Pork producers lost millions of rand and hundreds of people lost their jobs due to the listeria hysteria last year. Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the crisis and how it has reshaped the industry.
THE LISTERIA FALLOUT HAS HIT PORK THE HARDEST OF ALL THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRIES. WHAT WENT WRONG?
Pandemonium broke loose after the Department of Health announced in March last year that they had traced the listeria outbreak to an Enterprise Foods production facility in Polokwane, and advised people to avoid all ready-to-eat meats. While fresh pork was never implicated during the outbreak, social media created panic through the distribution of false and unsubstantiated information. It was impossible to intervene during the first few weeks, as people only heard what they wanted to at that stage.
HOW DID YOU REGAIN CONTROL OF THE SITUATION?
Once the hysteria started to settle, the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO), with the help of a media monitoring company, started analysing reports to identify a recovery strategy. Our inbox was flooded with queries, but instead of wasting time on writers who we knew were only out to create sensation, we focused on getting the truth to journalists from reputable publications. We also realised we needed experts to strengthen our message, so roped in certain professionals to clear misconceptions.
The big turnaround came after we got good publicity from a media conference where we highlighted irregularities that emerged from the boycott of pork. For the first four to six weeks, farm-gate prices dropped far below cost price, while retail prices remained relatively stable. The demand for fresh pork increased substantially after retail prices came down to an affordable level.
CAN YOU QUANTIFY HOW FARMERS WERE AFFECTED?
Pork slaughter prices fell sharply, from R29/ kg to a five-year low of R18/ kg in less than two weeks, after the listeria announcement. Prices climbed slowly after that, returning to R28/kg by the end of 2018.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 19, 2019-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 19, 2019-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
