Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), delivered a key address at the GCCA Africa Conference, where he outlined the critical role RMIS plays in managing the red meat value chain in South Africa. This is part one of a five-part series.
He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in combating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), improving biosecurity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
Strengthening the red meat value chain
RMIS was established by bringing together South Africa’s four primary role players in the red meat value chain: the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO), the Emerging Red Meat Producers, the Abattoir Association, and the Feedlot Association. The goal was to unify efforts across the value chain and apply for a statutory levy to fund development, regulation and sustainability projects across the industry.
This levy – collected per head of goat, sheep or cattle slaughtered – is authorised by the Minister of Agriculture and supports key initiatives under four main pillars: inclusive growth (transformation), sustainability, competitiveness and market access.
Olivier emphasised that transformation is not about dividing existing resources more thinly, but rather about growing the industry holistically. Competitiveness and sustainability are equally critical, especially as red meat competes with other protein sources like poultry and pork. “We are not anti-poultry,” Olivier joked, “but we do advocate for real animal protein over flavoured plant alternatives.”
Market access and international trade
Market access is a major focus of RMIS. The organisation is actively working to open both local and international markets, not only for established producers, but importantly, for new entrants into the red meat industry. These efforts include expanding exports, such as the recent progress with Saudi Arabia on sheep exports.
Olivier clarified RMIS’s role: “If it’s about the entire value chain, then I’m the one to talk to. If it’s about a specific segment – like farmers or abattoirs – we’ll connect you with their advocacy groups.”
Continued in part two…