What's Happening?
Brazil and South Africa are strengthening their cooperation on protein food security through a high-level seminar hosted by the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) in South Africa. The meeting,
attended by senior South African agricultural officials, meat importers, and Brazil's deputy minister of agriculture, focused on science-based solutions to ensure access to affordable protein. This collaboration comes as South Africa faces new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Free State, leading to cattle culling and rising red-meat prices. A key topic of discussion was regionalisation, an international standard that allows trade to continue safely from unaffected zones during disease outbreaks, thus preventing unnecessary supply shortages. Earlier, South Africa had suspended chicken imports from Brazil due to a bird flu case, impacting the local food system significantly.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between Brazil and South Africa is crucial for maintaining protein food security, especially in light of recent disease outbreaks affecting livestock. Regionalisation, as discussed in the seminar, is vital for stabilizing food supply chains and preventing price hikes that can strain families. Brazil's role in supplying mechanically deboned meat helps fill domestic supply gaps in South Africa, supporting affordable pricing and allowing local producers to focus on higher-value cuts. This partnership not only aims to ensure a reliable flow of safe, affordable protein but also strengthens veterinary cooperation on disease management and surveillance systems. The seminar underscores the importance of predictable, science-aligned trade for food security, benefiting both countries' economies and consumers.
What's Next?
Following the seminar, Brazilian and South African veterinary authorities are set to hold bilateral technical discussions to enhance cooperation on regionalisation, digital veterinary certification, and disease management. These efforts aim to build trust and collaboration, ensuring a stable protein supply. The deepening ties between Brazil and South Africa, facilitated by their BRICS membership, highlight a shared commitment to a resilient and mutually beneficial protein-security partnership. Continued dialogue and cooperation are expected to address trade disruptions and enhance food security strategies.
