Small-scale KZN farmers say not consulted over egg imports
Some local farmer organisations in KwaZulu-Natal believe importing eggs to mitigate the impact of the bird flu outbreak on consumers will severely affect the local poultry industry.
The Department of Agriculture announced that it would allow the import of poultry and eggs to ensure there was no shortage during the festive season.
But the African Farmers Association of South Africa says emerging farmers were not consulted about the measures.
The association's KZN chairperson, Nikeiziwe Nhlangothi, says small farmers have the capacity to meet the demand.
She says the focus should be on curing the bird flu, not importation.
"The farmers have capacity. They have to be given resources and funding so that they can be able to meet the targets that are required, rather than going outside the country.
"In my organisation, I haven’t even heard one person complaining about this flu that is going on, but the prices are going up from fertile eggs, chicken - but the farmers that we have on the ground haven't reported anything flu-related."
Earlier this month, the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters welcomed the department's decision to issue 115 egg permits and over 2 406 poultry meat permits to ensure supply over the December holidays.
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