Easing of import rules on the table

THE NAMIBIAN and South African governments were working out a new veterinary import that would considerably ease the restrictions imposed by South Africa on Namibian livestock exports from July 1, a senior Namibian government official has said. Namibian chief veterinary officer Milton Maseke said although South Africa had steadfastly refused to ease the requirement for a series of pre-export quarantines and animal health inspections, it was willing to consider an alternative veterinary import permit. He said Namibians had exported minimal numbers of small stock such as sheep and goats, but that there had been no weaner exports to South Africa since the new regulations came into force. In terms of the arrangements under discussion, Namibian livestock could be exported to registered South African feedlots, but would still be subject to the same quarantine and health check rules. However, no timeframe was given for the conclusion of talks on the new export policy. Namibian Agricultural Union chief executive Sakkie Coetzee said the proposed policy would give minimal relief to farmers. He said farmers were in a crisis because on one hand South Africa was no longer importing Namibian cattle, while on the other, the drought had taken a heavy toll on the livestock farming business. – ANA