RMIS South Africa
Our Story
RMIS (Red Meat Industry Services) is an independent non profit company established by the primary red meat industry to support implementation across the value chain.
RMIS is not a government body
RMIS works alongside government and industry stakeholders, but it operates independently to support industry driven priorities and initiatives.
RMIS is not a member organisation
RMIS does not function as a traditional membership association and does not represent only one sector or group.
We exist to support the broader primary red meat industry through shared systems, services, and coordinated initiatives.
RMIS is the levy administrator
RMIS was established as the government’s appointed red meat levy administrator to support the implementation of industry strategies.
By turning plans into action, RMIS helps drive initiatives that improve traceability, strengthen animal health systems, expand market access, enhance industry coordination, and support a sustainable future for the red meat industry.
Why RMIS Was Established
The industry recognised that long term growth would require better coordination, shared systems, and practical execution across the value chain.
RMIS was established in 2022 by the Red Meat and Livestock Primary Cluster to help implement the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030 and support a more resilient future for the industry.
History of the Red Meat Levy Structure
The Disbanding of Agricultural Control Boards (1994)
In 1994, the Agricultural control boards in South Africa were disbanded. The red meat industry identified a clear need for the continuation of a number of essential functions previously carried out by the now defunct Meat Board.
In response, the Red Meat Industry Forum (RMIF) was established as a private entity and was formally constituted in 1997 in accordance with the provisions of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996 (Act No. 47 of 1996), as amended.
The RMIF served as an umbrella council consisting of 13 nominated members, each representing the interests of the most nationally representative sector-specific organisations within the red meat value chain — from primary producer to consumer.
A New Structure: From Forum to Service Company (2022)
In 2022, the industry structure underwent a significant shift. Four of the RMIF’s 13 member organisations — the Red Meat Producer’s Organisation (RPO), the National Emergent Red Meat Producer’s Organisation (NERPO), the South African Feedlot Association (SAFA), and the Red Meat Abattoir Association (RMAA) — came together to form the Red Meat and Livestock Primary Cluster (RMPC).
Together, they applied for statutory funding and established a new company called the Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) as the government-assigned Statutory Levy Administrator.
This marked a fundamental shift in how the industry organised itself.
Where the RMIF had operated as a coordinating forum, RMIS was established as a non-profit service company — purpose-built to actively implement, administer, and enforce the statutory levy and to deliver practical services across the entire red meat value chain.
Each of the four founding organisations may nominate a representative to serve on the RMIS Board of Directors, provided that the nominee is not the CEO of the nominating organisation.
Founding Organisations
Together, these organisations recognised the need for a dedicated implementation
structure focused on industry wide progress and collaboration.
Red Meat Producers’ Organisation
National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation
South African Feedlot Association
Red Meat Abattoir Association
How the Levy Works
The red meat statutory levy is a per-head levy, applicable to every head of cattle, sheep, and goat slaughtered in the formal market at a registered abattoir.
The levy is deducted at the abattoir only and is paid by the owner of the animal at the time of slaughter.
RMIS has appointed Agricultural Levy Services (ALS) to collect levies from abattoirs according to levy notices and to keep accurate financial statements.
What We Focus On
RMIS supports initiatives that strengthen the industry across several strategic areas.
Animal Health and Biosecurity
Supporting disease prevention, monitoring, biosecurity, and coordinated response systems.
Traceability and Market Access
Helping improve transparency, compliance, traceability, and export readiness across the value chain.
Inclusive Growth
 Supporting the development of emerging and smallholder farmers through practical programmes and industry support.
Industry Coordination and Sustainability
Connecting stakeholders, systems, and information to improve collaboration, resilience, and long term competitiveness.
Strengthening South Africa’s Red Meat Industry Through Practical Action
South Africa’s red meat industry faces increasing pressure from animal disease risks, fragmented systems, changing regulations, and growing market demands.
At the same time, the industry has significant potential for growth, innovation, and improved global competitiveness.
RMIS was created to help the industry respond with coordinated action, practical services, and long term implementation of the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030.
Our role is to help build a stronger, more connected, and more sustainable red meat value chain for South Africa.
Turning Strategy Into Real World Solutions
RMIS supports practical initiatives designed to create long term value for the industry, including:
- National traceability systems
- Disease monitoring and alerts
- Producer support programmes
- Data and industry insights
- Market access initiatives
- Training and mentorship programmes
- Industry collaboration platforms
Our focus is always on practical implementation that helps strengthen the entire red meat value chain.
Investing in the Future
of the Industry
RMIS operates through government-approved statutory levies paid by all producers across the red meat value chain.
This funding makes it possible to deliver vital services and coordinated action that no single stakeholder can do alone, helping to build a resilient, competitive, and future-ready industry.
The levy is not a tax; it is an investment in shared progress for South Africa’s red meat sector.
Our Partners
The Future of Red Meat Starts Here
No single organisation can solve the industry’s challenges alone.
The future of South Africa’s red meat industry depends on collaboration, trusted systems, practical execution, and shared progress.
RMIS exists to help make that possible.