MEC Ivan Meyer on Western Cape Agriculture’s Export Certification Services during Coronavirus Covid-19 lockdown

Media Release by Minister Ivan Meyer on the continuation of the Department of Agriculture’s Export Certification Services during the COVID -19 Lockdown.

Following the implementation of the COVID-19 Lockdown and the subsequent announcement that the Agriculture sector has been declared an essential service in terms of Regulation No. 398 of the Disaster Management Act, I confirm that the Western Cape Veterinary Export Certification Office (VECO) remains open during this lockdown period.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Export Certification Office plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural export in our Province.

The VECO issues approximately 1600 export permits per month with a total value of R5billion per annum thereby underlining the significant role agriculture plays in the economy of the Western Cape.

The service remains open during office hours.

Two veterinarians and four inspectors remain on duty to ensure that the inspection of export consignment and the issuing of health certificates continue.  and our service to the export market is not disrupted.

Attention is drawn to the fact that due to the current circumstances, officials are not accepting physical meetings.  Clients are requested to make enquiries electronically and to make applications via email at vetexport@elsenburg.com.   Officials will communicate via email once the documents are ready for collection or if any additional information is required to complete the application process.

This is done to minimize contact and limit infection to food factories.

While additional hygiene measures have been implemented at the Milnerton office, a further three veterinarians and one Chief Public Veterinarian Officer are on standby should the Milnerton office need to be quarantined and an alternative office has to be used.

After-hour services for inspections and attending to any export related emergencies will continue to be rendered.

Media enquiries:
Daniel Johnson
Tel: 079 990 4231
E-mail: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za

Province

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