3 October 2023
Carien Kruger
Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, said her department will be more efficient at issuing import permits for egg products as the highly contagious avian influenza causes egg shortages in northern South Africa.
Didiza made the commitment yesterday when she met retailers to discuss the impact of avian influenza. Egg prices are rising in stores in northern provinces, where the H7N6 strain of the disease has led to the loss of millions of laying hens.
According to a statement, Didiza met the South African Poultry Association on Friday after discussions between government officials and the industry.
The minister told retailers about steps taken to limit the spread of the disease and possible solutions to manage such outbreaks in the short and medium term, including vaccination.
Egg production was the main issue, she said, which was why she was focusing on measures to improve egg supply while simultaneously implementing measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Didiza is also exploring the possibility of vaccination and is considering applications from various suppliers.
Regarding potential shortages of chicken meat after the disease broke out among parent birds for broiler chickens and they had to be culled, Didiza and Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, are exploring trade instruments to facilitate the supply of chicken meat.
Considering tariff discounts
According to Phumlani Mavuma of the international trade advisory firm XA, Patel has asked the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) to investigate a temporary rebate on imported frozen chicken pieces.
The request to the commission, according to Mavuma, asks it to investigate swiftly and says Itac must consider whether the temporary rebate should only apply only to regular import duties or whether there should also be a rebate on anti-dumping duties.
The request also says the rebate should be subject to a rebate permit issued by Itac in consultation with Mooketsa Ramasodi, director-general of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
The rebate will be applicable for as long as the chicken meat shortage due to avian influenza persists, ensuring the availability and affordability of chicken meat.Patel’s directive to Itac was announced in the Government Gazette yesterday, and stakeholders have two weeks to comment on it. Comments can be sent to Manini Masithela via email at mmasithela@itac.org.za.
