The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) in partnership with the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development and the Red Meat Abattoir Association have managed to secure a deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure exports of South African red meat.
Chief executive officer of RMIS Dewald Olivier said the achievement was as a result of more than a year of strategic engagement between all the role players to reshape the landscape of South African red meat exports.
“Recognising the potential for industry growth, the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development actively engaged RMIS to drive a unified effort towards opening the Saudi Arabian market.
“The subsequent months saw collaborative efforts by all stakeholders, alongside identified facilities, navigating challenges to secure necessary approvals and protocols. This rigorous process distinguished the official announcement from the initial, unverified information,” he said.
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A groundbreaking deal
According to Olivier, the veterinary health certificate as negotiated and agreed by the department, has now been circulated to the respective provinces. The process of including additional facilities in this export market will be clarified with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority as a matter of priority once the export has commenced.
“The success of this initiative is rooted in the Red Meat Strategy 2030, a collective vision established in 2019 by industry organisations, including RMIS. Envisaging a 20% export target for the red meat industry by 2030, the strategy outlines key cross-cutting factors such as industry restructuring, a unified voice, public-private partnerships, compartments, and veterinary services.
“The opening of the Saudi Arabian market aligns seamlessly with RMIS’s 2030 Strategy, bringing the industry closer to reaching the ambitious export target,” he explained.
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Showcasing SA’s quality meat
Olivier said the Saudi Arabian market shows interest in four red meat products from the South African farming community, namely beef, lamb, mutton, and goat.
“The unified voice presented to the government had a profound impact on the smooth progression of the project, showcasing the industry’s adaptability to meet strategic goals. This collaborative spirit exemplifies the industry’s commitment to navigating challenges and driving meaningful change.
“We appreciate the dedication of the department in handling the challenges with this process and the opportunity for the industry to work closely with the department in providing market access to the South African red meat industry,” he said.
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