RPO Eastern Cape: Traceability is a benefit, not a burden

Animal health, biosecurity, and the economic risks related to local disease outbreaks – particularly their impact on red meat exports – were central themes at this year’s Red Meat Producers’ Organisation Eastern Cape (RPO EC) congress, held on 7 August.

- By Carin Venter

According to RPO EC chairperson, Frik van Rooyen, disease control remains the organisation's greatest concern. He urged Eastern Cape red meat producers to set aside differences and work together to secure the future of the industry by joining the RPO as part of organised agriculture. He encouraged red meat producers to nominate a representative from each agricultural association to liaise with the RPO, ensuring that producers’ concerns at local level are heard and addressed.

A free traceability system

Eben du Plessis, vice-president of Agri Eastern Cape and a livestock producer himself, knows what the pressure of a drop in market prices feels like.