meets Robert Medalin of European Union to discuss agricultural exports
20 November 2007
The Department of Agriculture, led by the Director-General, Mr Masiphula
Mbongwa met with Mr Robert Medalin, the Director-General of Health and Consumer
Protection of the European Union (EU) yesterday. The meeting discussed progress
on issues arising from the meeting of September 2007; introducing Dr Emily
Mogajane, the Deputy Director-General for Bio security and Disaster Management
as well as discussing media handling and therefore making a joint media
appearance for coherent messaging.
The meeting also informed Mr Madelin's technical team which is preparing for
the EU Committee meeting to take place today. The Committee will however, not
discuss ostrich and game meat trade as these items are not on the agenda.
The EU acknowledged and understood issues around oversight protocol relating
to the national and provincial governments, developments on regulations,
prohibition of growth stimulants in the ostrich industry as well as
strengthened communication and feedback between the parties.
In addition, the EU acknowledged all test results received from the South
African institutions and understood the issues on the outstanding test results
from its United Kingdom (UK) lab.
The parties agreed on earlier recommendations made by the Department of
Agriculture to stop the export of inactive commodities especially pork, lamb,
chicken and milk to the EU. Instead South Africa will concentrate on building
the resource base to establish substantial quantities for export. Accordingly,
an application to activate the export of these commodities will be lodged when
the stock levels are sufficient to resume trade.
In view of the recent messages confusing the South African public, the two
DGs agreed on a formal reporting structure that will also facilitate
communication on outcomes and timing of media involvement.
"Our discussions were fruitful and hold promising prospects for a continued
healthy trade with the EU," Said Mbongwa.
Enquiries: Tsotso Sehoole
Chief of Communications
Department of Agriculture
Tel: 012 319 7317
Cell: 083 265 8728
Fax: 012 319 7858
E-mail: CDCoC@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
20 November 2007
