MEAT BOARD OF NAMIBIA

Namibia’s natural environment tells the story of its red meat. About 70,000 square kilometres of the country’s total surface area of 824 300 square kilometres are suited for agriculture; 52 per cent of that is utilised by cattle farmers and 33 per cent by small-stock farmers. Namibia’s red meat (beef, mutton, goat and game) is from animals that feed on natural vegetation, without any addition of growth stimulants, antibiotics or animal by-products.

Safety, health and high quality are verified by tracing the product all the way from the farm of origin to the consumer. This is achieved through the implementation of Africa’s first comprehensive farm assurance scheme, the Farm Assured Namibian Meat Scheme (FANMeat), which is managed by the Meat Board. The use of the FANMeat logo confirms that Namibian export meat is produced according to standards laid down by our trading partners in a single scheme.

Namibia’s excellent beef originates from top quality animals. The most popular breeds are the Brahman, Simmentaler and Bonsmara varieties as well as the indigenous Sanga. Crosses of these breeds are well adapted to Namibia’s environmental conditions. They are bred according to market requirements, i.e. taste and tenderness. The main breeds of sheep are Dorper and the indigenous Damara, which are also well adapted to Namibia’s sensitive grazing conditions.

Namibia has several abattoirs which are certified to export to South Africa. Three abattoirs are also certified to export to the European Union. Meatco is the largest meat processor in Namibia with abattoirs and meat processing facilities as its core business. Other world-class facilities are situated at Witvlei near Gobabis, at the Farmers’ Meat Market near Mariental and at Brukkaros near Keetmanshoop. These facilities are certified to export beef and sheep meat to the European Union and Norway, respectively.

Ultimately, Namibia is proud to serve retailers and consumers natural meat of the highest quality, which is traceable, safe, tasty and tender.

The Meat Board of Namibia is a statutory body which came into existence in 1935 ad facilitates the export of livestock, meat and processed meat products to importing countries. The Meat Board regulates the meat industry through managing annual production of livestock and meat, as well as import and export control. It further implements projects on behalf of the industry, Meat Board and Government, with or without external financiers to develop the industry.

STRATEGIC CHARTER
The Strategic Charter of the Meat Board is based on the following building blocks:

• A healthy, disease-free meat industry
• Quality Namibian meat
• Export growth and market diversification
• A respected, world-class regulatory organisation
• A profitable, advanced and cohesive meat industry
• Active stakeholder engagement
• An effective, autonomous and self-sustainable organisation.

VISION 

The vision of the Meat Board of Namibia is to be an internationally recognised organisation that promotes a profitable, vibrant, quality-driven Namibian meat industry in local and international markets.

MISSION 

The mission of the Meat Board of Namibia is to promote an environment conducive to sustainable livestock production, market growth and diversification of livestock, meat and meat products; and to maintain standards and quality assurance through appropriate regulatory intervention.

CORE VALUES 

At the Meat Board we strive to uphold the core values of Integrity, Teamwork, Fairness, Independent Thinking, Pro-activity and Accountability.

KEY STRATEGIC ISSUES 

• The need to have sound regulatory systems in place to control mandated standards and quality assurance around production, processing and marketing
• The need to promote export diversification by increasing market access to competitive markets
• The need to strengthen relations with government and key stakeholders to achieve improved collaboration and partnerships
• The need to ensure that the Meat Board remains a self-sustainable organisation
• The need to advocate animal health and welfare as a first step in being globally competitive

ENSURE A SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATION 

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
– Sustainable financial position
– Sound reputation nationally and internationally