AGRICULTURE NEWS - The South African Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) has expressed serious concern about the announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture in Botswana that the country will be opening its borders to live cattle exports with immediate effect.

This trade directive, issued by the Botswana government, would be in effect until 31 March 2020, and included exports to South Africa, according to Gerhard Schutte, CEO of the RPO.

He said that while this was permitted in terms of the free trade agreement between members of the South African Development Community (SADC), it could result in a drop in local prices, putting further financial pressure on local commercial and developing cattle farmers.

“South Africa’s beef producers are already under tremendous pressure because of issues such as ongoing drought and ever decreasing profit margins. This unilateral decision by Botswana is, therefore, extremely disappointing,” Schutte said.

Read the full article here on the Caxton publication, Farmer's Weekly