The critical role of veterinary services in the Western Cape came under the spotlight during a recent visit by the Western Cape minister of agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, to the northeast of Cape Town.
Meyer was visiting the Deli-Co Farmstyle Family Butchery in Riebeeck Kasteel, which harvests up to 2 500 lambs daily.
CEO of Deli-Co, Hendri Truter, said their dressing method is up to the highest proven quality standards. “The veterinarian’s critical role is to ensure the safety of the meat produced in our abattoir. Doing so diligently and professionally has contributed to the growth of our business and jobs in Riebeek Kasteel and surrounding areas,” Truter said.
According to Meyer, Deli-Co is a world-class agri-processing plant, adding that a functional professional veterinary service is critical to the agricultural sector.
Vital for animals and humans
“Our veterinarians play an essential role in protecting animals and the public against zoonotic diseases and diseases of economic importance,” said Meyer.
He also pointed to the province’s veterinarians who facilitate international trade by enabling the import and export of animals, products of animal origin and related products through certification.
“Businesses such as Deli-Co inspire investor, business and consumer confidence. Together with the WCDoA Veterinary Service, Deli-Co plays a critical enabling role aimed at driving economic growth and creating jobs in the agricultural sector,” said Meyer.
Vet services critical to abattoirs
Truter said the family business has grown organically over the past thirty years.
“Our small team of three employees has grown to over 560 permanently employed people in the Deli-Co Group. In addition, we have expanded our business to where we now have top managers for the farm, feed mill, operations, butchery, and production.”
Truter is grateful for the support and guidance provided by the province’s veterinary services throughout the growth of their business.
“We are indebted to the WCDOA’s veterinarians for the guidance and support in growing our business,” he said. “The veterinarian’s critical role is to ensure the safety of the meat produced in our abattoir. Doing so diligently and professionally has contributed to the growth of our business and jobs in Riebeek Kasteel and surrounding areas.”
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