THE first batch of 63 million fertilised eggs ordered to mitigate the expected shortage of chicken meat in South Africa has already landed in the country. The rest will enter our borders in different batches until February next year.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has granted permits for the importation of fertilised eggs, poultry meat and table eggs to mitigate the expected shortage of poultry products due to the outbreak of bird flu in several provinces.
Around six million commercial layers and 2.5 million breeder parents were culled during May and June, sparking fears of a shortage over the festive season, which could translate into higher prices.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel has since directed trade commission Itac to investigate the creation of an import duty rebate on meat and edible offal of fresh, chilled or frozen chicken to bolster supplies. moneyweb.co.za