FEDERATION OF RED MEAT PRODUCERS HOLDS TALKS WITH MINISTER LULU XINGWANA
30 May 2007
The Federation of Red Meat Producers, comprising the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (NERPO) and the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) met with the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Ms Lulu Xingwana and some of her advisers in Cape Town recently to discuss a number of important issues.
Mr Wilson Muvhulawa, Chairperson of the Federation, explained the objectives of the Federation to the Minister and said that NERPO and RPO work closely to address common issues. However emerging livestock farmers still face numerous challenges that hider their development to become commercial farmers, such as access to land, infrastructure and production finance. Commercial farmers on the other hand focus on the business side of livestock farming such as optimizing production and access to both local and international markets. This is the reason that NERPO and the RPO are still separate organisations although both use the Federation to lobby and discuss common issues. He also thanked the RPO for the mentorship role its members play to assist emerging producers.
Mr Anorld Brand, the National Chairperson of RPO, advised the Minister that the Statutory Levy in the Red Meat Industry created the capacity to deal with certain essential functions. He further advised the Minister that the continuation of the next phase of the levy is essential and is supported by NERPO and RPO.
Mr Gerhard Schutte, CEO of RPO, requested the Minister to ensure that the current 40% ad variorum tariff is kept at the current level in order to level the playing field in terms of highly subsidised industries of the First World Countries. He said that a study by the University of the Free State proved that a drop in the tariff would have a severe negative effect on the industry, especially the emerging sector. Ms Xingwana undertook to invite input from the red meat industry before her department starts any international and regional trade negotiations.
Mr Aggrey Mahanjana, Group Executive Director of NERPO, put animal health and meat safety under the spotlight and emphasised the need for uniform animal health and meat safety standards across provinces, not only to assure the consumer of a safe product, but also to maintain high meat quality and hygiene nationally. He informed the Minister of a report drafted by the Animal Health Forum, which explained in detail all major constraints regarding animal health in South Africa. This forum consists of all role players in the livestock industries as well as veterinary association.
Mr Mahanjana also thanked the Minister for approving and signing the livestock development strategy. He said that he is satisfied that all role-players were involved with the drafting of the plan. He asked the Minister to ensure that the plan is properly implemented and is well coordinated between provinces. He also stressed that a proper disaster management strategy be formulated, especially with regard to the recurrent
drought situation in Limpopo and North West provinces in particular.
The Minister welcomed the constructive meeting and valuable information from the Federation and undertook to support all the South African Livestock Farmers as she believes that they are a very important component of the Agricultural Sector.
Issued on behalf of the Federation of Red Meat Producers. Enquiries Mr Aggrey Mahanjana, NERPO (0825567297) or Mr Gerhard Schutte, RPO (0825567296)
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