By Surihe Gaomas WINDHOEK The 2007 agricultural outlook for Namibia is positive according to the President of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), Raimar von Hase. Despite having to wait for rains, farmers and producers in the agricultural industry could expect a bright year ahead, he said yesterday. Von Hase said that with the current good beef prices, cattle farmers could look forward to improved incomes from their production. Although beef prices have been fairly low in the past, since September 2005 beef prices rose by a satisfactory level of 40 percent. “I am very confident that we will be able to maintain these price levels and we can expect a significant rise for both beef and lamb producers. “The lower prices in the past had made cattle farmers quite despondent, but now things are looking up again,” explained Von Hase. Although it is not a cut and dried issue yet, indications are that Namibia will be able to export its lamb products on the bone to the lucrative market of the European Union (EU). As a result, sheep farmers have a reason to smile this year, says Von Hase. “Exporting bone in certain cuts of lamb for the first time to the EU will have a significant impact on many sheep farmers in the country and by the looks of things, there seems to be a silver lining in the clouds for mutton abroad,” said Von Hase adding that this was further helped by adequate slaughtering facilities in the country. “Luckily, we have the slaughtering capacity in place and this is a good sign for the producers, but also for the economy. So, seeing that the indications are good, we should grab the opportunity with both hands,” said Von Hase. Other sectors of agriculture like Karakul pelts – which were once referred to as ‘Black Diamonds’ – were being revived again. In view of this, Von Hase is encouraging farmers, especially those in the south, to gain a foothold once again in this sector. Namibian karakul pelts are a luxury product abroad, and producers can tap into this market and make considerable profits. “Karakul sheep can easily adapt to the harsh and dry conditions of the south. These sheep can be easily reared and handled. So, I encourage farmers to return to Karakul farming,” added Von Hase. Looking at the dairy industry this year, the situation looks promising as well with satisfactory maize prices. In the past, dairy producers used to feel the pinch from cheap imports of such products from neighbouring South Africa. However, now that a “certain levy has been placed on UTH milk from South Africa to protect local production in Namibia, the industry is recovering well,” said Von Hase. Another area that is has seen significant growth over the years is that of agro-tourism especially through mushrooming guest farms used primarily for professional trophy hunting. “Namibia is fast gaining importance in trophy hunting as it gets marketed in places like the United States and Germany for example. And with the country’s tourism-friendly policy, this industry is well on track,” he noted. Regarding land reform, Von Hase said it is important for government to continue to handle the process responsibly.