Poultry industry urges HPAI rollout

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA 
JOHANNESBURG – SOUTH Africa’s poultry industry has urged newly-appointed Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp to accelerate measures to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), warning that effective disease management is crucial to safeguarding food security and sustaining the sector’s growth.

The call comes from the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), which welcomed Aucamp’s appointment, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between government and industry at a time when agriculture is facing mounting challenges.

SAPA said the minister assumes office as the sector grapples with animal disease outbreaks, the need to enhance food security, support farmers and reduce regulatory obstacles that hamper agricultural production.

Central to the industry’s agenda is the implementation of a national HPAI vaccination framework, which SAPA believes must be finalised and operationalised without delay.

The association said a practical vaccination programme would help protect poultry producers from future outbreaks while ensuring stable food supplies and supporting both commercial and emerging farmers.

SAPA also endorsed Aucamp’s stated commitment to creating an enabling environment for agriculture, saying policy certainty, effective disease-risk management, practical regulations and improved market access were essential for the long-term sustainability of the poultry value chain.

The association noted that these priorities were particularly important for small-scale and emerging producers seeking to expand their participation in the industry.

At the same time, SAPA acknowledged the contribution of former Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, particularly his engagement with the poultry sector on avian influenza and broader industry concerns.

Following his appointment as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the association said it looked forward to maintaining close engagement on issues affecting the industry’s competitiveness, employment creation and industrial development.

Among the key priorities are the continued implementation of the Poultry Master Plan, trade protection measures, expanding export opportunities, boosting local production and advancing transformation within the sector.

SAPA also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Competition Commission through the ongoing Poultry Market Inquiry.

The association described the poultry industry as one of South Africa’s most significant agricultural and manufacturing sectors, contributing substantially to national food security, investment and employment across the value chain.

It said continued cooperation between government and industry would be essential to building a competitive, inclusive and sustainable poultry sector capable of meeting growing domestic demand while expanding opportunities in regional and international markets.

– CAJ News