While the rollout of vaccines against foot and mouth disease has come to KwaZulu-Natal, the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) wants this to be matched with on-the-ground coordination. “Every corner of this sector is hurting. But if we work together – commercial and communal, government and farmer – we can slow the spread and protect every player in the value chain,” said Kwanalu president PJ Hassard.
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) has reiterated its call for provincial disaster declaration, and a coordinated and inclusive response – one that empowers all livestock owners to comply with disease control protocols, while ensuring no farmer is left without the support needed to survive, read a Kwanalu statement. “We are seeing intense pressure across the board. Some of the country’s most established commercial operations are at risk of closure, while small-scale farmers face impossible choices between following the law and feeding their families,” says Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu.
Reports from within the agriculture sector point to obstacles at obtaining appropriate vaccines coming from within the Department of Agriculture itself, leading to agriculturists pleading with the government to clear bottlenecks. “In many rural communities, the sale of a single animal is a family’s only financial lifeline, but with movement restrictions in place, many find themselves caught between survival and legality.” “Kwanalu warns that unless urgent support mechanisms are introduced, including education, mobile permit access, a market within the district market area and veterinary services, compliance will remain out of reach for many,” the union said. “No farmer wants to break the rules, but the reality is that some are left with no choice.
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We must remove those barriers – not with judgment, but with practical help,” says Angus Williamson, Vice President of Kwanalu and Chair of the Red Meat Producers Organisation. Kwanalu is calling for permit and veterinary support in rural areas, language-specific communication of protocols and best practices, and economic relief measures for affected producers of all sizes, the union went on to say.
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