Application process

1. The submission of a completed application form to the FPEF secretariat signed either by the owner, major shareholder or the designated CEO of the business applying for membership;


2. The submission of a signed copy of the Code of Conduct (initialed on every page) by the new applicant;


3. The submission of a signed copy of either Form A or Form B, depending on whether the exporter company seeking membership export's products on behalf of others as an agent (Form A), or whether the company seeking membership export's only his own product (Form B); *


4. The submission of a signed declaration by the company's bankers of the establishment of a non-statutory producer trust bank account (sample letter available from the FPEF secretariat); *


5. The submission of a copy of the company's standard marketing agreement carrying the best practice principles laid down by the FPEF which includes reference to the established producer trust bank account;*


6. The submission of two letters of endorsement from existing members of the Forum (the originals of which are submitted to the FPEF secretariat on the endorsing companies' letterheads), signed by the owner, major shareholder or managing director of the endorsing companies. Companies of two years or more standing with the FPEF are the only members entitled to 'endorse' a new applicant.


7. A formal interview with the CEO of the Forum;


8. 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, including enquiries in the industry on the commercial standing, integrity and style of leadership of the applicant and its management team;*


9. The submission of the applicant's company brochure for lodging with the FPEF secretariat;


10. A submission by the applicant (to the FPEF secretariat) in the case of any of its senior management ever having been previously liquidated or sequestrated while engaging in business, whether or not that business was related to the fruit industry or whether that business was in or out of South Africa.

* does not apply to associate member applications