Technical Information & Study Groups

Members have access to technical information on production, and harvesting, packing and MRLs through the Subtrop Journal, the Subtrop Bulletin, SAMGA website, SAMGA App¸ technical literature and study groups.

Study groups provide growers with opportunities to:

• View and learn from other growers' operations.
• Share ideas, knowledge and best practices.
• Receive feedback from SAMGA board meetings.
• Learn about the latest developments in production practices.
• Network with input suppliers.
• Help determine SAMGA's priorities and ensure activities remain relevant to growers.

Production Research

SAMGA funds research aimed at finding practical solutions to production challenges and supporting the long-term sustainability of the mango industry.

Research priorities are determined by grower members, with research results published annually in the SAMGA Research Yearbook.

Recent research has included:

• Testing of new cultivars.
• Gall fly management.
• Control of blossom malformation.
• Near-infrared technology for detecting internal disorders in the packhouse.
• Understanding fruit fly behaviour to improve control methods.
• Alternatives to prochloraz and cleaning of chemical residues off packlines.
• Postharvest treatments to support access to new export markets.

Access to New Markets

Access to new export markets creates new opportunities for South African mango growers and can contribute to the profitability and long-term sustainability of the industry.

SAMGA works with government and other stakeholders to pursue access to new international markets. Through this work, access to India was achieved in 2016, with ongoing efforts focused on markets including Vietnam, China, Thailand and Japan.

Market Information

SAMGA supplies information to allow role players in the value chain to make better marketing decisions.

• Crop estimates.
• Daily volumes and prices on the major fresh produce markets.
• Export estimates.
• Daily export volumes passed for export.

Liaison with Government

SAMGA is recognised by the Department of Agriculture as the representative body of the mango industry. This enables SAMGA to represent growers' interests and engage directly with government on matters affecting the industry.

SAMGA participates, through Subtrop, in Department of Agriculture working groups dealing with important issues such as food safety and chemical residues (MRLs), helping growers remain informed about regulatory developments.

Representation of Growers' Interests

SAMGA represents the interests of mango growers through Subtrop on industry platforms including Fruit SA and in engagements with government and other stakeholders.

This representation gives growers a collective voice on issues affecting the mango industry, including grading regulations, food safety, chemical residue requirements and access to international markets.

Maximising Value for Growers

SAMGA recognises that levies are a cost to growers and works to manage its resources responsibly so that members receive maximum value from their investment.

By working collectively on research, technical information, market access and industry representation, SAMGA undertakes initiatives that individual growers cannot achieve on their own.