Agri challenges under the spotlight

The National Livestock Marketing Committee (NLMC), through the Meat Board of Namibia, recently held a meeting during which longstanding issues impacting the agricultural sector were discussed. The committee meets on a quarterly basis every year and it forms part of the Meat Board's mandate to establish and facilitate livestock marketing and trade platforms in Namibia.At the meeting, the sheep marketing scheme, market diversification and the marketing of livestock and their products in the Northern Communal Area (NCA) were under discussion.The committee also constantly reviews the performance of these markets and identifies potential new markets in its quest to contribute to enhancing the agricultural sector.The general performance of the industry through livestock marketing opportunities of cattle, goats and sheep were considered, including a breakdown of these commodities into slaughter cattle or weaners, dependent on the different market segments they serve.During the meeting, the marketing of animals locally, as well as live exports to neighbouring countries, was also discussed. The retention of live exported weaners to neighbouring South Africa was also on the agenda to ensure that there will be enough slaughter cattle in the local market by 2019. This paints an accurate picture on how the meat industry will sustain itself going forward.Trade matters and how Namibia benefits from current arrangements were also considered. The committee examined existing trade arrangements with third parties such as the Economic Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) consisting of the Norwegian group and its benefits to the industry. The possible implication of Brexit as well as its impact on Namibia and the Southern African Custom Union (SACU) was one of the issues deliberated. The meeting also highlighted ways in which operators like Meatco can position itself to benefit from the current Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union.According to Meatco's executive stakeholder relations and corporate affairs, Vehaka Tjimune, the agricultural industry is well organised in terms of how matters are addressed through the Meat Board objectively looking at the interest of all the stakeholders at industry level.“This is positive for the agricultural sector in Namibia because it allows for various stakeholders to make decisions that benefit the entire industry,” Tjimune said.In attendance at the meeting were Meatco members who are also part of the Abattoirs Association of Namibia (AAN), the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO), the National Agricultural Union (NAU), the Meat Board and the Livestock Auctioneers, Brokers and Trade Association (LABTA). STAFF REPORTER

Agri challenges under the spotlight

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-22

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Agri challenges under the spotlight

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-22

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