The future of SA's egg producers

The egg industry is one of the largest employers in South Africa’s agriculture sector and a key provider of affordable protein to millions of consumers. Pieter Dempsey spoke to Dr Abongile Balarane, general manager of the Egg Organisation at the South African Poultry Association, about the strategies that are being adopted to support egg producers and secure the future of the industry.

- Pieter Dempsey

What is the function of the Egg Organisation?

The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) was established in 1904. At SAPA’s request, the Egg Control Board was established in 1951, but was later done away with during the deregulation of the control boards. The Egg Organisation, a subsidiary branch of SAPA, was then formed. It is responsible for promoting, developing and guiding the commercial egg industry, including small- and large-scale egg producers.

How many egg producers are there in South Africa, and how important is the informal market for egg production?

There is a significant number of producers spread across most provinces, with some registered as SAPA egg members. About 50% or more of the eggs produced are channelled through the formal markets, with 40% to 50% being sold on the informal markets.

Where does South Africa stand in terms of trade?

In the 2020/21 marketing year, South Africa exported about 10 750t of eggs at an estimated R306,6 million, with Mozambique as the main destination. In the same period, a minimal quantity of table eggs was imported. However, fertile breeding eggs and dry egg powders were imported mainly from Europe and the US at a cost of around R66,9 million.

What are the greatest challenges facing producers?

Egg producers face a number of challenges. The first of these is biosecurity measures at national level. Control measures governing the movement of people and goods across borders help control the spread of disease from one area to another, which is important for the egg industry.

The second challenge is domestic economic performance, including the inflation of major production inputs such as feed.