SA Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp announced the agreement at the Agri North West Congress on September 3. “This is a major milestone for SA’s agricultural sector, which has been facing one of the biggest foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in decades,” Aucamp said.
Aucamp said the agreement would provide support to red meat farmers affected by the outbreak and create new export opportunities for the wider agricultural sector.
SA and Egypt concluded negotiations on a Veterinary Health Certificate governing red meat exports between the two countries. Shipments can begin after final signatures are added to the agreement.
The certificate will provide SA exporters with a clear regulatory framework for accessing Egypt’s consumer market while ensuring compliance with animal health and food safety requirements.
SA beef and livestock producers will gain an opportunity to expand operations, diversify export markets and increase contributions to the national economy.
Aucamp credited the negotiating team for reaching the agreement through engagement with Egyptian veterinary authorities. “The outcome of these negotiations was achieved through constructive engagement with the Egyptian veterinary authorities,” Aucamp said.
“Government remains committed to strengthening international trade relations and expanding market access opportunities for SA’s red meat sector.”
After SA’s first reference, SA’s red meat industry has faced pressure from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which has affected livestock production and market access.
The agreement with Egypt forms part of SA government efforts to improve the competitiveness and resilience of agriculture while supporting inclusive economic growth and employment creation.
Aucamp said access to international markets could increase revenue throughout rural economies, including livestock farming, meat processing, transport and other parts of the agricultural value chain. “Every international market SA opens creates an opportunity for money to flow back into the rural economy and build commerce along our value chains,” Aucamp said.
Finalisation of the Veterinary Health Certificate will allow qualifying exporters to begin preparing shipments for Egypt under the agreed health and safety conditions.
–ChannelAfrica–
