Namibia launches livestock initiatives for EU market access and producer ownership

Namibian agricultural authorities have launched a nationwide outreach campaign to assist communal cattle producers in meeting European Union (EU) market access requirements. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform alongside the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia, targets producers south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence. The campaign focuses on helping farmers comply with EU residency rules, which require cattle to spend 90 days in a designated Foot-and-Mouth Disease-free zone followed by 40 days on a single registered farm before slaughter.

Separately, the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) reported strong interest in a proposed sheep producer-owned company. Over 300 farmers have applied to join the enterprise, which aims to give producers more control over the value chain, improve profitability, and expand export markets. The registration period has been extended to 30 September to accommodate continued interest. This move follows challenges such as drought destocking and a heavy reliance on South African live exports.