Windhoek
The first step in presenting a strategy to address the critical market shortage of livestock producers in the northern communal areas (NCAs) is expected to be made tomorrow. This follows the Animal Health Consultative Forum (AHCF) appointing a subcommittee to address the export of beef from the area north of the veterinary cordon fence.
The subcommittee appointed last week will provide its first feedback to the AHCF meeting in Windhoek tomorrow, after the first round of deliberations took place last week under the auspices of the Meat Board in the quest to bring relief to NCA producers who find themselves without markets since April last year.
Confirming the latest developments to New Era yesterday, the general manager of the Meat Board Paul Strydom stressed that the subcommittee will particularly look into the export of chilled and/or frozen beef from the area north of the veterinary cordon fence under the present foot-and-mouth disease regime, which should be possible under the requirements set by the International Organisation for Animal Health.
“The cessation of Meatco operations at the government-owned export abattoirs of Eloolo, Oshakati and Ngwezi, Katima Mulilo which was notified to the MAWF (Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry) at the end of October 2015, resulted in a market loss for certain producers north of the VCF (veterinary cordon fence). Further, the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak which was announced last month limits the market availability,” he noted.
The MAWF on February 12 advertised for an expression of interest for the continuation of operations. Meatco intends to commission mobile slaughter units, albeit for the local slaughter market beginning July 2016. It will add slaughter capacity to producers in addition to the government owned abattoirs of Eenhana, Outapi and Opuwu. Rundu abattoir intends to start operations at the end of November 2016.
“The Meat Board will continue with its operations in the north, i.e. the execution of the LPF NCA farmers mentorship programme and the NCA master plan. In the meantime it is advised that the statutory markets such as schools, defence, police and hospitals only purchase meat products originating from north of the VCF. The domestic market, e.g. butcheries and retailers could also assist in addressing the increased demand in slaughtering,” Strydom told New Era.
Government availed N$19.6 million to the livestock marketing scheme as part of its drought relief aid to farmers, but the marketing of animals from the NCAs remains critical.
This unbearable situation last week received the attention of all role players in the meat and livestock industry during an urgent meeting held under the auspices of the Meat Board of Namibia in Windhoek.
Strydom says a lasting solution is of utmost importance after producers in the NCAs found themselves in the marketing wilderness when foot-and-mouth disease last year halted all slaughtering at Meatco’s abattoirs in Katima Mulilo and Oshakati. Meatco has since handed back the only two abattoirs in the NCAs to government and rolled out a new business plan that will kick in by June this year and which entails mobile slaughtering units to curb costs.