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FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MARKETING AUTHORITY
(FAMA)
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is a statutory body
under the Ministry of Agriculture, Malaysia. It was established on 30th
September 1965 under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority Act of
1965. Its objective is to improve the marketing of agricultural produce.
The agricultural produce under its purview includes fruits, vegetables,
flowers and other horticultural produce except padi and rice, rubber,
palm oil, tobacco and marine fish.
The main functions of FAMA are:-
(a) To coordinate marketing activities of agricultural
produce
(b) To promote and develop markets and market outlets
(c) To promote and develop efficient and effective
management
Programs
(a) Development of an effective market information system
Information related to the products under FAMA's purview is obtained
from primary and secondary sources and compiled, analyzed and
disseminated to producers, market intermediaries, relevant government
agencies and other users.
(b) Export market
promotion
Promotional activities such as in-store displays, participation in trade
fairs and exhibitions, distribution of promotional materials, trial
shipments, and advertisements in trade journals are undertaken to
increase exports of Malaysian produce. Where possible FAMA works in
co-operation with the private sector in carrying out export market
promotion.
(c)
Domestic market promotion
Campaigns are held to promote consumption of local fruits, vegetables,
fresh water fish, coconut water, fresh milk and other products.
(d) Development of Agro-based processing
The processing of horticultural produce and manufacturing of food and
non-food products is encouraged. FAMA publicies opportunities available
in this sub-sector and actively promotes viable projects.
(e) Direct trading involvement
FAMA is involved in trading activities to introduce new products and
develop new markets or market segment. Trading activities undertaken by
FAMA serve to complement the private sector's role by expanding markets
and providing additional outlets for farmers.
(f) Extension and education
Extension courses, workshops, seminars, field visits, demonstration,
individual advisory programs and distribution of pamphlets and posters
from part of the extension program undertaken by FAMA. Target groups
include both farmers and market intermediaries.
(g)
Farmers' participation in marketing
Farmers are encouraged to participate in marketing activities through
retailing their produce at weekly Farmers' Market or through wholesaling
at Farmers' Wholesale Markets. Farmers' participation in transport,
storage and packaging are also encouraged either directly or through
Farmers' Associations.
(h) Standards and grading
In addition to the implementation of statutory grading for export
products, such as star fruit and papaya exotica. FAMA encourages the use
of standards in the marketing of agricultural produce. Growers, packers
and exporters are given training and guidance to enable them to comply
with accepted quality standards.
(i)
Development of market infrastructure and facilities
FAMA is involved in developing farm collection centres, cold rooms,
grading centres, export promotion centres and other physical
infrastructure for efficient marketing of horticultural produce. FAMA
also operates transport facilities in order to effectively implement the
trading and development programs undertaken.
(j) Improving marketing efficiency
FAMA undertakes to license and set guidelines for marketers of some
products (e.g. coffee, coconuts, etc) as well as working together with
local authorities to improve the system of collection and distribution
of various produce.
Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA)
(Ministry of Agriculture Malaysia)
Fama Point Building, Lot 17304, Jalan Persiaran1, Bandar Baru
Selayang,
68100 Batu Caves, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel: 603-6138 9622 Fax: 603-6136 5597, 6138
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