STAFF WRITER
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Chief Veterinary Officer Kenneth Shoombe says Namibia is free from the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that recently hit South Africa causing panic among some farmers.
Addressing the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) annual general meeting Shoombe said Namibia remains free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with no cases south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence.
“ Namibia continues to trade internationally as an FMD-free country without vaccination, while the Government maintains heightened vigilance in response to outbreaks in neighbouring countries,” he said.
He said animal health remains foundational to market access and competitiveness. She indicated that the Meatco Board is finalising an FMD Readiness Plan aligned with the national response framework, reinforcing Meatco’s preparedness to protect the industry.
Meatco convened its 37th Annual General Members’ Meeting at NIPAM in Windhoek, bringing together producers, government representatives, directors, and stakeholders to reflect on the 2024/25 financial year and the steady progress made under the Turnaround Plan.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, commended the move by the company to strengthen governance oversight, improving financial stability, and renewed operational discipline.
The Meatco group revenue increased by approximately 55%, reaching about N$1.87 billion, recorded a profit before tax of approximately N$105 million, with a profit after tax of N$43 million while 83,112 animals were slaughtered across the system.
The company also saw approximately N$1.13 billion – nearly 67% of cost of sales paid directly to producers.
COMMENTS