Relief package for poultry farmers on the way after sustained DA pressure
27 October 2023
Exactly a week after officials from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) rejected an impassioned plea from South African Poultry Association (SAPA) delegates to the Portfolio Committee and the DA to come to the rescue of farmers who have been hard hit by the avian flu outbreak, the government has made a sudden U-turn and a relief package for poultry farmers will be announced soon.
The DA welcomes the commitment by the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile – while answering questions in the NCOP, that Minister Thoko Didiza will soon be making an announcement for a support and relief package for farmers who have been impacted by the avian flu outbreak.
South Africa’s poultry industry has been devastated by the disease outbreak and it did not make sense for the government to stand on the sidelines as entire operations faced the risk of bankruptcy and job losses. Farmers need support to recoup the losses incurred and rebuild their operations sustainably.
While appearing before the Parliament portfolio Committee of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development last week Friday– officials from the Department rejected SAPA and DA pleas for government to support poultry farmers arguing that they did not have the resources to do so and neither were they obliged to give compensatory support.