Holistic
Agriplan approaches each project holistically, to cover all aspects which will impact on the success of such market. The specific local environment for every market is considered to understand the existing value chain, with its limitations, opportunities and potential synergies.
The production of fresh produce within a reasonable reach from the market is important, however, the establishment of a fresh produce market often provides the stimulus for increased production. Although of vital importance, a market is not the only requirement for successful farming and a plan is often required to support and improve farming practices. Agriplan is well positioned to also assist in this respect, due to extensive experience in the farming of tree crops, vegetables and salads.
Logistic infrastructure and availability of transport, the availability of electricity, water and other services, are also considered.
Importantly, the consumption capacity in the region and competitive facilities are considered, as well as the optimal trading model for each specific market.
Value adding opportunities from production and marketing perspectives are also taken into account, with various other relevant factors.
Design
Based on the analysis of the environment, challenges and opportunities, for a fresh produce market, a functional design is done for a specific market. During this process, an operational model is designed, the staff structure designed, sketch plans drawn and a financial model developed. In this process, care is being taken to ensure that the deficiencies experienced in existing fresh produce markets are avoided and innovation, improved efficiency and modernisation introduced.
A key aspect is to address the needs for all potential buyers, from small informal traders to supermarkets and international buyers. In this way, the market is positioned to not only support the short-term needs of the farmers, but also offer them with a growth path in terms of markets, volumes and prices.
Business Plan Development
The ultimate objective with a fresh produce market study, is to develop a compelling business plan, which can be used to attract funding for the project. The critical path of this process can be summarised as follows:
- Phase 1
- Understand the local environment and value chain
- Consider the site options
- Determine the potential market size
- Phase 2
- Develop a functional design
- Produce a high-level financial model
- Prepare a pre-feasibility report
- Phase 3
- Present the pre-feasibility report to the client, with recommendations
- Agree with client on way forward
- Phase 4
- If the pre-feasibility study confirms feasibility of the project, proceed with detail planning
- Develop a site layout and sketch plans for the market
- Refine the financial model with accurate costings
- Compile a bankable business plan
- Phase 5
- Present the Bankable Business Plan to the Client
- If required, present the Business Plan to potential funders
Project Implementation
If required, Agriplan is very well positioned to actively take part in the construction, operationalisation and running of the market. This process may include the following aspects:
- Doing the detail architectural and engineering designs
- Provide the quantity surveying services
- Develop tender documentation for the appointment of a construction company
- Support the tender process, including the tender evaluation
- Do the project management
- Specifying position requirements and support the recruitment process
- Training of staff
- Mentoring of management
- Development of market operating rules
- Development of policies and procedures
- Provide an oversight role and provide strategic direction to assist the new market to stay on the right track and to grow optimally
