The Department of Agriculture (DoA) has increased its veterinarians from four (4) to sixteen (16) in the Import/Export Policy Unit to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. The recruitment of new consorts is aimed to build a capable and resourceful unit dedicated towards market access.
Under the leadership of Dr Nadia de Beer, Deputy Director: Import/Export Policy Unit, the DoA now has a team of 16 veterinarians comprising a deputy director, four (4) senior and 11 junior officials. The aim of expanding veterinarians’ numbers is to clear all market access questionnaires and proactively assess potential markets. These appointments came at the right time when the department had begun the process of reopening all export markets that were suspended owing to the FMD outbreak disaster. Negotiations with most markets are underway and South Africa is poised to regain most suspended markets soon.
“This process we are embarking on, of reopening the suspended markets, will ensure that red meat and milk industries resume exports, regain lost ground, ensure food security and sustain jobs. It will ensure general recovery and a collective deep sigh of relief from the heavy losses suffered during trade suspensions. With the sector back at full trading, we hope this will boost the agricultural sector contribution to workforce statistics to over one million,” said Deputy Director-General of Agricultural Production, Biosecurity and Natural Resources Management, Mr Dipepeneneng Serage.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Moses Rannditsheni
Director: Media and External Communication
Cell: 063 623 3012
Email: Moses.Rannditsheni@nda.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Agriculture
