The red meat industry plays a vital role in South Africa’s economy, food security, and rural development. Supporting thousands of farmers and value-chain partners, it faces both challenges and opportunities. By addressing health, sustainability, and market access, the industry can unlock long-term growth and resilience for the future.

The Role of the Red Meat Industry in South Africa

The red meat industry is a vital pillar of South Africa’s agricultural economy, shaping livelihoods, food systems, and trade. Its influence can be seen across several key areas:

1. Economic Contribution
   • Provides income for both commercial and communal farmers.
   • Supports thousands of jobs in farming, transport, abattoirs, processing, retail, and exports.
     
2. Food Security & Nutrition
   • Supplies affordable and accessible protein to millions of households.
   • Delivers essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
     
3. Rural Development
   • Strengthens rural economies by sustaining smallholder farmers.
   • Enables community resilience through livestock ownership and market participation.
     
4. Trade & Market Access
   • Domestic demand ensures a stable foundation for the industry.
   • Export opportunities help South Africa compete globally, boosting growth and visibility.
     
5. Value Chain Integration
   • Farmers, abattoirs, processors, retailers, and regulators form an interconnected network.
   • This collaboration ensures consistent supply, quality assurance, and competitiveness.

By driving both social and economic impact, the red meat industry extends its role far beyond primary production, positioning itself as a cornerstone of South Africa’s inclusive and resilient agricultural future.

Get the latest, most reliable slaughter statistics here

Current Challenges Facing the Industry

Despite its importance, the red meat industry in South Africa faces several challenges that affect growth, competitiveness, and sustainability. These include:

1. Animal Health Risks
   • Outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and other livestock diseases disrupt supply chains.
   • Biosecurity concerns increase costs for farmers and restrict animal movement.
     
2. Market Barriers
   • Disease incidents often result in export bans, limiting global market access.
   • Compliance with international trade standards requires significant investment.
     
3. Infrastructure & Market Access Gaps
   • Small-scale and communal farmers often lack access to formal markets.
   • Premium consumers increasingly demand traceability, sustainability, and animal welfare assurances.

4. Sustainability & Environmental Pressures
   • Predation leads to livestock losses, affecting farmer income.
   • Climate change and land degradation place added strain on production systems.
     
5. Economic Volatility
   • Rising feed and input costs reduce profitability.
   • Fluctuating demand and price instability challenge long-term planning.

Addressing these obstacles is essential for the sector to remain competitive. By improving disease management, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting inclusive growth, the red meat industry can overcome barriers and position itself for sustainable success.

Take a look at this interactive map of reported Foot-and-Mouth Disease cases

Opportunities for Growth

While challenges exist, the red meat industry in South Africa also holds significant opportunities for expansion, innovation, and inclusivity. Some of the most promising growth areas include:

1. Expanding Market Access
   • Formalising supply chains for communal and small-scale farmers.
   • Increasing the number of weaners entering the formal market to meet rising demand.
     
2. Traceability & Biosecurity
   • Adoption of digital traceability platforms improves disease control and product transparency.
   • Enhanced biosecurity strengthens consumer and trade partner confidence.
     
3. Mobile Processing Units (MPUs)
   • Delivering mobile cattle handling facilities directly to rural communities to bridge critical infrastructure gaps.
   • By bringing the facilities to farmers, the need for animal movement is reduced.
   • This approach not only improves access to services but also helps limit the spread of animal diseases through reduced transport.
   • Enable smallholder farmers to access formal markets and fair pricing.
     
4. Export Growth
   • Opportunities to expand exports to new international markets.
   • Compliance with global standards can unlock premium prices and build brand reputation.
     
5. Innovation & Research
   • Investment in R&D through initiatives like Field to Future that focus on addressing the on-the-ground issues and gaps within the industry.
   • Adoption of modern farming techniques and sustainable practices to boost productivity.

By leveraging these opportunities, the red meat industry can drive inclusive growth, enhance competitiveness, and secure a resilient future for all stakeholders.

Use this interactive map to locate animal diseases

The Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030

To ensure long-term growth and resilience, the red meat industry has developed the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030, a roadmap designed to address current challenges while unlocking future opportunities. The strategy is built on four key pillars:

Animal & Public Health

• Focus on controlling diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
• Strengthening biosecurity and animal welfare standards across the value chain.

Market Access

• Expanding domestic and export opportunities by meeting international trade requirements.
• Building trust through transparent systems like traceability platforms.

Inclusive Growth

• Supporting small-scale and communal farmers to integrate into the formal economy.
• Providing access to training, mobile handling facilities, and sustainable market participation.

Competitiveness & Sustainability

• Encouraging innovation and research through initiatives like Field to Future.
• Promoting environmentally responsible and economically viable farming practices.

This strategy aligns industry stakeholders, government, and service providers to work collectively towards shared goals. By 2030, the aim is to build a red meat industry that is competitive, sustainable, inclusive, and trusted, ensuring benefits for farmers, consumers, and the broader South African economy.

Read the latest FMD update: Steps to apply for an animal movement permit within the DMA

Conclusion

The red meat industry remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s agricultural and economic landscape. By addressing challenges, embracing innovation, and driving inclusive growth, it can secure long-term sustainability. Guided by the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030, the sector is positioned to strengthen food security, market access, and national resilience.

Partner with RMIS in shaping the future of South Africa’s red meat industry. Stay informed with our latest reports, training opportunities, and initiatives that drive growth and resilience. For more information or to connect with our team, feel free to contact us today.