The chairman, AT thanked and welcomed all present. He expressed disappointment that the meeting had more MAWF officials than the LABTA members for whom the meeting was intended.

2. In attendance – A Toto, DVS (AT), C Bamhare, DVS (CB), J Rossouw, Meat Board (JR), A Musilika-Shilongo, DVS (AMS), A Oosthuizen, Flexipro-Tech (AO), S Erasmus, Flexipro-Tech (SE), S Prinsloo, LABTA Chairperson (SP), D Rusch, Karoo Ochse (DR), H Marggraff, NAU (HM), W Schutz, Meat Board (WS), K Putuaota, DVS (KKP), F Joubert, DVS (FJ), D Strauss, Workflow Consulting (DS), P Hugo, Agra (PH) and JW Chapman, SETON (JWC)

AT presented a summary of the progress and listed key challenges the traceability system is facing such as timeliness of data entry, accuracy of data, data entry backlog, movement exceptions and the incomplete endorsement of movement documents. PH and SP also commented on the progress made and emphasized that it was time that all the efforts put by all stakeholders in implementing the traceability system start bearing fruit. CB also pointed out that all exporters of meat must take full advantage of the traceability attribute of Namibian meat.

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AT introduced the rationale for requesting electronic data transfer (EDT) from auctions and other animal gatherings. Meatco export abattoirs are already implementing EDT to an FTP site from where the slaughter data is imported onto the NamLITS database. The functionality to import data from animal gatherings already exists on the NamLITS database.

The two options presented were either the data is collected by DVS staff at auctions using memory sticks or data is forwarded to the database through a third party offering the service to LABTA members. PH pointed out that Agra was ready to carry out EDT at no additional cost. Since that functionality exists in their software application. DS indicated that the software in use by LABTA members in his stable had the functionality but it has not been paid for yet therefore there will be a cost for EDT for this group.

WS informed the meeting that since the EDT is very important for the integrity of the database, the Meat Board through the FAN Meat budget would give financial assistance towards developments costs borne by the LABTA members who still had to pay for this function to be activated. He also pointed out that the Meat Board would soon also request additional statistical data from LABTA members. The data would include but not limited to prices and weights. He emphasized that all data will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

JWC agreed with the principle of EDT and urged all LABTA members to accept and implement this as soon as possible as this will eventually give the industry competitive advantage. HM also pointed out that LABTA members owe it to producers to provide this service.

SP introduced the request to DVS to consider issuing electronic permits through LABTA members. AT and SE described the approach DVS is taking to present electronic permits directly to producers via e-mail and through the NamLITS database (www.namlits.com) web interface. CB confirmed that the principle of issuing electronic permits is agreeable to DVS as long as security considerations are made.

PH called for the communal area eartags to be considered as a matter of urgency to maintain the integrity of the system and to ensure that communal farmers are not exploited. HM indicated that the LPO supported the idea but would let the NNFU who had reservations about the proposal give the last word on this one. It was resolved that the FAN Meat Office send communication to NNFU to request a response as soon as possible since this has been outstanding for a long time. Page 3 < LABTA Traceability Meeting Minutes 10 May 2007 >

FJ presented the new RSA import requirements for cattle, sheep and goats. The major changes include a requirement to inspect the animals before loading and sealing of trucks. A circular stipulating the details of the new requirements will be sent out to all stakeholders once the practicalities of implementing these changes have been thoroughly discussed with the industry. CB assured the meeting that the DVS team had represented the interests of the industry in the face of these changes and had managed to get these changes imposed without a requirement to isolate livestock destined for RSA as is required of other countries exporting to RSA.

FJ informed the meeting of the new Bull Brand import requirements which include early tagging of weaners on top of the new RSA import requirements. Bull Brand’s plans are to utilise the Namibian weaners for meat exports to the EU piggy-backing on particularly on the Namibian livestock traceability system and the FAN Meat Scheme in general. JWC who is Bull Brand’s representative in Namibia encouraged all stakeholders to support the traceability system and reassured the meeting that all the effort being put in by the Namibian livestock industry will give the industry competitive advantage over other countries in the region. FJ will provide the details in writing to SETON, LABTA and other stakeholders.

WS hinted that if a program to allow export of old ewes is approved, DVS would be requested to carry out inspections to verify the sex and age of the sheep being exported. This is likely to be done when loading. It was agreed that this be discussed further if the proposal is agreed to by the board members of the Meat Board.

AT informed the meeting that the implementation of enhancements to the official ear tag has started at no additional cost to producers. SP and JWC requested for more information on the type of readers and middleware software to capture the 2-D barcodes. DS informed the meeting that there are already a number of suppliers in Namibia. LABTA members must contact middleware software developers to get advice on the most appropriate and cost effective reader options on the market.

FJ informed the meeting that the new animal diseases surveillance strategy will put more emphasis on inspections at auctions and other animal gatherings such Page 4 < LABTA Traceability Meeting Minutes 10 May 2007 >

AT presented the FAN Meat guidelines (Annexure 1) on livestock loading densities for transportation periods up to eight continuous hours. The issue of a continuous eight hour driving period was questioned in view of exports to RSA which take longer periods. It was resolved that the figures presented were relevant to transportation within Namibia and that extended periods for exports will be compensated by breaks and reducing the loading density.

Single Permit for Multiple Pick-ups – AT informed the meeting of the illegal practice of taking out one movement permit for multiple consignments picked up from different farms. He urged LABTA members to desist from this practice as it jeopardizes the integrity of the traceability system. Veterinary movement permits are required for movements from each holding for all livestock movements within Namibia and for all live exports.

Incomplete Endorsement of Permits – AT requested all LABTA members to remind and encourage all producers to endorse the movement permits and related movement registers completely in order to avoid delays or disqualification from marketing or slaughtering animals. This aspect of ensuring accountability will be strictly enforced.

16. Meeting Closed at 1245hrs Page 5 < LABTA Traceability Meeting Minutes 10 May 2007 >