Become a member
Membership of the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF) is voluntary for any entity involved in the South African fresh produce export value chain. FPEF members consist of pure marketing agents, farm owners (i.e. agents who have purchased farms), producer-exporters, pack houses and other service providers. Our current membership base accounts for about 90% of fresh produce exported from South Africa.
Whilst FPEF membership is voluntary, strict accreditation criteria and a Code of Conduct apply to ensure that only competent and reliable marketing agents and grower-exporters accepted as members of the Forum.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please refer to the documentation below.
Membership application
Please complete the form and we will gladly assist you with your application:
The procedure for application is explained in detail below:
Procedure for membership application
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The submission of a completed application form to the FPEF secretariat – signed by the owner, major shareholder or the designated CEO of the business applying for membership.
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The submission of a signed copy of the Code of Conduct (initialed on every page) by the applicant.
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The submission of a signed copy of either Application Form A or Application Form B, depending on whether the export company seeking membership exports produce on behalf of others as an agent (Form A), or whether the company seeking membership exports only its own produce or exports produce purchased from others (Form B). *
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The submission of a signed declaration by the company’s auditors of the establishment of a non-statutory producer trust bank account (sample letter available from the FPEF secretariat). *
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The submission of a copy of the company’s marketing agreement, with reference to the best practices laid down by the FPEF and reference to the established producer trust bank account. *
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The submission of two original letters of endorsement, presented on letterhead, from existing members of the Forum – signed by the owner, major shareholder or managing director of the endorsing companies. The only companies that are entitled to endorse a new applicant are those that have been in good standing with the FPEF for two or more years.
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A detailed credit check on the company applying for membership – conducted by the FPEF secretariat through a reputable credit bureau. This would include scrutiny of the trade record of the applicant in the fresh produce industry, as well as enquiries in the industry on the commercial standing, integrity and style of leadership of the applicant and its management team.
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The submission by the applicant (to the FPEF secretariat) in the case of any of its senior management ever having been previously liquidated or sequestrated whilst engaging in business, whether or not that business was related to the fruit industry or whether that business was in or outside of South Africa.
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Please note that registration with the Agricultural Produce Agents’ Council (APAC) and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) are required for FPEF membership.
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* Does not apply to associate member applications.
Printable application forms
ONLY for Emerging exporter applications
Black-owned fresh produce export companies (at least 51% black ownership), will enjoy two years of free membership with full benefits. All application requirements as per points 1 to 9 above must be met, with the following exceptions:
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Point 6 above can be replaced with two references from contactable referees.
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A copy of the company’s shareholder register, as well as copies of the identity (ID) documents of all shareholders must be provided to prove at least 51% black ownership – as defined by the BEE codes of good practice.