EU livestock inspections resume under temporary funding arrangement
Namibia’s livestock producers supplying European Union (EU) markets have faced uncertainty after annual inspections required to maintain EU certification were suspended earlier this year due to a lack of operational funding.
Namibia’s livestock producers supplying European Union (EU) markets have faced uncertainty after annual inspections required to maintain EU certification were suspended earlier this year due to a lack of operational funding.
EU-approved livestock farms are required to undergo annual inspections by state veterinarians to retain their certification and continue accessing export markets.
According to organised agriculture, the inspections were halted after the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) indicated that its operational budget for the service had been exhausted for the 2026/27 financial year, the Namibia Agriculture Union said.
The suspension raised concerns among producers whose livestock depends on EU-compliant certification.
Failure to complete inspections on time could result in certification lapsing, potentially preventing affected producers from slaughtering livestock at export-approved abattoirs.
The Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) subsequently raised the issue with the relevant stakeholders.
Discussions between organised agriculture, the DVS and the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) have since resulted in a temporary arrangement aimed at preventing disruption to exports.
Under the interim arrangement, producers requiring EU certification will, for a limited period, cover the travel and related costs of state veterinarians conducting the required inspections. Payments will be channelled through the LLPBN.
The LLPBN is preparing a formal proposal to the government on the arrangement, while guidance is also being sought from the Treasury on the appropriate financial structure.
The temporary arrangement is not regarded as a sustainable long-term solution. Among the options under consideration is the establishment of a dedicated Treasury account to ring-fence funding for essential DVS operational activities, including EU inspections.
A broader animal health levy is also being considered as a possible mechanism to provide more sustainable funding for veterinary services that support Namibia’s animal health status and continued access to international markets.
The situation has highlighted concerns about the broader funding of veterinary services in Namibia. Organised agriculture has stressed that the DVS plays a strategic role in protecting animal health, food security and rural livelihoods, while supporting employment and access to export markets.
The immediate arrangement is expected to help prevent disruptions to livestock exports, but the underlying funding challenge remains unresolved.
A longer-term funding mechanism will be required to ensure that essential veterinary inspections and other animal health services can be provided consistently and without interruptions.
