Association of Meat Importers and Exporters said claims by the local poultry industry that it faces increased input costs and production pressures that warrant the introduction of punitive tariff protection rates being introduced on chicken imports have been contradicted by the latest maize production figures which show that yields this year could be about 244,900 tons above initial estimates.
“The latest maize crop estimates released by the Crop Estimates Committee from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries yesterday predicts that the maize yield will be 10,900 million tons, a full 244,900 tons higher than the estimate made in April this year of 10,655 million tons. “A vastly improved maize yield implies that prices will not be adversely impacted on and would, therefore, have a significant positive impact on the profitability of the major producers. Improved crop production figures support our belief that any tariff adjustments of the magnitude proposed are untenable and unjustified,” Matthew said.
Since then, the poultry industry has boomed with one of the largest players recording profits of R 1.4 billion last year. Matthew said there were much larger interests at stake. At the base was the fact that chicken-the most affordable meat for most South Africans – could become a luxury, depriving many of a previously accessible source of nutrition and protein.