•ZNFU says there is sufficient supply of beef in Zambia
By HELEN ZULU –
FARMERS have rejected beef imports into the country as there is sufficient supply of product on the local market, the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has said.
The farmers have been making submissions to their governing body, the ZNFU under the Beef Production and Marketing Study on beef market surveillance.
The farmers said no beef imports should be allowed into the country in a bid to protect local production and market availability.
The farmers said the country had sufficient beef to satisfy the local demand with capacity to produce choice and prime beef qualities.
“We do not want to see any beef imports because we have sufficient beef in the country to satisfy the local demand,” the farmers said.
They also expressed concern over importation of highly subsidized and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) products and growth stimulants in their feed stock.
The farmers called on the Government to focus on developing infrastructure, improving animal husbandry extension and veterinary services, and developing a beef auction sale system in order to enhance growth of the beef industry.
The ZNFU Beef Production and Marketing Study aimed to obtain a distinct picture of beef production, processing and marketing chains in Zambia.
The study also focused on ascertaining avenues of creating marketing opportunities and the impact of imported beef in the country.
