The production of GSPP-certified vegetable seedlings The Dutch company Grow Group International B.V. (part of Plantise International B.V.) is specialised in grafting and production of seedlings for commercial growers. The company was established in 1953 and now has four production sites in the Netherlands of in total about 23 ha, and a number abroad amongst which China, Egypt, Mexico and Morocco.Together with the South African nursery Multiplant Speedling Kwekerij CC (part of Multiplant Investment Holding LTD), they want to set up a production facility for GSPP-certified vegetable seedlings.Multiplant is a nursery, started in the fifties, and now owned by the second generation. The company produces (non-grafted) seedlings for the local market, mainly cabbage and lettuce. Multiplant has 5 ha of greenhouses and about 100 employees.The partners will set up a joint venture to produce GSPP-certified grafted seedlings for cucumber, melon, peppers, tomato and watermelon. These will be marketed to local growers.The GSPP-certification will mean that:•	seed and seedling production will be isolated from the environment.•	infections will be prevented by management of the risk factors (water, people, and propagation material).•	monitoring of the seeds and young plants during growing season.•	all products will be tested before delivery.•	the joint venture will be audited by an independent auditor.This will enable the joint venture to supply good, disease free seedlings to local growers.With regard to the impact, the proposal presents a clearer picture of the effects the project will have on the chain. This is for instance done in the description on the use of local suppliers, but also the cooperation with Tswane University of Technology.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)•	Employees will receive training and they will be able to acquire the necessary knowledge. Employees will be paid above average wages.•	A medical fund will be established which will pay for the medical bills of the employees.•	A cooperation with Tswane University of Technology will be set up and internships offered to students.•	Furthermore, a BBBEE (Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment) certificate will be acquired.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe joint venture will pay its employees 10% extra on top of the official South African minimum wages.(There is only one official minimum wage in South Africa limited to basic-level jobs. All other wages are based on individual agreements between employees and employers. For this reason approximates are used for medium- and high-level wages.)In general, all employees will be trained in general safety and hygiene procedures.The biggest hazard at the nursery is applying chemicals. By using a tractor with a closed cabin and a chemical applicator this will be minimised and spraying is carried out after normal working hours, preventing staff from getting into contact with chemicals. Grafting is carried out by using surgical knifes. Employees are trained in using these tools and the prevention of work-related injuries.Fringe benefits will be offered:- Free day care at the crèche for employees' infants and toddlers. Free housing for employees and retired employees.- Free medical care (medical fund).- Company clothing and footwear (boots, coverall etc).- Work-related education to improve their skills.- Knowledge on sexual transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS and preventive measures and birth control.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeAlthough grafting is not new for South Africa, the GSPP-protocol and disease free production of seedlings is.•	Chain effectsThe local suppliers of bark, peat and coco mediums and organic fertilisers will gain more information from the joint venture about the specific needs of vegetable plants and the requirements of GSPP-certification. The joint venture will work with these suppliers in order to develop suitable products. Several different mixtures of mediums and organic fertilisers will be developed and tested at the nursery.Raw materials will all be purchased with regard to sustainability and BBBEE.Customers will get access to healthier products of improved quality than what is now available on the local market. The vegetables will not be affected by diseases as much as the current products. Clients will furthermore benefit through:- Improved technical knowledge on plant raising provided by the joint venture.- Far less diseased plants.- Less losses.- Reduced need of chemicals and therefore also healthier working conditions.- Better quality produce.- Higher yields.•	Impact on the sectorThe joint venture will set standards for the seedling industry in South Africa which other producers will have to follow. More emphasis is now being laid on producing good products with high yields. GSPP is an important standard will have to follow due to increasing market demands from both farmers and consumers.The joint venture will sign an agreement with Tswane University of Technology to offer training to 6 students during the PSI project. These students will be trained for management positions. The University has also indicated it would like to involve the joint venture in their MSc programme.The joint venture will furthermore involve local certifying agencies in GSPP-audits and certification.•	EnvironmentThe project will contribute to a reduction of fertigation. At this time farmers use an excess of fertilisers. The joint venture will use watering techniques to reduce the use of fertiliser and will show these techniques to clients.The use of bactericides will also be reduced by using alternative methods such as clean light.The products, produced by the joint venture, will also lead to a reduction in the use of chemicals. These plants need less or no pesticides to eradicate diseases and pests.•	Position of womenThe joint venture will employ mainly women (85%). To set up a company for the production of about 1,900,000 Good Seed and Plant Practices (GSPP-)certified vegetable seedlings per year.