May 15, 2007

 

Levy proposed for South African pork industry

 

 

The South African National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) has called on the pork industry to comment on a proposal for a new statutory levy following the application of a swine group for ministerial approval on the current statutory measures for the pork industry be increased by November 4 this year.

 

The proposal also calls for an extension of the levy for a new period of three years, until 31 October 2010.

 

The South African Pork Producers' Organisation has a revised statutory levy of R6.00 (Rand) per slaughter pig for the three year period. This levy will replace the current levy of R5.20 per slaughter pig, which will be collected until 31 October 2007. The proposed new statutory levy (if approved by the Minister) will finance:

 

* Empowerment and development of black emerging pork producers

 

* Customer education

 

* Consumer assurance

 

* Research and development

 

* Industry information and liaison

 

* Administration

 

It is seen that the pork industry would collect an amount of approximately R11.4 million per year from the new levy to finance these functions.

 

Note: US$1 = 6.97 South African Rand