Source: SAPPO Weekly Update, 14 January 2022, photo credit: SAPPO
Report to the EPP Board by Johann Kotzé, CEO of SAPPO, December 2021
Covid-19
As for most countries 2021 was a difficult year for South Africa. It was a reflection of 2021 and the key word was uncertainty. There was so much conflicting information about Covid-19 on social media and we live in an environment of mistrust. By the time of writing this report (9 December 2021) 25.23% of the South African population has been fully vaccinated.
There are 96 572 active Covid-10 cases. We are experiencing a fourth wave, but it seems that this will possibly be less severe than previous waves.South Africa was of course in the news as our excellent researchers announced the discovery of a new variant, Omicron.
Since then, it has been discovered that Omricon is also present in many other countries among people who did not travel to South Africa or any other country for that matter and who had no contact with any South African citizen.
The well-meant announcement of course hurt our tourist industry enormously, as many countries closed their borders for travelers from South Africa.
African swine fever
South Africa still has sporadic ASF outbreaks in the informal sector. There is a strong focus on South Africa’s compartment system that protects pig herds against diseases. We also focus on contingency plans at farms and at abattoirs.
The idea is to isolate the spreading of the disease and to limit the movement of pigs. SAPPO concentrates on prevention and information programmes about ASF among farmers in the informal and commercial sectors.
Markets
The demand for pork in South Africa remains strong, but consumer spending is under pressure. Prices at the farm gate and in retail stores are therefore not that high. South African pork producers’ margins are also under pressure because input prices are relatively high.
2022
Pork producers remain positive in our country about the future. They are extremely resilient and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
We believe that our integrity as producers and our high production, biosecurity and welfare standards will ensure a promising future. Our aim for the future is to grow traceability to assure consumers of the quality and safety of our proud production tradition and our excellent product.
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) coordinates industry interventions and collaboratively manages risks in the value chain to enable the sustainability and profitability of pork producers in South Africa.
