrupt any learning time. The questionnaire contained a cover letter explaining the purpose of the study and that participation in the study was completely voluntary. Findings - The measurement scale displayed adequate reliability and validity for all constructs. Furthermore, all constructs had statistically significant positive means, indicating that Generation Y students are health-conscious, care for the opinions of friends and family, display pro-organic attitudes, intentions, and behaviour. Results from this study indicate that there is a need for food organizations to consider implementing organic-based products in their product offerings within the South African market. Novelty - Investigation oforganic food product purchase behaviouramong South African Generation Y students (Consumer behaviour). Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Organic Foods; Purchase Behaviour; Generation Y, South Africa. JEL Classification: M31, M39.

RESEARCH OF THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE SYSTEMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-579
Author(s):  
A.A. Leksina ◽  
◽  
E.A. Aleshina ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Supervisory Support ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Food Market ◽  
Agriculture Systems

Organic agriculture is a promising and increasingly demanded direction of “greening” agricultural activity, which has a great potential due to natural production technologies. Significant segments of organic products have been formed in the food markets of the developed countries; various institutional systems of the industry have been functioning for decades. Russian agribusiness is globally lagging behind in these matters, but the development of the economic environment has led to the objective necessity of adopting a law and a state standard that would define the requirements for the organic agriculture. Research on the prospects of the Russian food market in the global organic production system is becoming relevant. This work is a two-sided quantitative and qualitative approach to the study of existing production systems of organic food from the standpoint of the results and dynamics, on the one hand, and their organizational and economic structure, on the other. The findings and results are confirmed by the presented and systematized absolute and relative indicators of land areas certified for organic agriculture, the number of market entities, the consumption of organic food per capita and retail sales in the domestic markets. The qualitative characteristic of organic agriculture systems was reflected in constructing a set of schemes that clearly illustrate national features of the conduct methods, state regulation of production and turnover, research support, regulatory and supervisory support of the business under study. As a result, a comparative analysis of the leading world markets for organic food (USA, Germany, Canada and Austria) in comparison with the emerging market of Russia. The study is addressed to the global business community operating in the organic food market and to special research institutions.

scholarly journals To the issue of prospects and problems of organic production of agricultural products in Ukraine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Salnikova ◽  
◽  
N. A. Makarenko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Contamination ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
The United States ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Agricultural Products ◽  
The European Union ◽  
State Certification ◽  
Certification System ◽  
Organic Products

Organizational production of agricultural products is used to preserve the natural environment and to preserve the quality of the products. The development of organic wines in the light of 100 years and over the course of the period has become insane, as for the correct organization of it, you can preserve ecological, social, and commercial transfers. The organizational structure has become a warehouse part of the bio-economy and circular economy, which is a priority for the economic development of the European Union, the USA, Great Britain, the Great Britain, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the United States of America. For determining the prospects and problems of organic production of agricultural products, general scientific methods were used such as publicity, systematization, analysis, and synthesis, of the scientific literature and normative documents. For an additional analysis of regulatory documents, a procedure for certifying the authorities of the United States, the European Union and Ukraine has been established. Ukraine, in turn, began to take the first steps towards organic production in the late 1990s. It was at this time that she began to grow organic grain and opened export lines for its transportation to other countries, mainly Europe. Ukraine remains a leader in the production and export of organic cereals. Export competitive advantages of national agar products are lower production costs and logistics support. Ukraine continues to increase its organic production capacity - an increasing number of operators are appearing in this sector of agricultural production. As of 2019, the share of organic production of crop products in Ukraine is 1.4% (5th place in the world in terms of growth rate of organic agriculture), which is 467.9 thousand hectares of the total area of agricultural land in 32, 7 million hectares, as well as 470 operators of organic production. The dynamics of changes in organic agricultural production in Ukraine indicates a general trend of increasing their number, but in some periods, there is a decrease due to the economic and political situation in the country and changes in legislation in this area. Ukraine has significant advantages of organic production, which include a high level of soil fertility, favorable climatic conditions, traditional orientation as an agrarian state. Also, the price of Ukrainian products is lower than the minimum price of organic products of European countries. In the organic production of crops use methods that optimize the biological activity of soils, provide a balanced supply of nutrients to plants. At the same time, there are problems in Ukraine that hinder the development of organic production. In particular, the diversity of the territory in terms of the level of pollution of environmental components, lack of practical application of innovations and modern technologies of agricultural production. The lack of state support for organic producers and state certification system (including qualified specialists for its implementation). Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of October 21, 2020, № 1032 "On approval of the Procedure for certification of organic production and / or circulation of organic products and amendments to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of October 23, 2019, № 970" approved the stages of certification. Was made the comparison of approaches to the certification of agricultural enterprises in Ukraine shows that they meet European and American standards. However, the absence of a state certification body that certifies organic producers and accredits private certification bodies makes it impossible for state control over organic market operators and the functioning of state certification. The current certification system in Ukraine does not cover the issue of soil contamination or other components of environment, which may affect the quality and safety of organic products. In Ukraine, enterprises in various sectors of the economy use outdated technologies, which can cause soil contamination of agricultural lands, and, accordingly, affect the quality of organic products. Currently, the Laws of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers do not require: the location of the organic agricultural enterprise; content of harmful substances in the soil (including the content of radionuclides and pesticide residues); content in the soil of nutrients that can ensure the production of quality agricultural products and confirm the activities of the farm aimed at maintaining soil fertility. To guarantee the quality of organic products, it is advisable in the certification procedure to consider the level of fertility and soil contamination of agricultural lands, as well as the availability of sources of environmental pollution in the location of the organic producer. Given the above, it is advisable to introduce criteria for assessing the compliance of soils with the requirements of organic production. This approach can guarantee the safety and quality of organic products. During the organization of organic production of agricultural products in Ukraine, the issues of criteria for assessing compliance with regulatory requirements, documentation to be kept by the operator of organic production, etc.

scholarly journals Food for thought

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 1130-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boban Melović ◽  
Marina Dabić ◽  
Sunčica Rogić ◽  
Vladimir Đurišić ◽  
Vesna Prorok
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Social Implication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Young Consumers

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the factors that influence the perceptions and attitudes of young people in Montenegro toward organic products.Design/methodology/approachThe results of the research, obtained using the multivariate factor analysis, showed that the vast majority of young consumers identify organic food as healthy and natural and that its higher price is a significant barrier inhibiting their likelihood of purchasing it, along with inaccessibility and the limited options offered.FindingsThe data obtained provides valuable information for managers and decision-makers working in organic food production and sales in Montenegro – a country with the potential to develop in this field.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was carried out in the CEE transition country of Montenegro, with 300 young consumers. Further research is needed to validate the results through longitudinal study.Practical implicationsThe data obtained represents a meaningful contribution to the field of organic food production and sale in Montenegro (which is a country with a lot of potential in this area) and will assist managers and decision-makers in the field.Social implicationUnlike most research that has previously examined issues concerning organic production – such as its standardization, financing, environmental impact, and even its promotion – this paper provides a better understanding of the behavior of young consumers toward organic products in Montenegro by outlining their perceptions and attitudes toward this product category.Originality/valueThis research represents the first academic study of customers' attitudes and perceptions in this area, alongside the main factors affecting the young consumer's choice to purchase organic food in Montenegro.

scholarly journals Challenges facing emerging aquaculture entrepreneurs in South Africa and possible solutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (06) ◽  
pp. 16689-16702
Author(s):  
MJ Madibana ◽  
◽  
CH Fouché ◽  
CM Mnisi ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
South African ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Fish Farms ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
The Government

Despite aquaculture being hailed as the fastest growing farming sector in the world, South African aquaculture is still lagging behind. This article aims to highlight challenges (mostly beyond their control) that South Africa’s emerging aquaculture entrepreneurs have to endure in order to find a breakthrough into the industry. Availability of necessary resources such as land, water, infrastructure,financial support and access to markets, as well as crime are among challenges faced by these entrepreneurs on a daily basis. Limited human resources in capacity building, skills and aquaculture expertise also hinders the development and expansion of aquaculture in South Africa. Complex legislation governing aquaculture further limits the development of this sector to prospective investors. Fish and machinery theft in fish farms has an adverse effect, which had resulted in many enterprises closing down in recent years. South Africa is not a traditional fish-eating nation and this phenomenon has seen many emerging entrepreneurs struggling to locally commercialize their produce. It is well known that fish consumption provides human nutrition with essential nutrients necessary for normal body function. Thus,aquaculture has the potential to contribute to food and nutrition security and alleviate poverty in rural communities. However, plenty of initiatives need to be developed by government and the private sector to develop a sustainable aquaculture industry. These initiatives should involve the establishment of an aquaculture friendly legislation that would support emerging aquaculture entrepreneurs. Several financial institutions view aquaculture as a high-risk business,and as a consequence,decline financial support or loan requests from emerging farmers.Focused research as a strategic initiative to develop aquaculture species that would be first priority for local markets is encouraged. This article explores the challenges facing emerging entrepreneurs and suggests possible solutions that might assist in the development of the aquaculture sector in South Africa. We postulate that constructive and regular engagements between the government and private sector is a key to a sustainable and prosperous aquaculture sector in South Africa.

scholarly journals Cost Profiling of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment in South Africa: Medicines That Are Still Too Expensive to Swallow

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reeya Singh ◽  
Frasia Oosthuizen ◽  
Ebenezer Wiafe ◽  
Kofi Boamah Mensah ◽  
Varsha Bangalee
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
South African ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
The Public

Abstract Background The development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has improved chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) management and increased CML prevalence due to low mortality rates. CML management is potentially lifelong and expensive and requires pharmacoeconomic approaches and regular review of therapy to ensure that patients obtain cost-effective therapeutic outcomes. Although the introduction of TKIs generics has improved the availability of TKIs, the high-cost implications continue to hinder TKIs accessibility and translate into poor quality of life. To improve the availability and accessibility of TKIs in South Africa, interventional programs have been instrumental. A notable intervention is the collaborative effort of Novartis pharmaceuticals and The Max Foundation which has provided free access to Imatinib to patients in need. In recognition of the needs of CML patients, this study aimed to provide an overview of TKIs regulatory approval, availability, and cost profile in the South African (SA) context for the 2019 period. Methods The researchers searched the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) website on 20 August 2019 to identify TKIs, generic and innovator brands, that was duly registered. The costs of the registered TKIs were extracted from the Medicines Price Registry (2019) and the Department of Health awarded tenders for oncology medications (2019). The results were analysed quantitatively using Microsoft Excel and presented as tables. Results Three TKIs were registered in SA: Imatinib, Dasatinib, and Nilotinib. Generics were only available for Imatinib. Despite the numerous Imatinib generics available in the private sector, treatment for CML chronic phase (CP) patients in the private sector was more expensive than in the public sector. Apparent cost inequality was noted where the same TKI (Nilotinib 200 mg) costs substantially less (by 92.4%) in the public sector than in the private sector. Conclusion The study concluded that the accessibility to CML management in the private sector is hindered by the high cost of therapy compared to the public sector. The availability of generic forms of Imatinib eliminated monopoly and improved medicated access compared to Dasatinib and Nilotinib. To improve CML medication access, stakeholders' engagement is required to control cost.

scholarly journals DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL PROGRAMS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRARIAN ENTERPRISES WITH ORGANIC PRODUCTION ON THE BASIS OF THE EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 126-133
Author(s):  
Mykola Ihnatenko ◽  
Natalia Novak
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Practical Importance ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Economic Research ◽  
Investment Planning ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
State Programs ◽  
Regional Programs

The objective of the article is to identify the problems of the development of organic agrarian production in Ukraine, to determine its resources, directions and instruments of state regulation and support (including on the basis of advanced European and world experience), as well as the preparation of regional development and improvement programs. Methodology. While the study, general scientific methods of scientific knowledge, as well as special methods of economic research were used. Monographic and historical methods were used in the analysis of stages of the formation and development of organic enterprises. Methods of problem-targeted approach, business planning, and investment planning were used in the preparation of organic farming and organic products development programs. Results. The article reveals the main results, trends, and problems in the development of organic agrarian production in Ukraine. There are presented positive examples of realization and distribution of its European and world experience, including on the principles of state regulation. Features, forms, and directions of state support of enterprises with organic production are determined. Means of its improvement were substantiated. The available and potential resources of the prospective development of organic production are determined. Regional programs of implementation of proposals have been developed on the example of Kherson region. Practical importance. It lies in the possibility of introducing the results in the organic enterprises of the country, in the bodies of management and regulation of agricultural production, in decisions of the rural communities on the development of organic production and organic products market, preservation of agrarian resources, environment, employment of rural residents. Scientific novelty. The state programs of organic production development are grounded on the basis of strengthening their regional, informational, and advisory components.

scholarly journals Sustainable agriculture through organic farming in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-304
Author(s):  
Rajkaranbir Singh
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Export Market ◽  
Chemical Fertilizers ◽  
Climatic Regions ◽  
North East ◽  
Organic Products

Organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. Organic agriculture is developing rapidly and today 186 countries produce organic food commercially. Currently, only 1.5 percent of the world’s agricultural land is farmed organically. The status of organic farming in India is bestowed with lot of potential to produce all varieties of organic products due to its various agro climatic regions. In several parts of the country, the inherited tradition of organic farming is an added advantage. This holds promise for the organic producers to tap the market which is growing steadily in the domestic market related to the export market. India ranks 9th in terms of World’s organic agricultural land and 1st in terms of total number of producers. The popularity of organic food is growing dramatically as consumer seeks the organic foods that are thought to be healthier and safer. As per the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW), 2.78 million ha was covered under organic farming in India which is about 2 per cent of the 140.1 million ha net sown area in the country. Of this, 1.94 million ha (70%) area is under National Project on Organic Farming NPOP, 0.59 million ha (21.5%) under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), 0.07 million ha (2.6 %) under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER) and 0.17 million ha (6.1% ) under state schemes or non-schemes. The certified organic production for all crop categories stood at 2.6 million metric tons.in 2018-19. Sugar crops (sugarcane), oilseeds, cereals and millets, fiber crops, pulses, medicinal, herbal and aromatic plants, and spices/condiments are the highest produced organic commodities in India. However, the Indian organic food industry is curtailed by multiple challenges including reduced farm production per hectare, a general apprehension among farmers to forego the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and higher storage and transportation costs due to the lack of preservatives required for long-term storage. The states should step up their action in a concerted way to promote organic and natural farming. States can play an instrumental role in helping farmers sell their organic and natural produce by developing organic value chains, procuring organic produce and helping farmers get remunerative prices.

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