Top of the class

Driving transformation in the South African fruit industry

The Top of the Class (TOC) programme, initiated by the FPEF six years ago, focuses on two main sectors in the fresh fruit industry. Firstly, it provides the opportunity for workers on farms and in packhouses to gain confidence, knowledge and skills in the entire fresh fruit value chain – from harvest to home. Secondly, the recently introduced TOC Enabling Emerging Farmers programme was designed to help emerging growers develop sustainable businesses and participate effectively in commercial fruit exports. This year yielded many exciting opportunities, made possible largely through extensive fundraising efforts and training initiatives that took place in recent years. We utilised these valuable resources to initiate five new training programmes throughout South Africa.

Promoting the role of women workers

Twenty women, selected from stone fruit farms and packhouses around Paarl and Wellington in the Western Cape, gathered on Sandrivier Estate one cold winter’s morning in May to embark on a course that was to become a truly memorable experience. This TOC initiative was conceptualised and funded in conjunction with Tesco in the United Kingdom (UK). The company expressed its commitment to support development within the supply chain and considered the TOC programme an effective vehicle to promote the development of industry workers. The course consisted of theory, exposure in the field and personal development. Theory was based on the FPEF basic trade chain manual, Harvest to Home. Students were also informed about ethical trade, the Ethical Trade Initiative and the Code itself. With the current change in the demographic composition of the workforce, particularly in the Western Cape, effective skills are essential to deal with potential conflict situations and ensure stability and productivity. The topic of cultural diversity was introduced so students can develop a better understanding of and respect for differences amongst each other.

Adding value to the industry

According to interviews with the managers of participating students, the FPEF was clearly successful in adding value to the industry. Since every TOC course is industry specific and students are exposed to the entire value chain, they are able to see the bigger picture and appreciate the importance of their role in the industry. An informed and motivated workforce indicates success, which is crucial as South Africa positions itself as a transformed country that operates professionally within global markets.