January 13, 2005

Zimbabwe Allowed To Export Beef To EU From 2006

Zimbabwe could resume beef exports to the European Union (EU) in 2006, after being suspended for years over repeated outbreaks of animal diseases.

According to Government veterinary services director, Stuart Hargreaves, disease controls, particularly of foot and mouth and anthrax, were making good progress that meat exports to the EU and other countries could be re-started in 2006.

Zimbabwe, one of Africa's top beef producers, has lost a 9,100- ton annual meat export quota to the EU, and 5,000 tons to South Africa, over the outbreaks of cattle diseases.

"The chances of Zimbabwe resuming its beef exports to the EU are good and we hope not only to be back in the EU market but also hope to open up new markets in countries like Malaysia and Egypt," said Hargreaves.

Before the ban, beef was one of Zimbabwe's key exports, generating billions of dollars for the country annually.