Pork management scheme in spotlight
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
While the pork industry is growing under the pork management scheme, there are technical aspects that need to be realigned.
This was found in a review of the scheme by the Meat Board, which was discussed at a meeting that focused on the current performance of the sector.
According to the board, the pork sector is stable, however, ceiling prices have declined by 0.60% in comparison to the first quarter of last year.
The Namibia Agriculture Union said the decline is in line with the corresponding trend in the South African market as a direct impact of the coronavirus, while the sector is also faced with skyrocketing feed prices.
South African imports also continue to dominate total imports, although imports from Europe are gaining significance.
Performance and barriers
With the current pork market share promotion scheme, which was announced in October 2012, coming to an end in October, an assessment was conducted by the Meat Board to review its performance and barriers.
The review indicated that the scheme is essential to grow the industry. This is evident from statistics that a total of 215 648 local pigs were slaughtered eight years prior to the scheme and 337 662 pigs were slaughtered during the scheme. This amounted to 57% growth.
However, certain technical aspects of the scheme need realignment to ensure broader producer participation, fair pricing, gradual competitiveness and value addition.
Scheme particulars
According to the scheme, suppliers in Namibia must first purchase a certain number of local pork before importing.
Due to seasonal market trends, the scheme is managed with a 1:2 import quota between February and September, and 1:3 from October to January.
Anyone who participates in the scheme must be registered with the Meat Board.
Due to how small the industry is in Namibia, processed products are not part of the scheme, as a shortage in the market must be prevented on certain products.
The Meat Board will validate its preliminary findings through questionnaires, while the proposal for a new scheme design is earmarked to take place in August.
WINDHOEK
While the pork industry is growing under the pork management scheme, there are technical aspects that need to be realigned.
This was found in a review of the scheme by the Meat Board, which was discussed at a meeting that focused on the current performance of the sector.
According to the board, the pork sector is stable, however, ceiling prices have declined by 0.60% in comparison to the first quarter of last year.
The Namibia Agriculture Union said the decline is in line with the corresponding trend in the South African market as a direct impact of the coronavirus, while the sector is also faced with skyrocketing feed prices.
South African imports also continue to dominate total imports, although imports from Europe are gaining significance.
Performance and barriers
With the current pork market share promotion scheme, which was announced in October 2012, coming to an end in October, an assessment was conducted by the Meat Board to review its performance and barriers.
The review indicated that the scheme is essential to grow the industry. This is evident from statistics that a total of 215 648 local pigs were slaughtered eight years prior to the scheme and 337 662 pigs were slaughtered during the scheme. This amounted to 57% growth.
However, certain technical aspects of the scheme need realignment to ensure broader producer participation, fair pricing, gradual competitiveness and value addition.
Scheme particulars
According to the scheme, suppliers in Namibia must first purchase a certain number of local pork before importing.
Due to seasonal market trends, the scheme is managed with a 1:2 import quota between February and September, and 1:3 from October to January.
Anyone who participates in the scheme must be registered with the Meat Board.
Due to how small the industry is in Namibia, processed products are not part of the scheme, as a shortage in the market must be prevented on certain products.
The Meat Board will validate its preliminary findings through questionnaires, while the proposal for a new scheme design is earmarked to take place in August.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article