SA’s Poultry Association calls for greater governmental involvment

South Africa is facing rising poultry imports, but the domestic industry is nowhere near full capacity.

Greater cooperation between poultry producers and the government could triple domestic egg production, increase production of meat by 50% and create 10,000 jobs.

Poultry imports in South Africa rose by 32% in 2011 compared to 2010, the value rising by 56%. Kevin Lovell, CEO of the Southern Africa Poultry Association, speaking at an industry conference, stated that South Africa’s poultry industry could grow in these sectors, if governmental help was forthcoming.

Steve Steenkamp, chairman of the Broiler Organisation committee pointed to South Africa’s neighbouring countries, remarking that those countries’ poultry industries worked more closely with the government, bringing in more clout to bear on export policies. South Africa’s government needs to step in, Steenkamp suggests.

Related website:
The South Africa Poultry Associaton