MEAT BOARD ALLOCATES THE NORWEGIAN BEEF QUOTA 2020
After applications received, the Meat Board has decided to allocate the Norwegian beef quota of 1600 tonnes beef for 2020, to Meatco and the Brukarros abattoir. Under certain conditions, the allocation to Meatco and the Brukkaros abattoirs is 1400 and 200 tonnes respectively. The utilisation of the Norwegian beef quota is subjected to strict implementation procedures and will be effective 1 January 2020. The allocation must still be ratified by the Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development. The Norwegian quota was approved for implementation on 1 January 2020. Up to now, Meatco has utilised 95% of the Norwegian quota for 2019 and all indications are that Meatco will utilise the full beef quota of 1600 tonnes for 2019.
THE MEAT BOARD CONGRATULATES DR SHILONGO WITH HER APPOINTMENT AS HEAD VETERINARY EXPERT OFFICER
The Meat Board congratulates Dr Tina Shilongo with her appointment as Head Veterinary Officer of Namibia – a very important post both nationally and internationally. Up to now, dr Shilongo has done a magnificent job under difficult circumstances. Her congenial personality has helped her to achieve a great deal in a bid to obtain the support of all role players to get the animal health status of the meat industry on a good footing. We wish her all the best for this challenging task and she can depend on the support of all role players.
MEAT BOARD STARTS WITH REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE AT THE KATIMA MULILO EXORT ABATTOIR
The Meat Board started the process of appointing contractors responsible for the repairs, replacement and maintenance of equipment at the Katima Mulilo export abattoir. The Government has granted an amount for this purpose and this project is jointly managed by consulting engineers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication, the Meat Board and Meatco. The component that is given priority attention is the cooling systems of the abattoir. The appointment of the Meat Board was driven by factors that include mismanagement by the previous contractor, cost cutting and the need of beef producers from the Zambezi who have not had a formal market for marketing their products for the last 5 years. The aim is to start experimental slaughtering at the abattoir beginning February 2020. With the regular occurrence of Foot-and-Mouth disease in this region, equipment is tested to cook beef products on a consumer acceptable basis that concurs with recommendations of the International Animal Health Organisation.
MEAT BOARD OFFICES CLOSE FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
The Meat Board would like to announce the following important dates:
Producers and clients of the Meat Board must please take note that the offices of the Meat Board will be closed from 12:00, Wednesday, 18 December 2019 and will reopen on Monday, 6 January 2020. For issuing and to avoid disappointment at border posts, all applications for Meat Board export and import permits must please be submitted before 16 December 2019. In case of an emergency, contact mr Gerhard Jooste – 081 767 0555 or mr Colin Kazongominja – 081 258 3183. The Meat Board would also like to inform all producers and cattle and ear tag agents that the Ear Tag Office will be closed on 18 December 2019 for stock taking. It will reopen on 6 January 2020 at 10:00. Please take note that all orders or purchases that have not been processed on 17 December 2019, will only be processed from 6 January 2020. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
MEAT BOARD MEETS IN OSHAKATI
The Meat Board held its latest board meeting in Oshakati on 14 November 2109. The purpose of the meeting had been to expose board members to business activities in the area – an integral function of board members’ exposure – on 13 November 2019. The board visited the Oshakati export abattoir, AMTA Fresh produce Hub/Market and the Ongwediva meat processing plant which is still under construction. Board members were impressed with the extent of the infrastructure and expressed the hope that it could be operationally implemented as soon as possible.
