Pick n Pay takes lead in dtic organics initiative, SUPERMARKET.CO.ZA

As part of the food-processing workshop hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (dtic) on Friday 23 March in Bryanston, Johannesburg, Minister Rob Davies visited Pick n Pay’s flagship store, On Nicol in Hurlingham, to launch the Organic Farmer/Retailer Programme.

Pick n Pay is the first retailer to agree to provide dedicated organic produce shelf space in 50 stores countrywide as its contribution to facilitating the development of the organic produce sector and emerging farmers.

“Supporting local small farmers to become sustainable suppliers to the retail industry, is the very Mission of the Ackerman Pick n Pay Foundation,” says Suzanne Ackerman-Berman, director of transformation at Pick n Pay. “We have for many years supported emerging farmers and small suppliers around the country, not only though providing much-needed market access, but also through mentorship and training programmes, as well as assistance with the acquisition of equipment, livestock and agricultural input requirements.”

Ackerman-Berman said that part of the retailer’s overarching produce strategy and vision is to support small emerging farmers. To this end their buying teams work very closely with the Foundation and other supporting bodies such as the DTIC, IDC and NEF to develop and grow emerging farmers.

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