Second permit may bring relief

Nearly two months after the stringent livestock import regulations of South Africa were introduced, no weaners have been exported by Namibia, but some relief might be in sight with an alternative veterinary import permit for livestock that is being developed.
Experts yesterday were of the opinion that the alternative import permit will only bring minimal relief to farmers as livestock will still be subjected to costly tests.
South Africa introduced the new livestock import regulations for Namibia on July 1.
The chief veterinary officer at the agriculture ministry, Dr Milton Maseke, yesterday told Namibian Sun that some small stock had been exported to South Africa but no weaners had left the country since July. He said although joint meetings were continuing, they have realised that the authorities will not change their minds. He said an alternative import permit is being developed whereby feedlots in South Africa can register to receive Namibian livestock under less strict import conditions.
That would mean that the feedlots would be subjected to strict testing and auditing processes to qualify, though.
Masheke said that must first be set up in Namibia, but it would bring some relief to Namibian farmers.
He could not say when the alternative permit will be implemented.
Asked whether feedlots in South Africa would be interested in registering for such a system, agricultural economist Andre Mouton said they would certainly be willing as they are dependent on a supply of Namibian cattle. “They are very reliant on us as at least 10% of their purchases are from Namibia,” Mouton said.
The CEO of the Namibia Agricultural Union, Sakkie Coetzee, said they are aware that consultations are continuing and look forward to a solution.
Regarding the alternative import permit, he said the relief would probably be minimal.
“Things will not be as they were before. We will likely have to do one test instead of the two tests that we are doing now where there is a 90-day waiting period in between,” he said.
The regulations have forced the Meat Board of Namibia to cancel its export scheme to limited South African destinations.
The Meat Board said it cancelled the scheme on 11 August as the new veterinary import conditions made it unnecessary.
Coetzee added that the drought in Namibia was taking its toll on farmers and the situation was further worsened by the strict regulations.
According to him farmers currently have only two options: to sell livestock as an emergency measure while the prices are plummeting, or to keep their livestock until the next rainy season.
“Either way this situation causes severe losses.”
Coetzee pointed out that prices at auctions have dropped by nearly 25%.
Namibian Sun earlier this year reported that farmers expressed frustration with South Africa and demanded that the government address the situation.
South Africa was openly accused of using an animal health issue as an excuse to create a trade barrier for Namibia.
While local industry players have previously brought the new import regulations to the attention of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), it will once again be put on the agenda in October.
Namibia exports around 240 000 weaners, 140 000 sheep and 240 000 goats per year to South Africa.

ELLANIE SMIT