Angola fence 'not an option'
A private veterinary consultant says the erection of a fence between Angola and Namibia to prevent foot-and mouth (FMD) disease is not an option.
Dr Alex Toto, who has a background in animal health status and trade, said in his opinion a fence is not viable because of historical commitments.
Toto was speaking at the annual planning session of the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) held in Windhoek, during which producers brainstormed on how to increase domestic production in order to achieve economic growth in the country.
Discussions, amongst others, included on how to improve animal health status in Northern Communal Areas to enable these animals to join mainstream marketing south of the veterinary cordon fence (VCF).
Toto highlighted the best approach to achieving this. He recommend that zones be created that are declared free of FMD.
The LPO is looking at strategies to support this process.
Given that 60 to 70% of weaners that are marketed come from the communal sector, strategies were discussed to add more value in these areas.
According to the LPO, mechanisms must be in place to keep weaners inland and this can only happen if the price ratio between weaners and slaughter animals is more favourable. Therefore, abattoirs have to pay competitive prices, and instead of considering restrictions, should rather look at incentives to keep weaners inland.
Furthermore, the LPO says it appears that communal producers feel there is not enough access to marketing channels, and this aspect should be addressed by the Meat Board of Namibia, together with the rest of the industry, including the LPO. It is also necessary to investigate how to improve the quality of weaners in communal areas, it said.
Meanwhile, Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) board executive council also held a planning session last week for next year.
According to NAU, the main priorities will be to actively get involved, in order to change the agricultural policy, so that growth can take place at farm level. An important part hereof is the development of a joint vision between all roleplayers as well the establishment of a chamber of agriculture at national level.
The union will also actively take part in a successful and sustainable land reform process in Namibia.
Other priorities are to make a difference in the socio-economic situation of farmworkers, to fully implement the national rural safety plan in all regions and improve the image of commercial agriculture in Namibia, through an effective marketing campaign.
ELLANIE SMIT
Dr Alex Toto, who has a background in animal health status and trade, said in his opinion a fence is not viable because of historical commitments.
Toto was speaking at the annual planning session of the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) held in Windhoek, during which producers brainstormed on how to increase domestic production in order to achieve economic growth in the country.
Discussions, amongst others, included on how to improve animal health status in Northern Communal Areas to enable these animals to join mainstream marketing south of the veterinary cordon fence (VCF).
Toto highlighted the best approach to achieving this. He recommend that zones be created that are declared free of FMD.
The LPO is looking at strategies to support this process.
Given that 60 to 70% of weaners that are marketed come from the communal sector, strategies were discussed to add more value in these areas.
According to the LPO, mechanisms must be in place to keep weaners inland and this can only happen if the price ratio between weaners and slaughter animals is more favourable. Therefore, abattoirs have to pay competitive prices, and instead of considering restrictions, should rather look at incentives to keep weaners inland.
Furthermore, the LPO says it appears that communal producers feel there is not enough access to marketing channels, and this aspect should be addressed by the Meat Board of Namibia, together with the rest of the industry, including the LPO. It is also necessary to investigate how to improve the quality of weaners in communal areas, it said.
Meanwhile, Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) board executive council also held a planning session last week for next year.
According to NAU, the main priorities will be to actively get involved, in order to change the agricultural policy, so that growth can take place at farm level. An important part hereof is the development of a joint vision between all roleplayers as well the establishment of a chamber of agriculture at national level.
The union will also actively take part in a successful and sustainable land reform process in Namibia.
Other priorities are to make a difference in the socio-economic situation of farmworkers, to fully implement the national rural safety plan in all regions and improve the image of commercial agriculture in Namibia, through an effective marketing campaign.
ELLANIE SMIT
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