The PPECB strongly believes that the value of research in today’s ever-changing environment cannot be overstated. As such research on critical matters such as packaging, cold chain management and other aspects of postharvest management have always been an important focus for the organisation.
Challenges as a result of climate change, new products entering the market, changes in consumer demand and preferences, phytosanitary restrictions and barriers to entry into some markets all place immense pressure on the industry and make it harder to maintain current markets or expand into new ones.
While the PPECB was traditionally viewed as a regulator or enforcer of a minimum standard, the organisation has worked hard over the past years to reposition itself as an industry enabler focused on making South African perishable products more competitive in the global market. Fulfilling an enabling role is not only accomplished by enforcing minimum quality standards on export produce, but also by contributing to the knowledge base regarding the postharvest handling of produce.
With this in mind, the PPECB’s Research and Development (R&D) division has a research strategy which not only focuses on basic research, but also seeks to ensure the research is applied with the aim of finding solutions to problems faced by the industry.
In line with the PPECB’s value of collaboration, the R&D division places immense focus on forming research alliances with local and international institutions. By combining expertise and resources, a problem that would otherwise be insurmountable for a single institution can more readily be dealt with by combining the knowledge and expertise of different institutions. Furthermore, working together with other research institutions prevents duplication of research and ensures the best utilisation of resources.
Finally, the R&D division also has a strong focus on innovation and making the work of the PPECB and stakeholders easier, faster and more efficient. This includes remaining abreast with new technologies implemented in other countries which can be sourced and tested for local use.