EU-approved livestock farms must be inspected annually by a state veterinarian to retain their certification and access to the bloc’s most important export market.
However, in its newsletter released on 14 August, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) said these inspections came to a halt earlier this year after that country’s Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) indicated that its operational budget for the current financial year had run out.
“This [places] producers who depend on EU markets under considerable pressure. If inspections are not carried out on time, certification may lapse, and producers may no longer be able to slaughter their livestock at export-approved abattoirs.
“This could, in turn, affect the industry, the abattoirs, and Namibia’s ability to meet its international export obligations,” the NAU wrote.
According to the 2025/26 Integrated Annual Report from the Meat Corporation of Namibia, Namibia’s state-owned red meat processor and marketer, during that financial year, the company exported 5 250t of meat to the EU and Norway, accounting for 96% of the country’s exports. On average, it realised €8,20/kg (around R154/kg) in this market.
The NAU said that to prevent disruption to exports, the Livestock Producers’ Organisation had approached the DVS and the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), and together they had come up with a temporary solution.
“For a limited period, producers requiring EU certification will cover the travel and related costs of state veterinarians conducting the EU inspections through the LLPBN. The LLPBN is currently
preparing a formal proposal to the government, while guidance from Treasury is also required regarding the appropriate financial arrangements.
“This arrangement is not, however, regarded as a sustainable long-term solution,” the newsletter stated.
Ring-fenced funds
The NAU outlined two options to prevent the recurrence of such a situation. One is the establishment of a dedicated account within the Namibian Treasury, where funds could be ring-fenced for EU inspections and other essential DVS operational activities.
“A broader animal health levy is also being considered. Such a mechanism could provide a more sustainable means of financing services that are essential to maintaining Namibia’s animal health status and continued access to international export markets,” the newsletter said.
“The current situation has, however, highlighted a much broader issue. Veterinary services are not merely an administrative function of the state. They play a strategic role in protecting animal health, food security, rural livelihoods, employment, and access to international markets.
“Government must therefore recognise the strategic economic importance of the DVS and ensure that sufficient funding is made available to enable the directorate to fulfil its statutory responsibilities,” it concluded.
Farmer’s Weekly reached out to the NAU for additional information but has yet to receive a response.
