WINDHOEK – Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), John Mutorwa, last Thursday launched the most important document in the history of the livestock and meat industry when he received a documented study for a shared plan for economic growth entitled “Common Vision of the Livestock and Meat Industry of Namibia” from Meat Board chairperson Patricia Gurubes.
The comprehensive report comes at a time where the industry is characterised by severe fragmentation, mistrust and self-interest, which have severely hampered growth and development in the industry.
Describing it as a milestone event, Mutorwa reminded all role players in the industry that a common vision is meaningless without the implementation of strategic and workable plans.
He said the common vision was finalised after laborious debate and drafting of many documents and finally concluded by the ministries of MAWF, Trade and Industry, Finance and State-owned enterprises. Mutorwa encouraged all present at the meeting to debate and focus on the important actions for immediate execution, stressing the importance of the industry operating under one umbrella.
Gurubes said a major paradigm shift was necessary to alter the focus of the different role players from self-interest on the growth of the entire industry.
“Livestock number in the industry is decreasing and this will have a major impact on the present and especially the future financial viability of farmers, role players and the industry. This is a serious matter of concern as farmers move to more financially viable commodities such as game farming or tourism, predators are increasing, the implementation of export restricting schemes and in general the environment to farm is becoming less conducive – something the common vision will strive to address.”
She also stressed that the industry needs to exploit the livestock resource base north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, saying selling the same number of cattle on a percentage basis north of the fence as south of the fence will add some N$600 million per annum to producer income.
She appealed to government to temporarily relax all export restrictions and to finalise market access to China, Hong Kong, the USA and Russia as soon as possible. “Serious consideration should also be given to finalise approval of bone-in lamb exports to the European Union and to settle livestock export arrangements with South Africa.”