Consumer ChickenFactsNews is monitoring the developments around the call for VAT-free chicken which would most certainly be welcomed by consumers.
Chicken accounts for 66% of meat consumption in South Africa as its most affordable meat protein source, however cost-of-living remains a major concern for cash-strapped South Africans.
The Association of Meat Importers & Exporters (AMIE) has endorsed the mounting calls for VAT free chicken.
Joined by the Chairman of AMIE, Seymour Talpert, and Poultry Bulletin editor, Melinda Shaw, Newzroom Afrika unpacks the industry’s recent call for chicken to be exempt from Value Added Tax.
Industry News
Brazil has entered into a voluntary suspension of poultry exports due to a Newcastle disease outbreak on one of its farms. This suspension may potentially decrease the global trade of chicken by up to 60 000 tons per month. Brazil is the largest exporter of chicken globally and accounts for more than 70% of South Africa’s annual domestic imports.
Fewer chicken imports puts pressure on local producers to meet demand, which amounts to inevitable price increases on local supply, as well as higher import prices. The impact on domestic imports may significantly impact food security in South Africa, as chicken is the predominant protein source for millions of South Africans.
Recently the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has released a notice regarding the outbreak of Newcastle Disease in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande du Sol.
Agricultural News
The Department of Agriculture has ramped-up measures to reduce the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in the Eastern Cape. The department has classified several FMD-affected parts of the province as a disease management area (DMA).
Infected farms have been vaccinated and placed under quarantine to curb the viral load. High risk farms of have also been vaccinated to reduce the spread of the outbreak. The DMA is expected to take measures to control the movement of animals within the affected area to safeguard the spread of the outbreaks.
Livestock farmers around the country are urged to restrict animal movement and practice stringent biosecurity control on their farms, as there are still active cases of FMD in other provinces including the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.
Trade News
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has published guidelines explaining how agricultural safeguard duties on certain products from the EU and the UK will be implemented. Read more on the article here.