South African red meat producers are a step closer to accessing the sizeable Egyptian consumer market after the two countries concluded negotiations on a Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) governing red meat exports.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp announced the breakthrough at the Agri North West Congress on Thursday, 3 September, describing it as an important milestone for the sector at a time when producers are grappling with one of the country’s biggest foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in decades.
Shipments will, however, only be cleared once the agreement has been formally signed.
“This is a major milestone for South Africa’s agricultural sector, which has been facing one of the biggest foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in decades,” Aucamp said.
“I sat with my team on Monday and emphasised that we have to get this right as our red meat farmers need this, and I am pleased that the team made it happen.”
Aucamp credited the negotiating team and engagement with Egyptian veterinary authorities for reaching the agreement.
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New opportunities for producers
The finalisation of the VHC is expected to give exporters a clear regulatory framework for supplying the Egyptian market while ensuring compliance with the required animal health and food safety standards.
Access to Egypt could provide opportunities for South African red meat producers and processors to expand their operations and diversify their export destinations, the Department of Agriculture said.
The agreement also comes as the livestock industry continues to deal with FMD, which has placed considerable pressure on producers and highlighted the importance of animal health in maintaining and expanding international market access.
“Every international market South Africa opens creates an opportunity for money to flow back into the rural economy and build commerce along our value chains,” Aucamp said.
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