The 2007/2008 groundnut marketing season  will start today, Monday, December 10, 2007, according to reports from the Agribusiness Services and Producers Association (ASPA).

ASPA which is the inter-professional body vested with the management of the Gambian groundnut sub-sector also announced that the groundnut producer price of D7, 200.00 dalasis per metric ton farm gate for the 2007/08 groundnut marketing season.

This year's price is an increase of D700.00 per metric ton over last year's price and compares quite favourably with what pertains in the sub-region.

According to ASPA, all Cooperative Marketing Societies (CPMS), Private Traders and any agent wishing to participate in groundnut buying at primary level (Secco), are requested to prepare their equipment and clean their secco grounds accordingly.

ASPA also reminds all those wishing to participate in this year's groundnut marketing season that they must register with ASPA, be issued with a registration certificate and comply with the eligibility criteria for participation in the 2007/2008 groundnut marketing season, which amongst other things requires prompt payment to the farmers for deliveries.

ASPA assured groundnut producers that this year's producer price was arrived at, using the officially recognised producer price determination mechanism, which takes into account the World Market Price for groundnut products as well as parameters and ratios relevant to the domestic marketing system.

Farmers in the country are urged to sell their produce through the existing marketing outlets.