WeeklySA_AdminDiRE: Diary giant Clover warns uneven provincial rules and flawed classification of vaccinated milk are shutting export markets despite global safety guidelines allowing UHT dairy trade…
By Lehlohonolo Lehana
Clover SA has warned that restrictions placed on the dairy industry by government to curb an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) places it at serious risk.
The dairy industry maintains that export permits and veterinary attestations are being applied inconsistently across provinces, while South Africa is deferring to importing countries that require local approval first, creating a regulatory deadlock. This impasse is effectively closing export markets and placing significant strain on the broader dairy value chain.
In a statement, Johann Vorster, Clover’s CEO, emphasised the critical need for coherent FMD eradication strategies across provinces, noting that the inconsistent application of export permits and veterinary attestations is creating major roadblocks for local dairy producers.
He said, “FMD is a national disaster which requires strong eradication measures. However, these are being wrongly conflated with dairy processing standards. This is shutting down exports of products that are scientifically safe for human consumption.” Vorster said that currently, numerous barriers due to uneven regulations are limiting South African dairy products from penetrating foreign markets effectively.
He highlighted that, despite compliance with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines, which affirm that ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) treated dairy can be traded without FMD related certification, local protocols unnecessarily complicate the export process, leading to regulatory deadlock. The ongoing confusion surrounding the classification of vaccinated versus infected milk has also been brought to light.
Vorster said, “Vaccinated milk is being incorrectly treated and classified as infected milk, despite vaccination being a recognised disease-control tool and not an indicator of infection. This dramatically expands restrictions without any scientific justification whatsoever.”
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen will on Saturday officially receive a shipment of one million foot-and-mouth vaccines from Argentina, with an additional five million doses scheduled to arrive in March. – Fullview
Ripple Effect on SA Business & Farming
Export Barriers Mount
Restrictions introduced to contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease have disrupted export permit issuance and veterinary attestations across provinces. Dairy producers say this inconsistency is effectively blocking access to key global markets — even for products deemed safe under international guidelines.
Industry Alarm Over Classification Rules
Vaccinated animals and their milk are being treated as if infected, expanding the scope of trade restrictions beyond scientific necessity. Industry leaders argue this is costing farmers and processors export revenue and undermining confidence in South African dairy brands abroad.
Impact on FarmersCommercial and communal livestock farmers are facing reduced off-take opportunities and lower prices for animals that would normally be destined for export, adding financial pressure to already tight margins.
Processing Sector Strains
Dairy processors, including major players like Clover, warn that blocked export channels are leading to product build-up, reduced production runs, and potential job losses across the value chain.
Government Response and Vaccination Drive
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen is coordinating an expanded vaccination campaign, with one million doses received from Argentina and five million more expected in March. Authorities say this should help control the outbreak and eventually resume smoother trade.
Market Confidence Under Threat
Exporters caution that uncertainty and regulatory deadlock risk long-term damage to South Africa’s reputation as a reliable supplier, with buyers potentially turning to alternative sources.
