Silence of the lambs irks farmers

17 March 2010, New Era
URL: http://www.newera.com.na/article.php?articleid=9990

Windhoek:  Patience is running out among small-stock farmers for the long-awaited implementation of the proposed levy on export of live small-stock to South Africa.

All sections of the agricultural sector, from unions to farmers’ associations, are calling on Government to implement the proposals to which all parties have agreed, as the current set-up continues to weigh down on small-stock farmers in the country.

Agitating farmers more is the fact that after numerous discussions and agreements high peak season has again dawned for small-stock farmers – a period during which they could otherwise reap high yields from the sale of their sheep only if the proposed amendments to the levy were in place.

The issue is expected to dominate today’s Livestock Producers Forum meeting in Windhoek, as farmers expect to receive feedback from a meeting with Government early this year. The Government had said it would work towards implementation by this month.

The delay has already prompted some farmers to propose a demonstration to petition President Hifikepunye Pohamba for a speedy implementation, a proposal that was blasted by both the Namibia Agriculture Union (NAU) and the Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU).

NAU attributed the submission “to individual farmers that are getting impatient”, while the NNFU called it “an uncalled for irresponsible action [by] some members in the farming circles”.

Nevertheless, the two unions want Government to implement the proposal to eliminate uncertainty among small-stock producers.

Not so long ago, Government imposed an export ratio of six to one small livestock, which compels producers to first slaughter six small-stock inside the country before they can export one on the hoof. The rationale is to protect and uplift the local small-stock industry, through increased throughput at abattoirs and eventually create other value addition industries from such spin offs.

Unfortunately, says farmers, the protectionism presented abattoirs with the opportunity to feed off the open loopholes within the system. Supply exceeded demand during high seasons and prices at abattoirs were almost similar, with no single abattoir giving a higher price to attract throughput more than that of others. Further, local prices were not as attractive as the prices at South African abattoirs.

The new proposals to which farmers, abattoirs, and Government agreed to suggest a levy of N$40 per small-stock exported, and also ask Government through the ministries of agriculture as well as trade and industry to have an effective border control system on the number of small-stock exported.

Meat Board of Namibia, which had unfortunately found itself at the receiving end from farmers and abattoirs, has hinted the fear of possible reimbursement suits from the ongoing impasse and has suggested a final settlement to the issue this year.

Meat Board of Namibia had received flack from farmers who point at differences in prices, between Namibia and South Africa, to which the board also agrees. Abattoirs, however, are pinching Meat Board of Namibia that they say has little control at borders.

Meat Board of Namibia is, however, certain that a solution for all parties is possible. It says this solution could be similar to the system used in the slaughter of oxen.