Rabbit Meat Regulations: What farmers need to know

Nearly a year after the department of agriculture published the draft Rabbit Meat Regulations under the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act No. 40 of 2000), the proposed framework continues to shape discussions around the formalisation and future development of South Africa’s rabbit meat industry.

Published in the Government Gazette on 28 March 2025 for public comment, the draft regulations represented the first comprehensive attempt to bring rabbit meat production, slaughter and trade into the country’s formal meat safety system.

Since then, industry stakeholders have been assessing the implications for compliance, market access and long-term sustainability, particularly for an industry that was only recognised as an agricultural commodity in 2019.

What do the regulations mean?

The draft regulations aim to place rabbit meat within South Africa’s existing meat safety system, aligning it with the regulatory approach applied to red meat and poultry.

Until now, rabbit meat production and slaughter have largely operated in an informal or semi-regulated space, particularly among small-scale and emerging producers. However, if the draft is implemented, the regulations would require all commercial rabbit slaughter to take place at registered abattoirs, subject to official veterinary oversight and hygiene controls.

According to a 2020 report by the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), rabbit meat is a high-protein, low-calorie source of animal protein compared to beef, lamb, chicken, fish and pork, yet it remains a relatively unpopular choice among South African consumers. Despite this, South Africa is a net exporter of rabbit meat and live rabbits and hares, with domestic consumption accounting for less than 20% of production, while more than 80% is destined for export markets.

The report notes that increased investment in rabbit farming could strengthen food security and create employment opportunities, particularly in rural communities.

For commercial rabbit farmers, the draft regulations signal increased formalisation and regulatory oversight, with implications for slaughter logistics, compliance costs and access to formal markets.

At the same time, the framework aims to support the development of a structured rabbit meat value chain, improved food safety standards and increased consumer confidence. Small-scale and emerging producers are encouraged to assess how the draft regulations may affect their operations, particularly where commercial sales are concerned.

Industry perspective: Why formalisation matters

Hennie Viljoen, director of P349 Rhema Rein Rabbit Farm, believes the regulations must be viewed within the broader context of building a viable industry.

Viljoen argues that individual enterprises cannot succeed in isolation without a strong, functional industry framework. “A standalone business or a business functioning in an unsuccessful industry normally struggles, because there is a lot of stuff,” he said.

He highlights structural challenges that still need to be addressed, including regulatory processes.

“For example, it cost us a lot of money to develop the veterinary procedural notices (VPNs), and in the end, we still need a final signature from the department of agriculture,” Viljoen explained.

Viljoen also highlighted significant gaps in research and development, especially concerning the availability and cost of rabbit feed. He noted that rabbit feed requires further investigation because the current volume needed makes it difficult to source, particularly in rural areas, and the cost of commercial pellets at that scale is prohibitively high.

He added that improvements in genetics and training are also essential for the sector’s growth. “There needs to be a lot of research and development on genetics. I don’t think the quality of our genetic pool is so good. We need to research that, make sure that we select the right rabbits, but also the right breeds.”

Training for emerging farmers is key

Viljoen stressed the importance of adequate training for emerging rabbit farmers so they fully understand the demands of the work, including the fact that it is a time-consuming, seven-day-a-week commitment.

He also underlines the need for structured farm management, noting that farmers require a day-to-day management plan to monitor progress and build their businesses effectively.

“If you want to enter the formal market, you cannot just farm informally. A formal market needs a formal industry that is properly regulated, researched, and executed,” he said.