Objectives
The following eight objectives were tabled by the FPEF's board of directors as priority areas which would best serve its constituency:Objective 1: To recruit new members to the FPEF, particularly from the producer-exporter fraternity. With the evolving state of exporting in our industry, the Forum can only remain relevant if more of this type of exporting entity is incorporated into the Forum.
Objective 2: To collectively promote FPEF members, within producer circles, so that they are considered the 'preferred exporters' with which to deal. Relationships between the FPEF and the Producer Associations are therefore key in this regard.
Objective 3: To assist members in gaining and maintaining, through effective promotional initiatives, international markets for their principals' fruits. Particular efforts in trade fairs, trade delegations to countries, generic promotions and export directories assist in this regard.
Objective 4: To facilitate access to a broad spectrum of relevant, accurate and timely generic information for its members through cooperation with producers and industry institutions.
Objective 5: To source funds - over and above the voluntary membership fees - for its secretariat to effectively perform its mandate. Financial assistance is sought from the SA government at local, provincial and national levels; from international donor agencies; from value chain participants; and from international embassies.
Objective 6: To provide innovation opportunities for its members in the value chain – particularly from the pack house right up to the customer's door overseas. This new objective is to be achieved through the PHI Innovation Programme.
Objective 7: To engage in the development and maintenance of the ethical trade portfolio that addresses the major issues pertaining to ethical trade in the fruit export industry.
Objective 8: To facilitate assistance to its members' suppliers (producers) in the following way: (i) Assist with training emerging farmers and their staff to ensure compliance to overseas market accreditation standards; (ii) assist with exposing emerging farmers to overseas events such as trade fairs, conferences and trade missions; and (iii) channel donor funds to emerging farmers to improve their export competitiveness in terms of quality, standards and know-how.